Mile Svilar gave an interview to Il Messaggero, La Gazzetta dello Sport, and Corriere dello Sport, in which he discussed this transfer window and next season. The best goalkeeper of the last two Serie...
After the league officially unveiled the full fixture list, the reigning champion has a clear roadmap from opening day to the closing weekend, with the schedule ending in a challenge that could have major implications for the title race. Cristiano Ronaldo now knows exactly what awaits Al-Nassr in its bid to defend the Saudi Pro League crown during the 2026-27 season. After the league officially unveiled the full fixture list, the reigning champion has a clear roadmap from opening day to the closing weekend, with the schedule ending in a challenge that could have major implications for the title race. The new campaign promises another demanding journey as Saudi soccer balances domestic action with international commitments and continental competitions. Every club will face a tightly packed calendar, ensuring consistency and squad depth will once again prove crucial. The Saudi Pro League announced that the 2026-27 season will begin on August 13, 2026, and conclude on May 29, 2027. Across the campaign, clubs will contest 34 rounds and 306 league matches, making it another marathon season for Saudi football. The schedule was finalized after a workshop involving every club, during which league officials explained the scheduling process and allowed clubs to submit requests before approving the final calendar. The league also had to work around FIFA international windows, continental competitions, and preparations involving the Saudi Arabia national team ahead of the 2027 AFC Asian Cup. Al-Nassr’s route to another title League organizers revealed just how demanding the coming season will be. Only 102 days have been allocated for league fixtures, while 80 days are reserved for FIFA international windows and scheduled breaks. Another 59 days are dedicated to domestic and continental competitions, leaving 43 days available for rest throughout the entire campaign. The defending champion opens the campaign on home soil. Al-Nassr will begin the season against Al Fateh at Al Awwal Park before facing away trips to Al Riyadh and Al Ettifaq in the opening weeks. Early home fixtures against Al Taawoun, Abha, Al Diriyah, NEOM, Al Kholood, Al Qadsiah, and Al Shabab could provide valuable momentum. The first half of the season also features demanding away matches against Al Ittihad, Al Ahli, Al Faisaly, Al Hazem, and Al Fayha. The opening half concludes with a home Riyadh derby against Al Hilal on Matchday 17, one of the standout fixtures on the calendar. The second half of the campaign mirrors the first, with venues reversed. The final hurdle awaiting Ronaldo and Al-Nassr As the fixture list unfolds, one match immediately stands out above the rest. Al-Nassr’s final league match of the 2026/27 Saudi Pro League season will be away to Al Hilal. The defending champion will therefore conclude its title defence against its fiercest rival, creating the possibility of a dramatic finish if the championship remains undecided heading into the final round. That closing fixture becomes even more significant when compared to the opening schedule. Rather than easing into the finish with a lower-ranked opponent, Al-Nassr must travel to face one of the league’s strongest sides in what could become the decisive match of the season.
