Saudi League Triumph sees Cristiano Ronaldo lead Al Nassr to the Pro League crown with a decisive final-day brace

Portuguese football legend Cristiano Ronaldo on Thursday secured his first major trophy in Saudi Arabia after scoring twice to guide Al Nassr to the Saudi Pro League title with a commanding 4-1 victory over Damac FC on the final day of the season.

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The dramatic win ensured Al Nassr finished two points ahead of rivals Al Hilal to clinch the championship in a tense title race.

Cristiano Ronaldo delivered a trademark free-kick in the 63rd minute before adding a powerful close-range finish nine minutes from time to seal the decisive victory.

The 41-year-old forward, who had not won a major club trophy since lifting the Serie A title with Juventus in 2020, appeared emotional as he watched the closing stages from the bench.

The Saudi League Triumph adds to Cristiano Ronaldo’s domestic league titles in England, Spain and Italy, alongside his five UEFA Champions League medals.

Al Nassr initially raced into a 2-0 lead before Damac FC reduced the deficit to 2-1, creating late tension inside the stadium.

Cristiano Ronaldo restored control with a superb free-kick that drifted through a crowded penalty area before finding the far corner of the net.

The Portuguese captain completed his brace after receiving a cut-back near the six-yard box and smashing the ball into the roof of the net.

Attention will now turn to the FIFA World Cup, with Cristiano Ronaldo recently named in Portugal’s squad as he prepares for a potential sixth appearance at the tournament.

Cristiano Ronaldo’s move to Saudi Arabia in January 2023 transformed the profile of the Saudi Pro League and opened the door for several high-profile signings, including Neymar and Karim Benzema.

The Portuguese forward signed a lucrative two-and-a-half-year contract reportedly worth 200 million euros before extending the deal in June 2025.

Saudi Arabia has invested heavily in football and other international sporting ventures as part of broader economic diversification efforts linked to the country’s Vision 2030 programme.

The kingdom later secured hosting rights for the 2034 FIFA World Cup, strengthening its growing influence in global sport.

Despite criticism surrounding allegations of sportswashing and concerns over human rights, Cristiano Ronaldo has remained one of the country’s most visible sporting ambassadors, leveraging his massive global audience and record social media following.

The veteran striker also moved closer to another remarkable milestone, with his career tally now standing at 973 goals.

Before Thursday’s Saudi League Triumph, Cristiano Ronaldo’s only title with Al Nassr was the 2023 Arab Club Champions Cup.

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The success also comes days after disappointment in the AFC Champions League Two final, where Al Nassr lost to Gamba Osaka.