Cristiano Ronaldo became visibly emotional after Al Nassr clinched the Saudi Pro League title on the evening of 21/5. Following his goal that extended Al Nassr's lead to 4-1 in the 81st minute against Damac, Ronaldo spun, lay on his back on the field, and began to cry in front of the Al-Awwal Park stands. As he rose, the Portuguese forward covered his face with both hands, repeatedly wiping away tears while walking back to the center line.
After his substitution in the 87th minute, Ronaldo continued to wipe tears in the technical area, head bowed. Teammates embraced and honored him. Despite his tears, the 41-year-old superstar was seen smiling, indicating tears of joy. This victory over Damac ended Ronaldo's five-year drought without an official club title.
Ronaldo cries in the technical area.
This marks Ronaldo's first championship since his move to Saudi Arabia in late 2022, excluding the Arab Club Champions Cup, which is often regarded as a friendly tournament. In the three preceding seasons, Al Nassr finished second twice and third once. Despite boasting a roster of stars like Sadio Mane, Joao Felix, and Aymeric Laporte, the club consistently missed out on titles in the AFC Champions League Elite, AFC Champions League Two, King Cup, and Saudi Super Cup.
During the post-match celebrations, Al Nassr fans chanted "Siuuu" and cheered for their captain. Ronaldo knelt on one knee, playing a drum to entertain the supporters.
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Cristiano Ronaldo cries after scoring in the Saudi Pro League match between Al Nassr and Damac at Al-Awwal Park, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia on 21/5. Photo: AFP
During the trophy ceremony, Ronaldo's series of hand gestures towards the stands and cameras also drew attention. Many fans on social media speculated he was responding to criticisms about his three-year tenure in Saudi Arabia without a title, though Ronaldo offered no explanation for his actions.
In the decisive match against Damac, Ronaldo scored two goals, including a successful free-kick. He concluded the season with 28 goals in 29 Saudi Pro League matches, despite missing several games due to disagreements with team and league management.
Al Nassr finished the season with 86 points, two points ahead of runner-up Al Hilal. The team secured 28 wins and scored 91 goals, both league-best performances. Al Hilal, despite finishing the season undefeated, placed second.
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Ronaldo and his Al Nassr teammates lift the Saudi Pro League championship trophy after defeating Damac at Al-Awwal Park, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia on 21/5. Photo: Reuters
Ronaldo's emotional display also sparked extensive discussion on Reddit. User vloneman29 wrote, "He lives for moments like these," a comment that garnered thousands of likes.
User Objective_Toe_49 commented, "You really have to respect his dedication to football."
Many fans highlighted Ronaldo's continued hunger for victory at 41 years old, despite having won nearly every major title in his career. User Fairbyyy remarked, "He's won five Champions Leagues and five Ballons d'Or, but he still fights his heart out in the Saudi League."
Meanwhile, IPissExcellentThrows, who identified as an "anti-Ronaldo", also admitted, "Even the biggest Ronaldo haters cannot deny his passion."
