Cristiano Ronaldo wins first Saudi Pro League title for Al-Nassr

The season has not been without controversy.

In February, Ronaldo missed two league games, reportedly amid concerns over how PIF has run the club compared to Al-Hilal. Others, however, believe the league favours him.

Al-Ahli’s Toney and Brazilian winger Galeno are among those who have accused the league of favouring Ronaldo and Al-Nassr.

Ronaldo responded: “I think this is not good for the league. Everyone complains. This is football, this is not a war… but not everything is allowed. I am going to speak at the end of the season because I’ve seen many, many bad things.

“Many players have complained, doing posts on Instagram, on Facebook, speaking about the referees, speaking about the league, speaking about the project. This is not good. This is not the goal of the league.”

The overall Saudi Arabian sports project has come into question of late.

In April, PIF announced it would stop funding LIV Golf at the end of the current season.

In January, the 2029 Winter Asian Games that were due to be held in the country were postponed indefinitely.

It has also been reported that the WTA’s season-ending tennis finals will be leaving Saudi Arabia after its three-year deal with the country ends this year.

In football too, the days when the media was full of rumours and reports about big-name players heading to the Saudi Pro League have gone.

“Ronaldo’s and Al-Nassr’s shared achievement may also bring some much-needed impetus to Saudi Arabian football, which of late has somewhat struggled to sustain the hype and appeal of three years ago,” Chadwick said.

There are still significant signings: Al-Qadsiah paid about £57m for Italian striker Mateo Retegui last summer and Al-Hilal splashed out about £46m on Darwin Nunez.

But, compared to the peak of 2023, there is more focus on bringing in younger players with sell-on value.

According to sources in Riyadh, there are still funds available for the right veteran superstar such as Mohamed Salah. The Egyptian, leaving Liverpool in the summer, is wanted by Al-Ittihad – but only if the price is right.

While Ronaldo’s triumph may be seen by some as vindication for all the spending, it could also be seen as a last hurrah of a bygone era when Saudi Arabian teams spent £700m in a single transfer window.

What happens next is up for debate.

“It is now for all the clubs, the league and the country’s decision-makers to capitalise upon the success that Ronaldo has helped to deliver,” said Chadwick.

For the moment, however, the yellow half of Riyadh and Ronaldo’s global fanbase have much to celebrate.