The veteran forward enjoyed one of his most successful seasons in Saudi Arabia, helping Al-Nassr reach new heights while adding yet another remarkable achievement to an already overflowing collection of honors. Cristiano Ronaldo continues to add to an already impressive career, even as he is gearing up for what looks likely to be his final World Cup with Portugal. The veteran forward enjoyed one of his most successful seasons in Saudi Arabia, helping Al-Nassr reach new heights while adding yet another remarkable achievement to an already overflowing collection of honors. The latest recognition comes after a campaign filled with goals, decisive performances, and moments that reminded everyone why Ronaldo remains one of the sport’s most influential figures. While attention is increasingly turning toward the 2026 World Cup, one unforgettable moment from his club season has once again placed him firmly in the spotlight. The 2025-26 campaign proved to be one of Ronaldo’s most productive seasons since arriving in Saudi Arabia. The Portuguese star played 30 league matches, scored 28 goals, and contributed two assists as Al-Nassr captured the Saudi Pro League title. His influence stretched far beyond the numbers. Time and again, he delivered in crucial moments, helping the club maintain consistency throughout a demanding title race that was only settled on the final day of the season. Across all competitions, Ronaldo finished with 30 goals and four assists in 37 appearances, underlining his ability to remain among soccer’s elite scorers despite entering his fifth decade of life. Cristiano Ronaldo of Al Nassr celebrates with the Saudi Pro League Trophy. The title-clinching moment arrived with a convincing 4-1 victory over Damac. The 41-year-old forward scored twice in that decisive match, helping his side secure its first league crown in several years and giving supporters a season they will remember for a long time. The moment that captured the imagination Although Ronaldo produced numerous goals throughout the campaign, one stood above the rest. In November 2025, during a home match against Al-Khaleej, the Al-Nassr captain delivered a spectacular overhead kick that instantly became one of the most talked-about goals of the season. The strike came late in a 4-1 victory and left supporters inside the stadium in disbelief. Meeting a cross from Nawaf Boushal inside the penalty area, the Portuguese superstar launched himself into the air before connecting perfectly with the ball. The finish combined athleticism, timing, and technique, creating a moment that quickly spread across social media platforms worldwide. The Saudi Pro League has the best goal of the century, and they know it 😭 pic.twitter.com/NhdAgidX1L— The Nassr Tribune™️ (@AlNassrTribune) June 9, 2026 The goal became an instant favorite among fans and generated millions of views online. Even in an era where spectacular goals appear regularly, this effort felt different because of the player producing it and the stage of his career at which it arrived. The accolade revealed That unforgettable strike has now received official recognition. Cristiano Ronaldo’s overhead kick against Al-Khaleej has been named the 2025-26 Saudi Pro League Goal of the Season. The award was decided through a public vote that featured every weekly goal winner from across the campaign. Ronaldo’s bicycle kick emerged as the clear winner, collecting 34 percent of all votes cast. 🇵🇹 @Cristiano's legendary bicycle kick vs Al Khaleej has been voted your @BSF_sa Goal of the Season for 2025-26 🌟#FansChoiceAwards pic.twitter.com/Up5KPyCk4y— Roshn Saudi League (@SPL_EN) June 9, 2026 The recognition also means the five-time Ballon d’Or winner has secured back-to-back Goal of the Season awards, having previously won the honor for his stunning volley against Al Riyadh during the 2024-25 campaign. According to the Saudi Pro League, Ronaldo’s overhead kick was described as one of the greatest goals of his career and on
Saudi Arabia unveiled a 30-player roster for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, including six teammates of Cristiano Ronaldo at Al Nassr. The Saudi Pro League title in 2025-26 cemented Al Nassr as the strongest team in the country, which translated into a major presence from the club in Saudi Arabia’s preliminary squad. Six teammates of Cristiano Ronaldo now have a chance to play in the 2026 FIFA World Cup. “Saudi Arabia national team head coach Georgios Donis has confirmed his 30-man squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup,” the Saudi Pro League announced this Saturday in a statement published on its official website. Of those players, 28 compete in the domestic league, one plays in the second division, and only one plays abroad: Saud Abdulhamid, a defender for Lens in France. Al Nassr have the second-highest number of players called up to the national team, with six total selections. Only Al Hilal have more, with seven. The other club heavily represented in Saudi Arabia’s 30-man roster is Al Ahli, with five players. The teammates of Cristiano Ronaldo and recent Saudi Pro League champions selected to the squad are goalkeeper Nawaf Al Aqidi, defenders Abdulelah Al Amri and Nawaf Boushal, midfielders Abdullah Al Khaibari and Ayman Yahya, and forward Abdullah Al Hamdan. 𝗨𝗦𝗔-𝗯𝗼𝘂𝗻𝗱 🇸🇦✈️The 30-man preliminary squad selected for Saudi Arabia's #FIFAWorldCup preparations 📋We're with you all the way 💯 pic.twitter.com/0PaBd7w67G— Saudi National Team (@SaudiNT_EN) May 23, 2026 Key dates for Saudi Arabia ahead of the World Cup This 30-player roster will eventually be reduced to 26, with FIFA’s final deadline set for June 1. Before that, however, the team will travel to the United States to continue preparations, beginning with a friendly against Ecuador on May 30 at Sports Illustrated Stadium in New Jersey. The second friendly will take place six days later against Puerto Rico in Austin, Texas, while the team’s final tune-up match is scheduled for June 9 against Senegal in San Antonio. From there, Saudi Arabia will turn their attention to their World Cup opener against Uruguay on June 15. Spain and Cape Verde will be the other teams in Group H. Saudi Arabia coach reveals his plans During the press conference in which Saudi Arabia unveiled its 30-player preliminary roster, head coach Georgios Donis discussed his plans ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup in North America. “I want to see my team from the first game very organised, very disciplined, to show our ambition and then to see what happens,” Donis explained. However, he later urged caution and warned against expecting “miracles” like the victory over Argentina at Qatar 2022: “It is better to look at the forest, not the tree.”
