Match story
- Al Taawon fired more attempts (11 vs 3 shots).
- Al-Hazm was more accurate in front of goal (67% on target vs 36%).
- Al Taawon held more of the ball (68% possession).
Al Taawon and Al-Hazm drew 1-1 in Pro League. The fixture is part of the Regular Season - 1 stage in the 2019 season. The match was played at King Abdullah Sport City Stadium in Buraidah. Luis Godinho officiated the match. The full-time result capped a Al Taawon vs Al-Hazm meeting in Pro League with detailed post-match statistics available on Sportra. This match centre covers lineups, live events, player ratings, team statistics, xG, head-to-head history, and related news for Al Taawon and Al-Hazm. On Sportra you can view xG, lineups, match statistics, events, player ratings, predictions, head-to-head history, and related news for this fixture.
Pro LeagueRecorded meetings: 2 (available previous meetings, not necessarily all-time).
Al Taawon and Al-Hazm drew 1-1 in Pro League. The fixture is part of the Regular Season - 1 stage in the 2019 season. The match was played at King Abdullah Sport City Stadium in Buraidah. Luis Godinho officiated the match. The full-time result capped a Al Taawon vs Al-Hazm meeting in Pro League with detailed post-match statistics available on Sportra. This match centre covers lineups, live events, player ratings, team statistics, xG, head-to-head history, and related news for Al Taawon and Al-Hazm. On Sportra you can view xG, lineups, match statistics, events, player ratings, predictions, head-to-head history, and related news for this fixture.
Pro LeagueRecorded meetings: 2 (available previous meetings, not necessarily all-time).
The Saudi Pro League has unveiled another honor for Cristiano Ronaldo following his performances with Al Nassr. Al Nassr achieved their long-awaited goal of winning the Saudi Pro League title this season. It was also Cristiano Ronaldo‘s first trophy since joining the club in January 2023, earning him several individual accolades along the way. The latest was announced Thursday through the league’s official social media accounts. “After 34 match-weeks played, the 2025/26 Saudi Pro League Fantasy team of the season is here,” the post on X reads alongside an image featuring the 11 selected players. Cristiano Ronaldo was, unsurprisingly, included as one of the forwards in the lineup, alongside Al Ahli’s Ivan Toney and Al-Taawoun’s Roger Martinez. The Team of the Season also features one of CR7’s teammates during Al Nassr‘s title-winning campaign: Joao Felix. The other players recognized by the Saudi Pro League were Al-Ettifaq goalkeeper Marek Rodak, Al Qadsiah’s Mohammed Abu Al Shamat and Julian Quinones, Al Ittihad’s Danilo Pereira, Al Hilal’s Theo Hernandez and Ruben Neves, and Al-Shabab’s Yannick Carrasco. After 34 match-weeks played, the 2025/26 @SPLfantasy team of the season is here 👑 pic.twitter.com/S3xE0AZJbr— Roshn Saudi League (@SPL_EN) June 4, 2026 What is Saudi Pro League Fantasy? Saudi Pro League Fantasy is a virtual manager game that allows fans to build their ideal team from the league and compete against other users on a weekly basis. Each participant receives an initial budget to select players, with certain restrictions, including a maximum of three players from the same club. Based on the performances of those selected players in each match, users earn points. The combined total from the 11 selected players determines the winner of each Matchday and, ultimately, the overall season champion. Cristiano Ronaldo was one of the highest-scoring players of the season in Saudi Pro League Fantasy with 296 points, earning him a place in the Team of the Season. The top performer was Julian Quinones with 356 points, followed by Ivan Toney with 319 and Joao Felix with 311. Other honors received by Ronaldo this season The Saudi Pro League Fantasy Team of the Season selection adds to a lengthy list of honors Cristiano Ronaldo received during Al Nassr’s title-winning 2025-26 campaign. The Portuguese forward was also named among the five finalists for the Player of the Season award, which was voted on by team captains, coaches, media representatives and fans. However, Joao Felix claimed the top honor. Ronaldo, meanwhile, was voted Fans’ Player of the Season.
