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Saudi Pro League

·28 May 2026

“This means so much to us,” read the message — Cristiano Ronaldo’s first public acknowledgment of a defining moment in his illustrious career.

That Ronaldo could even muster words after all that had unfolded was remarkable, considering the journey he had endured since his landmark move to Saudi Arabia three and a half years ago.

But this time, the glory was truly his.

Time had seemed to be slipping away from the Al Nassr captain — especially during the tense Capital Derby a week earlier, when Ronaldo and his team were only seconds away from securing the long-awaited Roshn Saudi League crown.

Then came the collision between Bento and Inigo Martinez, leaving Ronaldo and the 26,000-plus fans at Al Awwal Park — along with millions watching globally — in stunned disbelief.

It appeared that the man who had ignited the transformation of Saudi Arabia’s top football division might never claim its ultimate reward.

However, on Thursday night, in front of another capacity crowd, Ronaldo finally completed the mission. Not only did he lead Al Nassr as captain and talisman, but he also netted their third and fourth goals in a 4–1 home victory over Damac, sealing the championship.

After his fourth strike, Al Awwal Park erupted into celebration. From that moment until he was serenaded — “Ronaaaaaaaaaldo! Ronaaaaaaaaaldo!” — and stepped up to receive the trophy, the stadium was awash with emotion.

The world’s most iconic No.7 had ended Al Nassr’s seven-year wait for league glory.

Amid the flood of emotion, tears streamed down his face — and rightly so. They had already begun when his dipping free-kick made it two goals for the night, Al Nassr’s fourth overall.

Realising the title was finally within reach, Ronaldo emerged from a pile of jubilant teammates, kissed the club badge in front of the home fans, and, still teary-eyed, struggled to regain composure.

He looked up toward the stands where Georgina and his children watched proudly and shaped a heart symbol with his hands.

Over the past few seasons, it has become increasingly evident that Ronaldo and his family have fully embraced Al Nassr and life in Saudi Arabia. The affection is mutual — the Kingdom has warmly embraced them in return.

Ronaldo has often declared, “I am Saudi now,” even as he prepares to represent Portugal in what will be his record sixth FIFA World Cup next month. At various times, he has taken the traditional Ardah dance to international stages.

On Thursday, Georgina could be seen singing along to Al Nassr’s club anthem as Ronaldo soaked in the moment. Moments later, he joined fans behind the goal, took the giant drum from the ultras, and led the team’s trademark thunderclap celebration.

For the past three and a half years — through highs and lows — Ronaldo has had the Nassrawi faithful marching to his rhythm.

While this season didn’t deliver his record-equalling third consecutive golden boot, his influence remained immense.

Beyond his leadership — showcased again in the pre-match huddle against Damac, where he rallied his teammates for one last push — Ronaldo’s on-field contributions throughout the 2025–26 Roshn Saudi League were vital.

There was the calmness to slot home a penalty 14 minutes into stoppage time to snatch victory over Al Fayha — a moment that even he admitted, “today my heart beat a little faster than before.”

There was the stunning overhead kick against Al Khaleej, a contender for a second straight Goal of the Season award. His nine-game scoring streak from September to December, which produced 12 goals, propelled Al Nassr to a record-breaking start to the campaign.

His precise header against title rivals Al Ahli broke the deadlock and pushed Al Nassr to the brink of triumph. That 2–0 win also marked the club’s 1,000th goal in the Saudi Pro League era, with Ronaldo responsible for nearly 10% of them.

His clinical finish against Al Shabab took him to 100 Saudi Pro League goals — only the third player to reach that milestone — in just 105 appearances.

Of course, Ronaldo’s brilliance was amplified by the talent around him. Manager Jorge Jesus, who previously triumphed with Al Hilal, provided steady leadership. Joao Felix, Ronaldo’s Portugal teammate, contributed 33 goals and assists in a sensational debut season, earning the 2025–26 SPL Player of the Season award.

Kingsley Coman, another summer recruit, delivered when it mattered, while Martinez, Mohamed Simakan, Abdulelah Al Amri, and Bento formed a defence that made Al Nassr nearly unbeatable in 30 of 34 matches.

Full-back Nawaf Boushal forged a remarkable on-field connection with Ronaldo, while Sadio Mane — who arrived in 2023 — opened the scoring against Damac, easing early nerves. Many others played their part as well.

When Ronaldo signed his two-year extension with Al Nassr last June, he boldly stated, “I believe I will be champion in Saudi Arabia.” On Thursday, he fulfilled that promise. As he soaked in the celebrations, his words rang true — the triumph “means so much to us.”

For Al Nassr’s supporters and everyone associated with the club, the sentiment was mutual. They would all say the same of him.