With Marcelo Brozovic and Sultan Al-Ghannam dominating conversations around the squad, Jorge Jesus now faces major decisions before the decisive clash against Damac at Al-Awwal Park. The tension surrounding Cristiano Ronaldo and Al-Nassr has reached another level ahead of the final night of the Saudi Pro League season. With Marcelo Brozovic and Sultan Al-Ghannam dominating conversations around the squad, Jorge Jesus now faces major decisions before the decisive clash against Damac at Al-Awwal Park. Al-Nassr enters the final round knowing the title is within reach, but recent setbacks have left nerves running through the camp. The Riyadh giant remains at the top of the table with 83 points, yet the margin for error has become dangerously small after dropping points against Al-Hilal and the painful AFC Champions League Two final defeat against Gamba Osaka. The final matchday has become a dramatic showdown for both ends of the table. Al-Nassr needs a victory against Damac to officially secure the Saudi Pro League title without relying on any other result. The club looked ready to celebrate last week during the Riyadh derby before a heartbreaking late equalizer denied Jorge Jesus’ side all three points. That result kept Al-Hilal alive in the title race and increased the pressure heading into the final fixture of the campaign. Jorge Jesus, Head Coach of Al Nassr, looks on after defeat in the AFC Champions League 2 Final between Al Nassr and Gamba Osaka Damac, meanwhile, arrives fighting for survival. The club sits only two points above the relegation zone, meaning even a draw could become crucial depending on other results around the league. The major injury update finally arrives After days of uncertainty, the long-awaited update on the squad situation has finally emerged. According to reports from Arriyadiyah, Jorge Jesus will be without Marcelo Brozovic and Sultan Al-Ghannam for the decisive encounter against Damac due to injury concerns. The Croatian midfielder has reportedly continued to struggle with a groin and hamstring issue that already forced him to miss the AFC Champions League Two final against Gamba Osaka. Despite additional treatment sessions supervised by the club’s medical staff, the Croatian midfielder has not recovered in time for the title decider. Marcelo Brozovic of Al Nassr The absence of the 33-year-old veteran could prove especially significant because of his influence in midfield throughout the campaign. The Croatian has been one of the side’s most experienced figures, helping control possession and dictate the rhythm in crucial matches. Meanwhile, Al-Ghannam’s situation also became increasingly complicated after the injury he suffered during the continental final. The report suggested the Saudi international still required additional recovery time, forcing Jorge Jesus to prepare alternative tactical solutions before the biggest match of the season. Jorge Jesus prepares final plan Despite the setbacks, Al-Nassr still enters the contest with confidence thanks to its dominant home record. The club is unbeaten in its last nine Saudi Pro League home matches and has scored in every league fixture this season. Jesus has already called up a 21-player squad for the final pre-match camp in Riyadh. Jorge Jesus team Manager of Al-Nassr FC and Al-Nassr FC Players celebrate the win against Al Ittihad with the fans. Ronaldo, Joao Felix, Sadio Mane, Kingsley Coman, Angelo Gabriel, and Mohamed Simakan were all included as the coaching staff finalized preparations for the decisive night. Thus, everything now comes down to one night in Riyadh. After years of waiting, Cristiano Ronaldo stands one victory away from winning his first Saudi Pro League title since joining Al-Nassr in January 2023.
Cristiano Ronaldo’s arrival in Saudi Arabia continues to reshape the direction of the Saudi Pro League, with league officials now reportedly discussing major new foreign player regulations that could dramatically change the competition’s future. Cristiano Ronaldo’s arrival in Saudi Arabia continues to reshape the direction of the Saudi Pro League, with league officials now reportedly discussing major new foreign player regulations that could dramatically change the competition’s future. The proposed changes are already creating debate among clubs, supporters, and analysts as Saudi soccer searches for the right balance between global star power and local player development. The Saudi Pro League has grown rapidly since Ronaldo joined Al-Nassr in early 2023. Since then, some of soccer’s biggest names have followed him to the Kingdom, transforming the league into one of the sport’s fastest-growing competitions. According to reports circulating from meetings involving league officials and club representatives, several new proposals are currently being considered behind closed doors. The discussions could lead to one of the most significant rule changes since the Saudi Pro League began aggressively recruiting international stars. Ronaldo himself recently acknowledged the impact his transfer had on Saudi soccer’s global rise. Speaking in a conversation with England great Rio Ferdinand, the Portuguese forward made it clear he believes his move opened the door for many of the league’s elite signings. “I was the first to come to this league, and the rest came because of me,” the 41-year-old superstar said. 🚨🚨 Cristiano Ronaldo's interview with Rio Ferdinand:"Some clubs have influence off the pitch, but I don't want to talk about that now, I'll talk at the end of the season about many real things." pic.twitter.com/3qu3QPLFLE— The CR7 Timeline. (@TimelineCR7) April 30, 2026 His arrival was later followed by players such as Karim Benzema, Neymar, N’Golo Kante, Sadio Mane, Riyad Mahrez, and Ivan Toney. Saudi soccer authorities now appear ready to take another ambitious step. The latest discussions focus on how many foreign players clubs should be allowed to use during league matches. Cristiano Ronaldo of Al Nassr and Karim Benzema of Al Ittihad talk prior the Saudi Pro League match. Three possible options under discussion Zone 1 has revealed on X (formerly Twitter) that three separate foreign player models are currently being debated by Saudi Pro League officials. Meetings with club executives are already underway, with a final decision expected soon. The first proposal would allow 10 foreign players on the pitch at the same time. Such a move would create one of the most internationally focused domestic leagues in world soccer. The second proposal, which is reportedly closest to approval, would permit nine foreign players on the field while one foreign player would be excluded from the matchday squad. Many insiders believe this option offers a compromise between competitiveness and squad balance. Joao Felix celebrates scoring their third goal with Cristiano Ronaldo of Al-Nassr The third option would keep stricter limits in place by allowing eight foreign players on the pitch while two remain on the bench. Supporters of this approach believe it offers the best long-term pathway for Saudi player development. Current rules already changed the league structure The Saudi Pro League already introduced major foreign player reforms ahead of the 2024-25 campaign. Under the current system, clubs can register 25 players, including up to 10 non-Saudi players. Eight foreign players can be senior internationals without age restrictions, while two additional foreign spots are reserved for players born in 2003 or later. Clubs may also register one foreign-born player who was born inside Saudi Arabia and meets specific eligibility criteria. Cristiano Ronaldo of Al-Nassr celebrates with teammate Kingsley Coman. On matchdays, teams are currently allowed to fi
Tap a headline to view metadata and excerpt fields in Sportra, then use the article website button to continue on the original publisher page.