Barcelona appear determined to pursue a signing in attack after the departure of Robert Lewandowski. While Julián Álvarez seems to be the priority, Darwin Núñez has reportedly emerged as a clear low-cost option coming from Al Hilal. Following the departure of Robert Lewandowski, FC Barcelona appear determined to sign a world-class center forward. In response, Julián Álvarez has reportedly emerged as the absolute priority. However, Atlético Madrid do not seem very open to letting him leave, complicating everything. Because of this, Darwin Núñez has reportedly emerged as a clear option after falling out of the sporting project at Al Hilal. According to Gabriel Sans, via Mundo Deportivo, the Blaugrana held talks with Al Hilal over the signing of João Cancelo. In the middle of negotiations, the possibility of signing Darwin Núñez emerged, as he does not fit into the sporting project and is seeking to leave the Saudi Pro League. Without knowing whether it was an offer from the Saudi club or interest from the Spanish side, his potential arrival on a free transfer or at a low cost is gaining momentum. Despite widespread reports of an agreement between Darwin Núñez and Al Hilal over a contract termination, this is not official yet, meaning it does not appear to be a done deal. However, a potential agreement with FC Barcelona could help facilitate a contract termination if the Uruguayan agrees to waive part of his salary. Nonetheless, the Blaugranas have not made a formal offer, meaning the Uruguayan still has nothing guaranteed. In case Darwin Núñez’ arrival is completed, it would not prevent the signing of a player such as Julián Álvarez or João Pedro. Having failed to truly shine for several years, the Uruguayan striker would arrive as a profile similar to Ferran Torres: A backup striker or left winger. Because of this, his possible arrival would imply the departure of the Spaniard, something that appears unlikely given that he is considered one of the most important figures in the dressing room. Darwin Nunez of Al Hilal celebrates after scoring Darwin Núñez may be a risky fit for Hansi Flick’s Barcelona Barcelona need a world-class goalscoring striker to boost their competitiveness. While Ferran Torres remains in the squad, he has shown that his inconsistency would affect his ability to become an undisputed starter. Because of this, the signings of Julián Álvarez or João Pedro would provide reliable goalscoring, the complete opposite of Darwin Núñez, who failed to even shine as a starter in the Saudi Pro League, losing his place to Marcos Leonardo. Unlike his first season at the Reds or his spell at S.L. Benfica, the Uruguayan striker has not been effective in front of goal, struggling to convert clear chances. While his pace and high pressing remain key attributes, Anthony Gordon already fits that profile. Therefore, if the Blaugrana sign him, it would be a gamble aimed at recovering his peak that has not been seen in years, something that would not rule out the arrival of another world-class striker.
Al Nassr are exploring a move for Fulham manager Marco Silva following Jorge Jesus's exit, but the Saudi champions face competition from Benfica. Al Nassr secured the Saudi Pro League title this season, delivering Cristiano Ronaldo his first domestic championship in Saudi Arabia. Following the triumph, manager Jorge Jesus announced his departure from the club, leaving a vacancy at the helm of the Riyadh squad ahead of the new campaign. According to a report from 365Scores Arabic, Marco Silva has emerged as a prime candidate to replace Jesus at Al Nassr. However, the Saudi club faces stiff competition for his services, as Portuguese giants Benfica are also working to bring the Fulham manager to Lisbon. Following Jose Mourinho’s departure from Benfica to return to Real Madrid, the Portuguese club has made Silva their priority. Insider Ben Jacobs reported that Benfica are in advanced talks with Silva to finalize a 2+1 year contract (an initial 2-year guaranteed period, followed by a 1-year optional extension), with a verbal agreement reportedly close. Silva remains under contract with Fulham through the summer of 2026. While the Premier League side offered him a contract extension, indications suggest that the manager is prepared to move on from English soccer. Marco Silva during a Fulham game. (Getty Images) Other candidates on Al Nassr’s list Al Nassr are evaluating other options in case the move for Silva does not materialize as expected. According to a report from 365Scores Arabic, Portuguese manager Abel Ferreira is also on the shortlist to succeed Jorge Jesus. Ferreira is currently managing Palmeiras in Brazil, where he is under contract until December 2027. He has built a highly successful legacy with the Brazilian club, guiding them to 11 trophies, including two Copa Libertadores titles and a Recopa Sudamericana. Portugal national team manager Roberto Martinez is another name being considered by the Al Nassr board. The Spanish tactician is set to lead Portugal at the 2026 World Cup, but he is widely expected to step down from international duty after the tournament concludes in North America, making him a viable option for the Saudi club later this summer.
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.”
