Tag: Al Nassr

Cristiano Ronaldo suffered heartache for the second time in a week when his Saudi club Al Nassr were stunned at home 1-0 by Japan’s Gamba Osaka in the AFC Champions League Two final on Saturday.

Ronaldo’s wait for his first piece of major silverware since signing a big-money deal to join Al Nassr in 2023 was extended by the Japanese club, who withstood a second-half barrage by the Saudi side.

In front of 26,000 fans at the King Saud University Stadium, Al Nassr were hot favourites to become the first Saudi Arabian side to win the AFC Champions League Two, the second-tier Asian continental crown equivalent to UEFA’s Europa League.

But it was Gamba who struck the only goal of the game, against the run of play, when forward Deniz Hummet latched onto Issam Jebali’s through ball and buried his finish from the edge of the box after 29 minutes.

“We had prepared well but they were very fast and they surprised us,” said Al Nassr’s Portuguese coach Jorge Jesus.

“For the first 30 minutes, we were not at our best but after that, we dominated. They only had one opportunity and they scored from it.”

Earlier in the week, Cristiano Ronaldo had been forced to wait longer for a first Saudi Pro League title when Al Nassr goalkeeper Bento conceded a bizarre injury-time own goal that gave second-placed Al Hilal a 1-1 draw.

A win would have secured a first Saudi domestic title for the Portuguese great, who then endured more agony in Riyadh four days later.

“The dream is close,” the 41-year-old wrote on X to his 107.5 million followers on Wednesday, after his side had been seconds from the league title glory against Al Hilal.

“Heads up, we have one more step to take! Thank you all for the amazing support tonight!”

Al Nassr are two points ahead of Al Hilal with one game to play and can seal the title at home to Damac on Thursday.

Al Hilal play their final match away to Al Fayha on the same night.

“We didn’t get what we wanted here but there is one more final for us, the Saudi Pro League title, which is very important to us,” Jesus said.

“We have five days to recover and prepare and there is no time for grieving. We have to get going again.”

RIYADH: Cristiano Ronaldo scored the opening goal for Al Nassr as they secured a 2-0 victory over Al Ahli at Alawwal Park on Wednesday, extending their winning streak to an extraordinary 20 consecutive matches.

The result strengthened Al Nassr’s position at the top of the Saudi Pro League table, pushing their lead from eight points to 11 with just four league games remaining.

The win brings them within touching distance of the title, with momentum firmly on their side in the closing stretch of the season.

After a tightly contested encounter that remained goalless for 75 minutes, Ronaldo produced the decisive moment in trademark fashion.

The Portuguese superstar rose to meet Joao Felix’s inswinging corner and guided a perfectly timed flicked header into the top corner, leaving goalkeeper Édouard Mendy with no chance.

The goal triggered an emotional celebration as Ronaldo sprinted toward Felix at the corner flag before being swarmed by teammates and staff, reflecting the importance of the breakthrough in a high-stakes fixture.

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Al Nassr doubled their lead in the 90th minute when Kingsley Coman struck powerfully after Al Ahli failed to clear another set-piece, effectively sealing all three points.

The victory underlined Al Nassr’s dominant run of form, with 16 of their 20 consecutive wins coming in the league. Their consistency has left rivals struggling to keep pace, while Al Ahli, despite having one match remaining, are now effectively out of the title race.

Notably, this was Ronaldo’s 25th goal in the season, marking a significant personal milestone as he has now scored 25 or more league goals in three consecutive seasons for the first time since his remarkable nine-season streak between 2009-10 and 2017-18.

He has now scored nine goals in his last nine matches, further underlining his enduring impact.

The 39-year-old forward has now reached 970 career goals for club and country and has scored 126 times for Al Nassr in all competitions.

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Saudi Arabian football club Al-Nassr FC are considering integrating Cristiano Ronaldo Jr. into their senior setup, raising the possibility of a historic on-field link-up with his father Cristiano Ronaldo, according to recent reports.

The club is exploring plans to include the teenage forward in first-team training from the 2026/27 season, with a gradual pathway that could eventually lead to a senior squad appearance.

While no official confirmation has been made, the idea has gained traction given Ronaldo Jr.’s steady rise through the youth ranks.

