Cristiano Ronaldo was left in tears after finally getting his hands on major silverware in Saudi Arabia as Al-Nassr were crowned Saudi Pro League champions
An emotional Cristiano Ronaldo was reduced to tears before finally clinching the Saudi Pro League title. Al-Nassr were declared champions following a convincing 4-1 victory at home against Damac on Thursday, in which their captain scored twice.
Ronaldo, 41, has endured a long wait for his first major trophy in Saudi Arabia, including a cup final defeat just last Saturday. This marked the second disappointment for the Portugal captain within a span of five days.
In their second-to-last league match against runners-up Al-Hilal, Ronaldo’s team were just seconds away from securing the title when they conceded a last-minute equaliser due to a defensive error. Ronaldo and his squad had to hold out until the final day, but they’ve now got their hands on the trophy.
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After Sadio Mane and Kingsley Coman put Al-Nassr ahead, Damac hinted at a comeback by scoring before the hour mark. However, within five minutes, Ronaldo scored the first of his two goals from a free-kick and sealed the win.
Manager Jorge Jesus substituted Ronaldo in the closing stages and he could be seen weeping while seated on the bench. Ronaldo’s double also took him to 974 career goals, as he continues his quest for the milestone of 1,000.
Ronaldo has now secured eight league titles throughout his illustrious career. The five-time Ballon d’Or winner joined Al-Nassr in December 2022 after his bitter exit from Manchester United.
Matters didn’t unfold as expected during his opening two full seasons but it’s turned out to be third time lucky, with Jesus guiding Al-Nassr to the championship in his first season at the helm. It’s also destined to be the 71-year-old’s final term, having chosen to depart the Riyadh outfit when his deal concludes next month.
Ronaldo is poised to stay in Saudi Arabia until 2027, having penned a new lucrative two-year contract last summer. Yet he recognises that retirement looms on the horizon.
Last month, Ronaldo admitted: “The end of my career is getting closer… let’s enjoy every game. I keep playing not only for this generation, but also for the previous one and the one coming next.
“I enjoy it day by day, game by game, year by year, even as I get closer to the end of my career. That’s a fact. My career has been brilliant and I want to keep it that way. I still enjoy it, I keep scoring goals… but above all, it’s about winning.”