As the season draws to a close, Cristiano Ronaldo walked away empty-handed regarding individual Saudi Pro League honors, while compatriots Joao Felix and Jorge Jesus scooped up major end-of-year recognitions. Cristiano Ronaldo finally shattered his silverware drought in Saudi Arabia, capturing his first official trophy with Al Nassr following a resounding 4-1 triumph over Damac to lift the Saudi Pro League crown. Yet, despite an exceptional individual campaign, the Portuguese icon was surprisingly overlooked for the league’s top individual honors—prizes that instead went to Joao Felix and manager Jorge Jesus. The legendary forward served as the foundational pillar of Al Nassr’s title charge. With 30 goals in 37 appearances across all competitions, he finished as the club’s absolute top marksman for the season, leading their domestic campaign with 28 league tallies. Remarkably, those staggering numbers weren’t enough to secure him the Player of the Season award, which the Saudi Pro League ultimately handed to Joao Felix. The dynamic Portuguese forward enjoyed an exceptional campaign of his own, directly powering the team’s championship run with a phenomenal output of 20 goals and 13 assists in his debut season. Felix wasn’t the only Al Nassr figure to walk away with a year-end honor. The Saudi Pro League also named Jorge Jesus as the Manager of the Season, rewarding a masterclass tactical campaign in which he guided the club to an incredible record of 28 victories, two draws, and a mere four defeats. Al Nassr’s mastermind Jorge Jesus wins the Manager of the Season award in the #RoshnSaudiLeague for 2025/26! 🧠 Presented by @roshnksa pic.twitter.com/vqoZNvtnra— Roshn Saudi League (@SPL_EN) May 22, 2026 Ronaldo misses out on historic Golden Boot milestone Ronaldo entered the Saudi Pro League campaign on the precipice of soccer history. Had the legendary attacker secured the Golden Boot, it would have marked his third consecutive top-scorer crown, making him only the third player in league history to achieve the three-peat. If Ronaldo had clinched the 2025/26 Golden Boot, he would have joined an elite club featuring Al Ahli legend Omar Al Somah (2014/15 to 2016/17) and Al Nassr icon Majed Abdullah (1978/79 to 1980/81) as the only players to have won the award in three straight seasons. Instead, the veteran striker had to settle for a place in the top three. Ronaldo finished third in the race with his 28 goals, falling just short of Al Ahli frontman Ivan Toney (32 goals) and the ultimate winner, Al Qadsiyah’s Julian Quiñones, who topped the charts with 33 tallies. Ronaldo won match-day awards throughout the campaign While Cristiano missed out on a major end-of-season individual trophy, his campaign was far from devoid of recognition; he racked up an impressive eight Man of the Match awards over the course of the season. Even so, that achievement was narrowly eclipsed by Joao Felix, who took home the honor nine times to finish as Al Nassr’s most decorated match-day performer this year.
Cristiano Ronaldo scored a brace in the 4-1 Al Nassr win over Damac FC to secure the 2025-26 Saudi Pro League. Al Nassr hosted Damac FC at Al Awwal Park on Thursday for a high-stakes Matchday 34 showdown in the 2025-26 Saudi Pro League, with the league title on the line in a fierce race against Al Hilal. To push his side to the championship trophy, Cristiano Ronaldo converted a spectacular free kick and a ruthless open-play finish to fire the hosts to a commanding 4-1 victory. Sitting on 83 points, Al Nassr entered the match needing a victory to control their own destiny and prevent Al Hilal from snatching the trophy from their hands. Sadio Mane opened the scoring with a brilliant header, and then Kingsley Coman doubled the advantage with a powerful left-footed strike in the 52nd minute, before Morlaye Sylla cut the deficit from the penalty spot in the 58th. With Al Nassr already holding a narrow 2-1 advantage, Joao Felix tried to generate an opening down the left flank before being brought down by a heavy challenge. Despite facing a difficult, narrow angle, Ronaldo stepped up to take the set piece and fired a powerful strike that skipped off the turf and past the diving keeper to extend the lead in the 63rd minute. من ركلة حرة ⚽️كريستيانو رونالدو يوسّع النتيجة لصالح النصر 🐐🟡قصة هدف النصر الثالث كاملة 🎥#النصر_ضمك | #دوري_روشن_السعودي pic.twitter.com/wkiQBok6VF— رياضة ثمانية (@thmanyahsports) May 21, 2026 Then in the 81st minute, Al Nassr orchestrated a brilliant team sequence down the right flank spearheaded by Coman; after a defender failed to clear a dangerous cross, Ronaldo collected the loose ball inside the six-yard box and unleashed a thunderous strike to net his second goal of the night. الهدف الرابع، وهدف يقرّب الحسم 🟡قصة هدف النصر الرابع كاملة 🎥#النصر_ضمك | #دوري_روشن_السعودي pic.twitter.com/4H0uvkR4AT— رياضة ثمانية (@thmanyahsports) May 21, 2026 Immediately after celebrating, the