In a high-stakes Saudi Pro League clash, Al-Nasr secured a home victory over Al-Ittihad in the 34th round, edging out their rivals with a 4-2 scoreline. The game was defined by a standout performance from Cristiano Ronaldo, who struck twice to help his team clinch the win. Those goals marked his 34th and 35th of the season, pushing his personal tally to a record-high for league play in the Saudi championship.
Ronaldo’s brace not only delighted the Al-Nasr fans but also surpassed a long-standing benchmark held by Moroccan forward Abderrazak Hamdallah, who had previously set the season mark with 34 goals for Al-Nasr in the 2018/19 campaign. The Portuguese star’s achievement underscores his continued impact in a league that has welcomed several high-profile names in recent years. This milestone came at a moment that highlighted Ronaldo’s enduring consistency and his ability to deliver in big matches.
Ronaldo’s move to Al-Nasr on January 2, 2023, brought a lucrative contract reported to be worth €200 million per year, along with additional bonuses and incentives linked to performance and milestones. The transfer occurred after Ronaldo ended his stint with Manchester United, a decision driven by disagreements with the club’s management and coaching staff at the time. The switch to Saudi football represented a new chapter that blended competitive ambition with substantial commercial opportunities for the player and the league alike.
Prior to his arrival in the Middle East, Ronaldo spent the bulk of his career in Europe, with nine years at Real Madrid and three seasons at Juventus in Turin. Over the years, he earned multiple Ballon d’Or awards and played a pivotal role in Real Madrid’s towering success in the UEFA Champions League, where he contributed to five title-winning campaigns. His career also includes domestic league triumphs, records, and a reputation for performing on the sport’s biggest stages.
As the Saudi league continues to evolve, Ronaldo’s presence helps raise the profile of the league globally and draws attention to its developing football infrastructure. Observers anticipate a continued influence on both the tactical and commercial dimensions of the competition, with clubs keen to leverage the star power to attract sponsorships, broadcasting deals, and higher-quality competition. This period of Ronaldo’s career is often examined in the context of how veteran players adapt to new leagues and how such moves affect the broader football ecosystem. (Citation: ESPN) (Citation: Reuters) (Citation: The Athletic)