Despite their recent draw against Al Hilal, Al Nassr remain a strong contender to win the 2025-26 Saudi Pro League. However, they must secure a victory today against Damac. To that end, fans are keeping a close eye on Cristiano Ronaldo, as he could be the difference-maker in terms of scoring. Al Nassr have managed to become as one of the best teams in the Middle East. Not only did they shine in the AFC Champions League Two, but they have also done so in the 2025-26 Saudi Pro League. With this in mind, they face Damac today, needing a victory to crown as league champions after many years of drought. For this, fans are keeping a close eye on Cristiano Ronaldo as he points to be differential from a goalscoring perspective. Cristiano Ronaldo will start for Al Nassr FC, being in full physical condition. While he comes from two games without scoring, the Portuguese striker has shown a great ability to shine in high-pressure moments. In addition, the 41-year-old star managed to score in the previous match between both teams, giving signs that it could happen again today, as he looks to close the gap in the top scorers table. Coupled with Cristiano Ronaldo, head coach Jorge Jesus will repeat the successful setup with João Félix. In addition, Sadio Mané and Kingsley Coman will be the options on the wings, as they come in strong form with Al Nassr. Being one of the best attacking teams, they aim to dominate heavily from a goalscoring perspective, as their opponent is one of the teams with the most defensive instability. Unlike Al Nassr FC, Damac are not coming from their best season. With only 29 points, they are fighting to avoid relegation, battling with Al Riyadh SC, meaning they absolutely need a victory. However, they have not shined from a defensive perspective, conceding 51 goals. Despite this, head coach Fábio Carille could opt for an offensive approach, seeking to take advantage of the spaces behind the defense of Cristiano Ronaldo’s team in order to search for a victory. Cristiano Ronaldo of Al Nassr battling for the ball during the Saudi pro league match vs Damac. Al Nassr confirmed lineup vs Damac After their dominant season, Al Nassr arrive as clear favorites to take the victory against Damac, as they have not lost against them since 2021. However, head coach Jorge Jesus will not be able to count on Marcelo Brozović and Sultan Al-Ghannam due to injury. Despite this, they still maintain their main stars such as Cristiano Ronaldo and João Félix, who will be boosted by the speed and dribbling ability of Sadio Mané and Kingsley Coman. With this in mind, Al Nassr will lineup as follows: Bento Krepski; Nawaf Boushal, Mohamed Simakan, Abdulelah Al-Amri, Inigo Martinez; Kingsley Coman, Ayman Yahya, Abdullah Al-Khaibari, Sadio Mane; Joao Félix, Cristiano Ronaldo. Damac confirmed lineup vs Al Nassr Damac arrive with the urgent need to secure a victory against Al Nassr, as they need to avoid relegation. Goalkeeper Kewin Silva could be vital in preventing Cristiano Ronaldo or João Félix from shining. Considering this, they could lineup as follows: Kewin; Sanousi Al-Hawsawi, Jamal Harkass, Abdelkader Bedrane, Abdulrahman Al-Obaid; Hasssan Rabei, Abdu, Dhari Al Anazi, Morlaye Sylla, Arielson, Jonathan Okita.
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