Portuguese legend dedicated the decisive goal to his wife, Georgina Rodriguez, who was watching from the stands. As he walked back to the halfway line, an emotional Ronaldo was seen breaking down in tears, overwhelmed by the moment as he finally brought his trophy drought with Al Nassr to an emphatic end. With the championship safely secured, manager Jorge Jesus made the decision to sub out Cristiano Ronaldo for Abdullah Al Hamdan, sending the captain to the sideline to a deafening standing ovation. Once on the bench, Ronaldo remained visibly emotional, soaking in the gravity of the moment as Al Nassr officially crowned themselves Saudi Pro League champions. مشاعر كبيرة ودموع فرح من كريستيانو رونالدو 🥹#النصر_ضمك | #دوري_روشن_السعودي pic.twitter.com/Y9CtYNn6TT— رياضة ثمانية (@thmanyahsports) May 21, 2026 Ronaldo extends career goal record to 973 Seven years had passed since Al Nassr last lifted the league trophy, making this first official piece of silverware in Saudi Arabia an incredibly special milestone for Cristiano Ronaldo, especially just days after a heartbreaking loss to Gamba Osaka in the AFC Champions League Two final. Beyond securing the SPL crown, the Portuguese icon has now extended his legendary career total to 973 goals. With tonight’s decisive brace, Ronaldo has racked up 129 goals in 148 appearances for Al Nassr, including 30 tallies across all competitions in the 2025-26 campaign. Now sitting just 27 goals away from the mythical 1,000-goal milestone, anticipation surrounding Ronaldo’s historic pursuit will only intensify as he pivots to his next major challenge: the 2026 World Cup.
Al Nassr FC face Damac today, searching for a victory that would crown them champions of the 2025-26 Saudi Pro League. While head coach Jorge Jesus still counts on Cristiano Ronaldo, he loses Marcelo Brozović, forcing drastic changes in midfield. Despite the recent draw against Al Hilal SFC, Al Nassr still maintain many chances of being crowned champions of the 2025-26 Saudi Pro League. To achieve this, they face Damac today, needing a convincing victory. Ahead of the match, head coach Jorge Jesus will be able to count on Cristiano Ronaldo, but he will have the difficult absence of Marcelo Brozović, forcing important adjustments in midfield. Head coach Jorge Jesus confirmed that Marcelo Brozović will not be part of Al Nassr’s squad for the match against Damac FC. After leaving with discomfort in the groin area against Al Hilal SFC, he has not managed to fully recover, as the latest medical examinations did not give him the green light to train with the group, reports Asharq Al-Awsat. With this in mind, they will have to adjust their midfield without one of their best stars. In place of the Croatian star, Saad Al Nasser could return to the starting lineup after shining against Gamba Osaka in the AFC Champions League Two. Alongside him, Jorge Jesus could once again rely on Ali Al Hassan, who has been a regular starter throughout the season. Without another world-class star in midfield, Al Nassr could lose a lot of consistency, as Marcelo Brozović not only provides offensive consistency, but also organizes the team throughout the game. Report: Marcelo Brozovic is expected to remain at Al Nassr Throughout the 2025-26 season, the future of Marcelo Brozović has been a fairly controversial topic. Being an undisputed starter for Jorge Jesus, the Croatian’s contract expires in June 2026 and his renewal has not yet been announced. Although he has been a somewhat divisive figure, Al Nassr are already pushing to secure his continuity, and are reportedly very close to ensuring the 33-year-old star remains at the club. Marcelo Brozovic of Al Nassr According to Al Youm newspaper, Al Nassr have reached an agreement to extend the contract of Marcelo Brozović. However, the agreement has not yet been officially announced, as the player’s representatives still have some formalities to complete before it becomes official. With this in mind, the Croatian midfielder appears set to remain in the Saudi Pro League, despite interest from several European clubs. Al Nassr’s Jorge Jesus may press to sign another midfielder Despite keeping Marcelo Brozović as a starter,Jorge Jesus could look to increase squad depth by signing a star midfielder. While Ângelo and Ali Al Hassan have accompanied the Croatian, Al Nassr have struggled to find consistency, suggesting that a box-to-box midfielder may be needed to complement the team. With this, they could aim to both enhance the 33-year-old star’s impact and build for the future at the same time. While numerous players such as Casemiro and Bruno Fernandes, among others, have been linked, they have not reached an agreement with any of them. However, the continuity of Jorge Jesus could be conditioned by the squad adjustments, as he has stated on multiple occasions that he needs greater depth to maintain high competitiveness across all competitions.
