The impact of Cristiano Ronaldo at Al Nassr does not end at goals and the veteran forward inspired his team after the completion of their uninterrupted Saudi Pro league performance. The 2-2 game with Al Ettifaq can have prevented the historic streak yet strengthened the position of Al Nassr as serious title contenders before 2026.
At the start of the 2025-26 season, Matchday 12, Al Nassr was leading their first ten league games and this marked a new milestone in SPL history. Their visit to Al Ettifaq was not easy and the hosts had been scored twice by Georginio Wijnaldum. Ronaldo was able to score in a strange manner, as he deflected a Joao Felix shot into the net, however, it was in vain to win another match.
Nonetheless, Al Nassr is still at the top of the league table with 31 points having played 11 games. They lead Al Taawoun by three points and defending champions Al Hilal are at the back with 26 points and another match to go. The positions depict a title race which is firmly held by Al Nassr.
The reaction of Ronaldo at the end of the game attracted attention because the man preferred to be positive when he felt frustrated. In a social media post, the 5-time Ballon d’Or winner focused on direction and discipline and said that the team knows what needs to be done in 2026. The message was oriented towards leadership and long-term aspiration over short-term disillusionment.
Al Nassr will start playing league again in January 2, 2013, with Al Ahli at King Abdullah Sports City. When the season is at one of its critical stages, one would anticipate that the leadership and experience of Ronaldo will stand out decisively as the club tries to transform a historic start into a club winning season.