Currently part of Al-Nassr’s academy system, he has been one of the standout performers at the U-16 and U-17 levels.

The timeline also aligns with a key eligibility milestone. Ronaldo Jr., born on June 17, 2010, will turn 16 this summer, the minimum age required to sign a professional contract and feature in senior football.

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This opens a realistic window for a potential father-son partnership, particularly with Cristiano Ronaldo’s current deal at Al-Nassr running until 2027. The veteran forward, still performing at the highest level in his 40s, could share the pitch with his son if the club proceeds with its plans.

Sources indicate that Al-Nassr’s hierarchy is closely monitoring the youngster’s development, with an emphasis on easing him into the senior environment rather than rushing his progression.

Importantly, Ronaldo Jr.’s rise has not been built on reputation alone. The teenager has delivered consistent performances at the youth level, including a recent hat-trick in a 4-3 win for Al-Nassr’s U-16 side against Al Fayha.

On the international stage, he has also made notable strides, helping Portugal’s U-16 team secure the Algarve International Tournament title earlier this year, his third youth trophy, already surpassing his father’s tally at the same age.

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Cristiano Ronaldo is expected to return to action for Al Nassr after bringing an end to his recent dispute with the Saudi Pro League club, sources told ESPN Brasil.

The Portugal captain had missed two matches, Al Nassr’s 2-0 victory over Al Ittihad on Friday and last week’s win against Al Riyadh, amid reported frustration over issues involving Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF) and its role in the club’s affairs.

Sources indicated that Ronaldo has now decided to rejoin the squad and is set to feature in Al Nassr’s league clash against Al Fateh on February 14.

The Riyadh-based side are also scheduled to play Arkadag in the AFC Champions League Two on Wednesday.

Reports suggested Ronaldo’s absence stemmed from dissatisfaction with the PIF’s involvement in transfer dealings and broader club management.

The situation intensified after Al Nassr’s rivals, Al Hilal, also majority-owned by the PIF, secured the signing of Ronaldo’s former Real Madrid teammate, Karim Benzema, from Al Ittihad during the January transfer window.

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However, the matter appears to have been resolved after Ronaldo’s key concerns were addressed.

According to sources, overdue salaries at Al Nassr were cleared, and authority was restored to the club’s senior management.

Sporting director Simão Coutinho and CEO José Semedo, who had previously been suspended, have reportedly resumed their duties.

Ronaldo has been in impressive form this season, scoring 18 goals and providing three assists in 22 appearances across competitions.

Al Nassr currently sit second in the Saudi Pro League standings, just one point behind leaders Al Hilal, keeping the title race finely poised.

Last week, the Saudi Pro League issued a statement stressing that no individual player could influence decisions beyond their club, reiterating that all teams operate independently under the same regulatory and financial framework.

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Portuguese star Cristiano Ronaldo missed his second consecutive match for Al Nassr on Friday, with reports linking his absence to an ongoing dispute involving the Saudi Pro League and the Saudi Public Investment Fund (PIF).

The 41-year-old Portuguese forward has not featured since Al Nassr’s 2-0 win over Al Ittihad and was also unavailable for Monday’s victory against Al Riyadh.

While the club had expected their star striker to return, international media suggested Ronaldo remained unhappy over unfulfilled promises regarding changes to Al Nassr’s management structure.

Speculation around his absence had already surfaced earlier in the week, with some reports pointing to frustration over the club’s activity, or lack thereof, in the January transfer window.

Ronaldo was reportedly disappointed by the level of support provided to strengthen the squad, particularly after his former Real Madrid teammate Karim Benzema joined rivals Al Ittihad.

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Despite the uncertainty, Al Nassr supporters made their feelings clear at Al-Awwal Park. In a show of loyalty, fans raised yellow placards bearing Ronaldo’s name and iconic No. 7 during the seventh minute of the match.

Amid the growing narrative, the Saudi Pro League released a firm statement on Thursday, stressing that no individual player holds influence beyond his own club.

“The Saudi Pro League is structured around a simple principle: every club operates independently under the same rules,” the statement read.

On the pitch, Al Nassr continued their strong run, climbing to second place in the standings with their latest win, just one point behind leaders Al Hilal.

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Cristiano Ronaldo has signed a staggering new two-year deal with Saudi Pro League side Al Nassr, with details emerging that make it the most lucrative contract in sporting history.