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The Saudi Pro League has unveiled another honor for Cristiano Ronaldo following his performances with Al Nassr. Al Nassr achieved their long-awaited goal of winning the Saudi Pro League title this season. It was also Cristiano Ronaldo‘s first trophy since joining the club in January 2023, earning him several individual accolades along the way. The latest was announced Thursday through the league’s official social media accounts. “After 34 match-weeks played, the 2025/26 Saudi Pro League Fantasy team of the season is here,” the post on X reads alongside an image featuring the 11 selected players. Cristiano Ronaldo was, unsurprisingly, included as one of the forwards in the lineup, alongside Al Ahli’s Ivan Toney and Al-Taawoun’s Roger Martinez. The Team of the Season also features one of CR7’s teammates during Al Nassr‘s title-winning campaign: Joao Felix. The other players recognized by the Saudi Pro League were Al-Ettifaq goalkeeper Marek Rodak, Al Qadsiah’s Mohammed Abu Al Shamat and Julian Quinones, Al Ittihad’s Danilo Pereira, Al Hilal’s Theo Hernandez and Ruben Neves, and Al-Shabab’s Yannick Carrasco. After 34 match-weeks played, the 2025/26 @SPLfantasy team of the season is here 👑 pic.twitter.com/S3xE0AZJbr— Roshn Saudi League (@SPL_EN) June 4, 2026 What is Saudi Pro League Fantasy? Saudi Pro League Fantasy is a virtual manager game that allows fans to build their ideal team from the league and compete against other users on a weekly basis. Each participant receives an initial budget to select players, with certain restrictions, including a maximum of three players from the same club. Based on the performances of those selected players in each match, users earn points. The combined total from the 11 selected players determines the winner of each Matchday and, ultimately, the overall season champion. Cristiano Ronaldo was one of the highest-scoring players of the season in Saudi Pro League Fantasy with 296 points, earning him a place in the Team of the Season. The top performer was Julian Quinones with 356 points, followed by Ivan Toney with 319 and Joao Felix with 311. Other honors received by Ronaldo this season The Saudi Pro League Fantasy Team of the Season selection adds to a lengthy list of honors Cristiano Ronaldo received during Al Nassr’s title-winning 2025-26 campaign. The Portuguese forward was also named among the five finalists for the Player of the Season award, which was voted on by team captains, coaches, media representatives and fans. However, Joao Felix claimed the top honor. Ronaldo, meanwhile, was voted Fans’ Player of the Season.
