Legend Cristiano Ronaldo, captain of Al-Nassr, is striving to move past his sorrows with the "Global" team in the new season, following the numerous setbacks he has faced recently. The new season of the Saudi Pro League kicks off tomorrow, Thursday, August 22, with three matches, including the much-anticipated face-off between Al-Nassr and Al-Raed.
Ronaldo has struggled since joining Al-Nassr in January 2023, failing to secure any local or continental titles, managing only to win the Arab Championship at the start of last season against Al-Hilal (2-1). The Portuguese superstar has missed out on seven local titles, including the Saudi League and the King's Cup, both twice, as well as the local Super Cup three times, and has exited the AFC Champions League once.
Despite achieving an impressive record last season with 50 goals and 13 assists across various local, continental, and Arab championship competitions, this was not enough to satisfy his fans. Specifically in the Roshen League, Ronaldo delivered remarkable performances, winning the Golden Boot by scoring 35 goals, marking an unprecedented achievement in the tournament's history.
Last season was particularly challenging for Ronaldo at Al-Nassr, as he lost the league to Al-Hilal by a margin of 14 points, was knocked out of the Saudi Super Cup by the same opponent in the semi-finals with a score of (1-2), and failed to claim the King's Cup after losing in a penalty shootout.
After failing to win the Saudi League in his first two seasons with Al-Nassr, he will need to draw on his historic memories with Real Madrid. Ronaldo did not win La Liga in his first two seasons with Real Madrid either, but secured the title in his third season (2011-2012) under the guidance of seasoned Portuguese coach José Mourinho.
He will need to replicate this scenario in his third season, which could be his last with Al-Nassr, as his contract expires in the summer of 2025. Should he clinch the title, it would allow Ronaldo to leave the club on a high note amid the many disappointments he has faced, the latest being just days ago when he lost the Saudi Super Cup to Al-Hilal by a score of (1-4).
