Cristiano Ronaldo has finally won a major trophy with Al Nassr.
The win meant Al Nassr finished on 86 points, two clear of rivals Al Hilal, who beat Al Fayha 1-0 but were left to settle for second place.
The 41-year-old Portugal star scored twice in a 4-1 win over Damac to help Al Nassr clinch the Saudi Pro League title on Thursday night. It's the team's first major trophy since Ronaldo joined more than three years ago.
After the trophy presentations, Ronaldo posted a social media video of himself and the team with the notation: "It means so much to us." It also included the words "Yalla Nassr," which when translated from Arabic means "Come on, Al Nassr!" and is a popular cheer used by the team's fans.
The triumph marks Al Nassr's first league crown since 2019 and the first Saudi title for Ronaldo, who joined the team in late 2022.
Al Nassr broke the deadlock in the 34th minute when Mane rose to meet a Joao Felix corner, powering a header past the goalkeeper.
Ronaldo lifted the trophy just two days after being named in Portugal’s roster for the World Cup, which would mark a record sixth appearance at the tournament.
The victory secured top spot for Al Nassr, two points ahead of city rival Al Hilal, which finished second despite completing the 34-game season undefeated.
Ronaldo struck his 27th and 28th league goals of the season in the second half after Sadio Mane and Kingsley Coman scored on either side of halftime to put Al Nassr in control.
Al Nassr was leading 2-1 when Ronaldo restored his team's two-goal cushion just past the hour mark, curling a free kick from the left side through traffic and into the net.
He added his second eight minutes from time, finishing high from close range to seal the result as celebrations began. Visibly emotional, the five-time Ballon d’Or winner was taken off to a standing ovation with three minutes remaining.
NIt is Al Nassr’s 11th league title and first since 2019.
Agencies