Barcelona appear determined to pursue a signing in attack after the departure of Robert Lewandowski. While Julián Álvarez seems to be the priority, Darwin Núñez has reportedly emerged as a clear low-cost option coming from Al Hilal. Following the departure of Robert Lewandowski, FC Barcelona appear determined to sign a world-class center forward. In response, Julián Álvarez has reportedly emerged as the absolute priority. However, Atlético Madrid do not seem very open to letting him leave, complicating everything. Because of this, Darwin Núñez has reportedly emerged as a clear option after falling out of the sporting project at Al Hilal. According to Gabriel Sans, via Mundo Deportivo, the Blaugrana held talks with Al Hilal over the signing of João Cancelo. In the middle of negotiations, the possibility of signing Darwin Núñez emerged, as he does not fit into the sporting project and is seeking to leave the Saudi Pro League. Without knowing whether it was an offer from the Saudi club or interest from the Spanish side, his potential arrival on a free transfer or at a low cost is gaining momentum. Despite widespread reports of an agreement between Darwin Núñez and Al Hilal over a contract termination, this is not official yet, meaning it does not appear to be a done deal. However, a potential agreement with FC Barcelona could help facilitate a contract termination if the Uruguayan agrees to waive part of his salary. Nonetheless, the Blaugranas have not made a formal offer, meaning the Uruguayan still has nothing guaranteed. In case Darwin Núñez’ arrival is completed, it would not prevent the signing of a player such as Julián Álvarez or João Pedro. Having failed to truly shine for several years, the Uruguayan striker would arrive as a profile similar to Ferran Torres: A backup striker or left winger. Because of this, his possible arrival would imply the departure of the Spaniard, something that appears unlikely given that he is considered one of the most important figures in the dressing room. Darwin Nunez of Al Hilal celebrates after scoring Darwin Núñez may be a risky fit for Hansi Flick’s Barcelona Barcelona need a world-class goalscoring striker to boost their competitiveness. While Ferran Torres remains in the squad, he has shown that his inconsistency would affect his ability to become an undisputed starter. Because of this, the signings of Julián Álvarez or João Pedro would provide reliable goalscoring, the complete opposite of Darwin Núñez, who failed to even shine as a starter in the Saudi Pro League, losing his place to Marcos Leonardo. Unlike his first season at the Reds or his spell at S.L. Benfica, the Uruguayan striker has not been effective in front of goal, struggling to convert clear chances. While his pace and high pressing remain key attributes, Anthony Gordon already fits that profile. Therefore, if the Blaugrana sign him, it would be a gamble aimed at recovering his peak that has not been seen in years, something that would not rule out the arrival of another world-class striker.
Al Nassr are exploring a move for Fulham manager Marco Silva following Jorge Jesus's exit, but the Saudi champions face competition from Benfica. Al Nassr secured the Saudi Pro League title this season, delivering Cristiano Ronaldo his first domestic championship in Saudi Arabia. Following the triumph, manager Jorge Jesus announced his departure from the club, leaving a vacancy at the helm of the Riyadh squad ahead of the new campaign. According to a report from 365Scores Arabic, Marco Silva has emerged as a prime candidate to replace Jesus at Al Nassr. However, the Saudi club faces stiff competition for his services, as Portuguese giants Benfica are also working to bring the Fulham manager to Lisbon. Following Jose Mourinho’s departure from Benfica to return to Real Madrid, the Portuguese club has made Silva their priority. Insider Ben Jacobs reported that Benfica are in advanced talks with Silva to finalize a 2+1 year contract (an initial 2-year guaranteed period, followed by a 1-year optional extension), with a verbal agreement reportedly close. Silva remains under contract with Fulham through the summer of 2026. While the Premier League side offered him a contract extension, indications suggest that the manager is prepared to move on from English soccer. Marco Silva during a Fulham game. (Getty Images) Other candidates on Al Nassr’s list Al Nassr are evaluating other options in case the move for Silva does not materialize as expected. According to a report from 365Scores Arabic, Portuguese manager Abel Ferreira is also on the shortlist to succeed Jorge Jesus. Ferreira is currently managing Palmeiras in Brazil, where he is under contract until December 2027. He has built a highly successful legacy with the Brazilian club, guiding them to 11 trophies, including two Copa Libertadores titles and a Recopa Sudamericana. Portugal national team manager Roberto Martinez is another name being considered by the Al Nassr board. The Spanish tactician is set to lead Portugal at the 2026 World Cup, but he is widely expected to step down from international duty after the tournament concludes in North America, making him a viable option for the Saudi club later this summer.
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.”
