Cristiano Ronaldo scored twice as Al Nassr defeated Damac FC 4-1 on Thursday to clinch the Saudi Pro League title, ending the Portuguese star’s long wait for domestic silverware in Saudi Arabia.
The victory secured the championship for Al Nassr on the final day of the season, with rivals Al Hilal finishing two points behind in the title race.
Ronaldo, 41, scored a trademark free-kick in the 63rd minute before adding a close-range finish nine minutes from time to seal the victory. Emotional scenes followed at full-time as the former Manchester United and Juventus FC forward watched the closing moments from the bench in tears.
The Saudi Pro League triumph marks Ronaldo’s first major domestic club title since winning the Italian Serie A with Juventus in 2020. It also adds to league titles won in England, Spain and Italy, alongside his five UEFA Champions League crowns.
Al Nassr had taken an early 2-0 lead before Damac reduced the deficit to 2-1. Ronaldo restored the two-goal cushion with a free-kick that beat both the goalkeeper and a crowded penalty area before adding his second goal from close range late in the match.
The Portugal captain, who holds the record for the most goals in men’s international football with 143, was this week named in Portugal’s squad for what could become his sixth FIFA World Cup appearance.
Ronaldo’s move to Saudi Arabia in January 2023 opened the door for several high-profile transfers to the Saudi Pro League, with stars such as Neymar and Karim Benzema joining the league after his arrival.
The forward initially signed a two-and-a-half-year deal reportedly worth €200 million and later extended his stay in June 2025.
Saudi Arabia has invested heavily in football and other sports as part of broader efforts to diversify its economy and increase tourism and international visibility ahead of hosting the 2034 FIFA World Cup.
Ronaldo has remained a central figure in that ambition, leveraging his global profile and record social media following to promote the league internationally.
The veteran striker finished as the Saudi Pro League’s top scorer for a second consecutive season, taking his career goal tally to 973, moving closer to the 1,000-goal milestone.
Before Thursday’s triumph, Ronaldo’s only trophy with Al Nassr was the 2023 Arab Club Champions Cup. The team also suffered disappointment earlier this season after losing the AFC Champions League Two final to Gamba Osaka.