According to a report by The Sun, the fresh terms are worth a basic £492 million over two years, which breaks down to a jaw-dropping £488,000 per day in base salary alone.

The renewed deal will see the five-time Ballon d’Or winner continue with Al Nassr past his 42nd birthday.

The Portuguese superstar is also set to receive a £24.5 million signing bonus, which increases to £38 million if he activates the second year of the deal.

On top of that, Ronaldo has been handed a 15% ownership stake in Al Nassr, reportedly valued at £33 million.

Ronaldo’s new role will also include serving as a “dream ambassador” for the Kingdom, a position that could push his overall earnings well beyond £500 million over the course of the contract.

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If he bags further bonuses for achievements such as winning the Saudi Pro League and finishing as the top scorer, he’s set to comfortably eclipse the half-a-billion-pound mark.

Beyond the astronomical salary, Ronaldo’s lifestyle will continue to be supported by Al Nassr.

The club is reportedly covering the wages of a 16-person entourage, including three drivers, four housekeepers, two chefs, three gardeners, and four security personnel, costing around £1.4 million.

There’s also a £4 million allowance for private jet usage, along with commercial deals with Saudi companies projected to bring in an additional £60 million.

It’s worth mentioning that Cristiano Ronaldo scored 35 goals in 41 appearances for Al Nassr last season and was the Saudi Pro League’s top scorer for the second year running.

He now has 99 goals in 111 games for the club and remains in pursuit of a historic 1,000 career goals, currently sitting on 938.

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Cristiano Ronaldo inked a two-year extension with Saudi Arabia’s Al Nassr, the club announced Thursday, following months of speculation over which team he would sign for next season.

“Cristiano Ronaldo is staying at @AlNassrFC until 2027,” the club wrote in a post on X.

Minutes before the official confirmation, the team posted a teaser video, with the 40-year-old Ronaldo walking along a beachfront and saying: “Al Nassr forever”.

Ronaldo later posted a message on his Instagram, confirming the extension.

“A new chapter begins. Same passion, same dream. Let’s make history together,” read the post.

The Portuguese superstar arrived in 2023 in the kingdom to play with the club, heralding a rush of players in the latter stages of their careers to the oil-rich country.

Last month, Ronaldo posted “This chapter is over” hours after the Saudi Pro League wrapped up with Al Nassr finishing third and trophyless once again.

“Ronaldo’s presence is a key factor in developing the Saudi league in the last two years and a half. He opens the door for elite and young players to come to Saudi Arabia,” a source from the Public Investment Fund (PIF), a major investor in Saudi football, told AFP last month.

The oil-funded PIF, the sovereign wealth fund behind a number of big-ticket Saudi investments, controls a group of Pro League clubs including Al Nassr, Al Hilal and Al Ahli.

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Ronaldo’s announcement in May came just months after Brazilian star Neymar ended his injury-plagued 18-month stay in January, after playing just seven times for Al Hilal — on a reported salary of around $104 million a year.

Although Ronaldo was the Pro League’s top scorer with 25 goals, he has been unable to win a Saudi or continental trophy with Al Nassr, who lost in the Asian Champions League semi-finals last month.

Last year, the five-time Ballon d’Or winner said he could end his career with Al Nassr, the Riyadh team favoured by a number of Saudi royals.

Saudi Arabia has shaken up football by spending heavily on stars from Europe, starting with Ronaldo’s move in late 2022, and the desert nation will host the World Cup in 2034.

For the past two years, Saudi football fans could watch the likes of Ronaldo and Karim Benzema, with six Ballons d’Or between them, on any given weekend during the football season in the kingdom.

However, the oil-fuelled Saudi football project has drawn comparisons with the Chinese Super League, which imported players on exorbitant salaries until team owners went bust as the Chinese economy fizzled.

But with Saudi Arabia set to host the 2034 World Cup, and desperate to re-model itself as a tourism and business magnet before global oil demand falls for good, there is probably more to come from the Pro League.

Ronaldo appeared to trade an end-of-career payday for football obscurity when he first moved to Riyadh’s Al Nassr two years ago in a deal said to be worth $250 million at the time

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Saudi Arabian officials are in “difficult” talks to keep Cristiano Ronaldo in the country, a source with knowledge of the negotiations told AFP on Thursday, after the star footballer suggested he was leaving Al Nassr.