As the season draws to a close, Cristiano Ronaldo walked away empty-handed regarding individual Saudi Pro League honors, while compatriots Joao Felix and Jorge Jesus scooped up major end-of-year recognitions. Cristiano Ronaldo finally shattered his silverware drought in Saudi Arabia, capturing his first official trophy with Al Nassr following a resounding 4-1 triumph over Damac to lift the Saudi Pro League crown. Yet, despite an exceptional individual campaign, the Portuguese icon was surprisingly overlooked for the league’s top individual honors—prizes that instead went to Joao Felix and manager Jorge Jesus. The legendary forward served as the foundational pillar of Al Nassr’s title charge. With 30 goals in 37 appearances across all competitions, he finished as the club’s absolute top marksman for the season, leading their domestic campaign with 28 league tallies. Remarkably, those staggering numbers weren’t enough to secure him the Player of the Season award, which the Saudi Pro League ultimately handed to Joao Felix. The dynamic Portuguese forward enjoyed an exceptional campaign of his own, directly powering the team’s championship run with a phenomenal output of 20 goals and 13 assists in his debut season. Felix wasn’t the only Al Nassr figure to walk away with a year-end honor. The Saudi Pro League also named Jorge Jesus as the Manager of the Season, rewarding a masterclass tactical campaign in which he guided the club to an incredible record of 28 victories, two draws, and a mere four defeats. Al Nassr’s mastermind Jorge Jesus wins the Manager of the Season award in the #RoshnSaudiLeague for 2025/26! 🧠 Presented by @roshnksa pic.twitter.com/vqoZNvtnra— Roshn Saudi League (@SPL_EN) May 22, 2026 Ronaldo misses out on historic Golden Boot milestone Ronaldo entered the Saudi Pro League campaign on the precipice of soccer history. Had the legendary attacker secured the Golden Boot, it would have marked his third consecutive top-scorer crown, making him only the third player in league history to achieve the three-peat. If Ronaldo had clinched the 2025/26 Golden Boot, he would have joined an elite club featuring Al Ahli legend Omar Al Somah (2014/15 to 2016/17) and Al Nassr icon Majed Abdullah (1978/79 to 1980/81) as the only players to have won the award in three straight seasons. Instead, the veteran striker had to settle for a place in the top three. Ronaldo finished third in the race with his 28 goals, falling just short of Al Ahli frontman Ivan Toney (32 goals) and the ultimate winner, Al Qadsiyah’s Julian Quiñones, who topped the charts with 33 tallies. Ronaldo won match-day awards throughout the campaign While Cristiano missed out on a major end-of-season individual trophy, his campaign was far from devoid of recognition; he racked up an impressive eight Man of the Match awards over the course of the season. Even so, that achievement was narrowly eclipsed by Joao Felix, who took home the honor nine times to finish as Al Nassr’s most decorated match-day performer this year.
Cristiano Ronaldo scored a brace in the 4-1 Al Nassr win over Damac FC to secure the 2025-26 Saudi Pro League. Al Nassr hosted Damac FC at Al Awwal Park on Thursday for a high-stakes Matchday 34 showdown in the 2025-26 Saudi Pro League, with the league title on the line in a fierce race against Al Hilal. To push his side to the championship trophy, Cristiano Ronaldo converted a spectacular free kick and a ruthless open-play finish to fire the hosts to a commanding 4-1 victory. Sitting on 83 points, Al Nassr entered the match needing a victory to control their own destiny and prevent Al Hilal from snatching the trophy from their hands. Sadio Mane opened the scoring with a brilliant header, and then Kingsley Coman doubled the advantage with a powerful left-footed strike in the 52nd minute, before Morlaye Sylla cut the deficit from the penalty spot in the 58th. With Al Nassr already holding a narrow 2-1 advantage, Joao Felix tried to generate an opening down the left flank before being brought down by a heavy challenge. Despite facing a difficult, narrow angle, Ronaldo stepped up to take the set piece and fired a powerful strike that skipped off the turf and past the diving keeper to extend the lead in the 63rd minute. من ركلة حرة ⚽️كريستيانو رونالدو يوسّع النتيجة لصالح النصر 🐐🟡قصة هدف النصر الثالث كاملة 🎥#النصر_ضمك | #دوري_روشن_السعودي pic.twitter.com/wkiQBok6VF— رياضة ثمانية (@thmanyahsports) May 21, 2026 Then in the 81st minute, Al Nassr orchestrated a brilliant team sequence down the right flank spearheaded by Coman; after a defender failed to clear a dangerous cross, Ronaldo collected the loose ball inside the six-yard box and unleashed a thunderous strike to net his second goal of the night. الهدف الرابع، وهدف يقرّب الحسم 🟡قصة هدف النصر الرابع كاملة 🎥#النصر_ضمك | #دوري_روشن_السعودي pic.twitter.com/4H0uvkR4AT— رياضة ثمانية (@thmanyahsports) May 21, 2026 Immediately after celebrating, the Portuguese legend