Ronaldo faces another title test as Al-Nassr wobble before decisive derby
A season turning point
Cristiano Ronaldo arrived in Saudi Arabia as more than a marquee signing. According to Goal.com and reporting by Mark Doyle, the Portuguese forward was recruited as the public face of a broader sporting and commercial project backed by the country’s Public Investment Fund.
For much of this season, that plan appeared to be working. Al-Nassr surged to the top of the Saudi Pro League with a perfect record before the new year, combining attacking flair with defensive control. Ronaldo’s individual output has been prolific, 114 goals in 128 appearances since joining the club, but collective success has again proven elusive.
Despite their early dominance, Al-Nassr have yet to secure a major trophy during Ronaldo’s time in Riyadh.
Constant change on the bench
Stability has been hard to find off the pitch. Ronaldo is now playing under his fourth permanent head coach since his arrival in January 2023. According to Goal.com, the club’s leadership has repeatedly turned to managerial changes in search of a title winning formula.
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Jorge Jesus was appointed with that goal in mind after guiding Al-Hilal through an unbeaten league campaign last season. His impact at Al-Nassr was immediate, with 10 consecutive league wins and just five goals conceded during the opening months of the campaign.
The attacking combination of Ronaldo, Sadio Mane, Joao Felix and Kingsley Coman quickly became one of the most feared units in the league, offering pace, movement and finishing from multiple angles.
Momentum slips away
The first signs of trouble emerged in a 2,2 draw with Al-Ettifaq. Jesus rejected suggestions that the result reflected deeper issues, saying, “Sometimes you do everything right and still don’t win.”
Ronaldo struck a similar tone on social media, writing, “We are on the right path, and we know what we need to do in 2026!”
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That optimism faded quickly. Al-Nassr were beaten by Al-Ahli and then suffered a home defeat against Al-Qadsiah, with defensive mistakes and physical fatigue becoming increasingly apparent. After the loss to Al-Ahli, Jesus acknowledged the shortcomings, admitting, “We were poor defensively.”
Injuries, absences and pressure
Squad depth has since been tested. Mane’s absence at the Africa Cup of Nations and injuries in defence have disrupted the balance that defined Al-Nassr’s early season run. At the same time, Al-Hilal have gathered momentum, opening a clear lead at the top of the table.
According to Goal.com, defeat in the upcoming derby could leave Al-Nassr seven points adrift, a gap that would significantly complicate their title ambitions.
Ronaldo, however, has not softened his stance. Speaking to Arab News, he said, “Football is like this. You have good moments and bad moments. But the most important thing is to be professional and believe that things will change.”
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A derby that may define the campaign
The capital derby now carries weight far beyond local bragging rights. For Al-Nassr, it represents a chance to halt a slide, restore belief and keep the title race alive. For Ronaldo, it is another test of whether his Saudi chapter will ultimately be defined by goals alone or by silverware to match his reputation.
Sources: Goal.com, Arab News
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