Cristiano Ronaldo has finally clinched his first title with Al Nassr, as the club was crowned champions of the 2025-26 Saudi Pro League following a commanding 4-1 victory over Damac FC. The triumph, which unfolded during Matchweek 34, solidified Al Nassr’s position at the top of the league, finishing with 86 points and a +63 goal difference.
Why it matters: This title marks a redemption for Ronaldo and Al Nassr, who had faced disappointment in previous seasons. The club's victory enhances their prestige and boosts morale ahead of the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup.
- Ronaldo's championship win ends a drought for both him and Al Nassr, as they last claimed the league title in the 2018-19 season.
- Al Nassr's victory is particularly sweet as they finished ahead of cross-town rivals Al Hilal, who ended the season in second place for the 17th time.
- The win ensures that Ronaldo enters the World Cup with renewed confidence, having scored 28 goals in the league this season.
Driving the news: The final match against Damac was fraught with pressure. Al Nassr needed a win to secure the title, especially after a tense draw against Al Hilal in the previous week, where an own goal in the 98th minute added suspense to the title race.
- Al Nassr had led the standings for much of the season, but the draw against Al Hilal left them with only a two-point advantage.
- With the competition's tiebreaker favoring Al Hilal, a win against Damac was the only way to guarantee the championship.
- As Al Hilal started strong against Al Fayha, the pressure mounted on Al Nassr to deliver a decisive performance.
State of play: In the decisive match, Sadio Mané opened the scoring for Al Nassr with a header, assisted by Joao Felix from a corner kick. This early goal helped ease the tension for the home side.
- Mané's goal was quickly followed by a second from Kingsley Coman, giving Al Nassr a comfortable lead.
- Though Damac managed to pull one back, Ronaldo responded with two goals, ensuring a comprehensive 4-1 victory.
- This win capped off a remarkable season, with Al Nassr achieving 28 wins, 2 draws, and only 4 losses.
The big picture: Al Nassr's performance throughout the season showcased their offensive prowess, leading the league with 91 goals scored and only conceding 28.
- Their impressive goal difference of +63 highlights their dominance in attack as well as a solid defensive strategy.
- Ronaldo’s contributions were key, finishing third in the league's scoring chart with 28 goals, behind Julian Quinones and Ivan Toney.
- This season's success is a stark turnaround for Al Nassr, who had finished second in both the 2022-23 and 2023-24 seasons.
What they're saying: Ronaldo expressed his joy at finally winning a title in Saudi Arabia, emphasizing the importance of teamwork in achieving their goal.
- “It’s a great feeling to lift the trophy with my teammates. We worked hard all season, and this victory is a reward for our efforts,” Ronaldo said.
- Fans celebrated the victory, marking a triumphant return to form for a club that has faced its share of challenges in recent years.
- Supporters are hopeful that this championship will be the first of many under Ronaldo’s leadership.
By the numbers: Al Nassr finished the season with remarkable statistics that underline their successful campaign.
- Total Matches: 34
- Points: 86
- Wins: 28
- Draws: 2
- Losses: 4
- Goals Scored: 91
- Goals Conceded: 28
- Goal Difference: +63
What's next: With the domestic title secured, Ronaldo and Al Nassr now shift their focus to the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
- The tournament will be a major opportunity for Ronaldo to showcase his talents on the international stage once again.
- As he prepares to join Portugal, Ronaldo aims to add the World Cup trophy to his illustrious career achievements.
- Fans will be eagerly watching to see how this latest victory impacts his performance in the tournament.
Ronaldo’s triumph with Al Nassr signifies a personal achievement and revitalizes the club’s ambitions in domestic and international competitions. His leadership and scoring prowess will be under scrutiny as he heads into what could be his final World Cup, aiming to leave a lasting legacy.