“There is an ongoing difficult negotiation to convince Ronaldo to stay and play” in the Saudi Pro League next season, said the source from the Public Investment Fund (PIF), a major investor in Saudi football.

“First option is a transfer to Al Hilal with an opportunity to feature in the FIFA Club World Cup or to Asia champion Al Ahli,” the source added.

Ronaldo posted “This chapter is over” overnight Monday, hours after the Saudi Pro League wrapped up with Al Nassr finishing third and trophyless once again.

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A special transfer window opens from June 1-10 to allow the 32 teams involved in the Club World Cup to sign players.

FIFA president Gianni Infantino last week said, “there are discussions” over the former United, Real Madrid, Juventus and Sporting Lisbon star playing at the enlarged tournament in the United States starting on June 14.

Portuguese forward Ronaldo, 40, joined Al Nassr in 2022 from Manchester United, and his contract expires at the end of next month.

“Ronaldo’s presence is a key factor in developing the Saudi league in the last two years and a half. He opens the door for elite and young players to come to Saudi Arabia,” the source added.

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Portuguese football star Cristiano Ronaldo has reached an agreement with Al Nassr to extend his contract by another year until June 2026, an official with the Saudi club told AFP on Monday.

The official said the sides have agreed on the renewable extension of Ronaldo’s contract, “but it has not been signed yet. An announcement will be made over the coming days”.

Ronaldo turned 40 last week with his current contract due to end in June 2025.

The former Manchester United, Real Madrid and Juventus star joined Al Nassr in January 2023 and has since scored 82 goals in 90 matches.

In August, Ronaldo said he would stay with Al Nassr through the end of his professional career, which may be “soon or in two or three years”.

“But it’ll most likely happen with Al Nassr, in the team that makes me happy… and where I feel good.”

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The Portuguese great appeared to trade an end-of-career payday for football obscurity when he moved to Riyadh’s Al Nassr two years ago in a deal said to be worth $250 million.

But his influence became clear when he was followed by a parade of ageing superstars to the big-spending Saudi Pro League.

Saudi Arabia was then awarded the 2034 World Cup in December, the crowning glory for the oil-rich kingdom’s strategy of revamping its image through sports, tourism and culture.

When Ronaldo launched his YouTube channel in August, he gained one million subscribers in just 90 minutes and 20 million within 24 hours. He currently has 73.5 million.

Although World Cup glory has probably eluded him, unlike his Argentine rival Lionel Messi, records still dangle in front of the five-time Ballon d’Or and Champions League winner.

Despite his prodigious form as he closes in on 1,000 professional goals in official matches, Ronaldo is yet to win a Saudi or continental trophy with Al Nassr, with the Arab Club Champions Cup of 2023 his only triumph with the club.

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ABUD DHABI: Veteran striker Cristiano Ronaldo was shown a red card during Al-Nassr’s 2-1 loss to Al-Hilal in the Saudi Super Cup semi-final at the Mohammed bin Zayed Stadium on Monday.

The star player received marching orders four minutes before the final time as he elbowed opponent defender Ali Hadi Mohammed Al-Bulaihi in frustration as his team was heading towards a 2-0 loss.

Former Liverpool forward Sadio Mane, however, scored a consolation goal for Al-Nassr in injury time to reduce the deficit.

Al-Nassr’s manager, Castro criticized the decision and accused Al-Bulaihi of acting to get Ronaldo sent off.

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“The decision was incorrect,” said Castro. “The Al Hilal defender pretended that he was hit in the face, and it was a play on his part, and the contact was small, and they took advantage of Ronaldo’s provocation.”

“The VAR referee was supposed to call the main referee, and this is my personal opinion.”

Earlier, Al-Hilal drew first blood in the 62nd minute courtesy of Salem Al-Dawsari finding Sergej Milinkovic-Savic’s cross and sending the ball smoothly into the net.

The defending champions’ lead was extended ten minutes later as Michael’s long cross found Malcolm, who headed the ball to get his name on the scoresheet.

Al-Hilal will face Al-Ittihad in the Saudi Super Cup final on Thursday, aiming for their fourth title.

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