dedicated the decisive goal to his wife, Georgina Rodriguez, who was watching from the stands. As he walked back to the halfway line, an emotional Ronaldo was seen breaking down in tears, overwhelmed by the moment as he finally brought his trophy drought with Al Nassr to an emphatic end. With the championship safely secured, manager Jorge Jesus made the decision to sub out Cristiano Ronaldo for Abdullah Al Hamdan, sending the captain to the sideline to a deafening standing ovation. Once on the bench, Ronaldo remained visibly emotional, soaking in the gravity of the moment as Al Nassr officially crowned themselves Saudi Pro League champions. مشاعر كبيرة ودموع فرح من كريستيانو رونالدو 🥹#النصر_ضمك | #دوري_روشن_السعودي pic.twitter.com/Y9CtYNn6TT— رياضة ثمانية (@thmanyahsports) May 21, 2026 Ronaldo extends career goal record to 973 Seven years had passed since Al Nassr last lifted the league trophy, making this first official piece of silverware in Saudi Arabia an incredibly special milestone for Cristiano Ronaldo, especially just days after a heartbreaking loss to Gamba Osaka in the AFC Champions League Two final. Beyond securing the SPL crown, the Portuguese icon has now extended his legendary career total to 973 goals. With tonight’s decisive brace, Ronaldo has racked up 129 goals in 148 appearances for Al Nassr, including 30 tallies across all competitions in the 2025-26 campaign. Now sitting just 27 goals away from the mythical 1,000-goal milestone, anticipation surrounding Ronaldo’s historic pursuit will only intensify as he pivots to his next major challenge: the 2026 World Cup.
Al Nassr FC face Damac today, searching for a victory that would crown them champions of the 2025-26 Saudi Pro League. While head coach Jorge Jesus still counts on Cristiano Ronaldo, he loses Marcelo Brozović, forcing drastic changes in midfield. Despite the recent draw against Al Hilal SFC, Al Nassr still maintain many chances of being crowned champions of the 2025-26 Saudi Pro League. To achieve this, they face Damac today, needing a convincing victory. Ahead of the match, head coach Jorge Jesus will be able to count on Cristiano Ronaldo, but he will have the difficult absence of Marcelo Brozović, forcing important adjustments in midfield. Head coach Jorge Jesus confirmed that Marcelo Brozović will not be part of Al Nassr’s squad for the match against Damac FC. After leaving with discomfort in the groin area against Al Hilal SFC, he has not managed to fully recover, as the latest medical examinations did not give him the green light to train with the group, reports Asharq Al-Awsat. With this in mind, they will have to adjust their midfield without one of their best stars. In place of the Croatian star, Saad Al Nasser could return to the starting lineup after shining against Gamba Osaka in the AFC Champions League Two. Alongside him, Jorge Jesus could once again rely on Ali Al Hassan, who has been a regular starter throughout the season. Without another world-class star in midfield, Al Nassr could lose a lot of consistency, as Marcelo Brozović not only provides offensive consistency, but also organizes the team throughout the game. Report: Marcelo Brozovic is expected to remain at Al Nassr Throughout the 2025-26 season, the future of Marcelo Brozović has been a fairly controversial topic. Being an undisputed starter for Jorge Jesus, the Croatian’s contract expires in June 2026 and his renewal has not yet been announced. Although he has been a somewhat divisive figure, Al Nassr are already pushing to secure his continuity, and are reportedly very close to ensuring the 33-year-old star remains at the club. Marcelo Brozovic of Al Nassr According to Al Youm newspaper, Al Nassr have reached an agreement to extend the contract of Marcelo Brozović. However, the agreement has not yet been officially announced, as the player’s representatives still have some formalities to complete before it becomes official. With this in mind, the Croatian midfielder appears set to remain in the Saudi Pro League, despite interest from several European clubs. Al Nassr’s Jorge Jesus may press to sign another midfielder Despite keeping Marcelo Brozović as a starter,Jorge Jesus could look to increase squad depth by signing a star midfielder. While Ângelo and Ali Al Hassan have accompanied the Croatian, Al Nassr have struggled to find consistency, suggesting that a box-to-box midfielder may be needed to complement the team. With this, they could aim to both enhance the 33-year-old star’s impact and build for the future at the same time. While numerous players such as Casemiro and Bruno Fernandes, among others, have been linked, they have not reached an agreement with any of them. However, the continuity of Jorge Jesus could be conditioned by the squad adjustments, as he has stated on multiple occasions that he needs greater depth to maintain high competitiveness across all competitions.
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