Cristiano Ronaldo, the 38-year-old Portuguese forward, delivered two assists in a single match for Al-Nasr for the first time in more than four years. His precise passes helped carve out a 2-1 victory against Al-Taawun in the Saudi Pro League, marking a rare double-setup in the same game since his Juventus days. The last time Ronaldo registered two assists was on September 29, 2018, when he starred for Juventus in a 3-0 win over Napoli.
In the recent clash, Ronaldo set up Abdulrahman Ghareb and defender Abdullah Madou, steering Al-Nasr to a hard-earned home win that solidified their position at the top of the table with 40 points. The result underscored Ronaldo’s continued influence in the Saudi league, where he has been a transformative presence since arriving in January 2023 and signing a high-profile deal reported to be worth €200 million per year, with additional bonuses rumored for the player and his family.
The victory extended Al-Nasr’s lead, and Ronaldo’s performance drew attention to his evolving role within the squad as they pursue domestic glory and potential continental success. The team’s ascent to first place reflects not only tactical cohesion but also Ronaldo’s ability to contribute in decisive moments, whether through scoring or setting up teammates in key situations.
Ronaldo’s career arc remains remarkable: after parting ways with Manchester United in November 2022 amid a controversial interview criticizing leadership and staff, he continued his career abroad and quickly became a central figure for Al-Nasr. The move marked a new chapter in his long and storied professional journey, with ongoing discussions about his impact both on and off the pitch, including sponsorships, brand visibility, and the broader appeal of the Saudi Pro League.
As the season progresses, Ronaldo’s dual assists against Al-Taawun are being viewed as a signal of his adaptability and enduring playmaking capabilities. The goal of Al-Nasr’s coaching staff remains clear: leverage Ronaldo’s experience to drive team performance, while integrating newer teammates into a system designed to compete at the highest levels in the region. This approach continues to fuel speculation about how far the club can go in domestic competitions and whether they can translate that momentum into continental success in the near term.
Ronaldo’s leadership presence on the field has often translated into more than just goals and assists. His movement, spatial awareness, and ability to dictate tempo have frequently created scoring chances for others, even as he adds to his own prolific career tally. For fans and analysts, the latest display against Al-Taawun reinforces the perception of Ronaldo as a catalyst for teammates, capable of elevating ordinary plays into decisive moments that can tilt matches in Al-Nasr’s favor.