Cristiano Ronaldo has finally broken his five-year major trophy drought, delivering a match-winning performance as Al-Nassr secured the 2025-26 Saudi Pro League title with a commanding 4-1 victory over Damac on Thursday night. The 41-year-old scored a stunning brace, including a free-kick finish from a tight angle that sparked scenes of jubilation at the stadium, to seal Al-Nassr's first league crown since 2019.
Jorge Jesus' side dominated proceedings against Damac to finish two points clear of arch-rivals Al-Hilal at the summit. Sadio Mane, the former Liverpool winger, broke the deadlock with a powerful header in the 35th minute before Kingsley Coman doubled the lead early in the second half with a clinical finish after a neat one-two combination. Damac halved the deficit through a Morlaye Sylla penalty, but Ronaldo ensured there would be no dramatic comeback.
Ronaldo's Redemption Moment
Ronaldo's free-kick triumph came with significant stakes attached. Al-Nassr entered the contest under immense pressure following their AFC Champions League 2 final defeat to Gamba Osaka just seven days earlier. The Portuguese legend's brace not only ended his personal silverware drought at club level but also rendered Al-Hilal's parallel 1-0 victory at Al-Fayha inconsequential. His second goal, a fierce close-range finish in the closing stages, confirmed Al-Nassr's dominance and title-clinching credentials.
End of a Long Wait
The significance of this trophy extends beyond the immediate context. Ronaldo's last major honour came via the Coppa Italia with Juventus in 2021, meaning his trophy drought stretched across nearly half a decade at the elite level. Since joining Al-Nassr in January 2023, he had only captured the Arab Club Champions Cup, an unofficial competition that could not satisfy his hunger for silverware. This Saudi Pro League title marks his first genuine major trophy on Saudi soil.
Fresh from a prolific 28-goal league campaign, Ronaldo now turns his attention to the international stage. Having been included in Portugal's squad for the 2026 World Cup in North America, the five-time Ballon d'Or winner will pursue the one trophy that has eluded him throughout his legendary career. Portugal's group stage campaign begins against DR Congo on June 17, followed by fixtures against Uzbekistan and Colombia.
