World

Ronaldo secures Al-Nassr’s first major title since 2019

After three years in Saudi Arabia, Cristiano Ronaldo has lifted the Saudi Pro League trophy, ending the club’s seven-year wait for a major honour.

Author
Adrian Cole
Political Correspondent
Published
Draft
Source: France 24 International · original
Cristiano Ronaldo finally wins his first major title with Al-Nassr
Portuguese forward scores twice in decisive final-day victory over Damac

Cristiano Ronaldo has secured his first major title with Al-Nassr, leading the club to a decisive victory against Damac on the final day of the Saudi Pro League season. The Portuguese forward scored twice in the match, a performance that crowned Al-Nassr champions for the first time since 2019.

The victory concludes a three-year tenure for Ronaldo in Saudi Arabia, marking a significant milestone in his career following his arrival at the club. By clinching the league title on the final day, the forward delivered a decisive contribution to the team’s success, ending a prolonged period without major silverware for the organisation.

Al-Nassr’s triumph represents a structural shift in the club’s recent history, breaking a drought that began when they last secured a major title in 2019. The win on 22 May 2026 establishes a new benchmark for the club’s competitive standing within the Saudi Pro League, validating their strategic direction over the past three seasons.

The match against Damac served as the definitive moment for the season, with Ronaldo’s two goals providing the margin of victory required to secure the championship. This result underscores the impact of individual performance on institutional outcomes, highlighting how key player contributions can directly influence league standings and trophy allocation.

While the focus remains on the Saudi Pro League outcome, the broader sports landscape on this date included other notable developments. German goalkeeper Manuel Neuer returned from international retirement to play for his national team at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, and Lens emerged as favourites for the French Cup final against OGC Nice. In tennis, Arthur Fils received a favourable draw at the French Open, avoiding a potential early clash with Jannik Sinner.

The Al-Nassr victory stands as a distinct event within this period of sporting activity, separating the club’s league success from other international competitions. The result confirms Ronaldo’s role in stabilising the team’s performance and delivering the hardware that had eluded the club for seven years.

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