Ronaldo’s record, Gerrard’s woes & reduced crowds – what has happened in the Saudi Pro League?

Ronaldo’s goals were not enough to give Al-Nassr a tenth title as the Yellows finished the season second, 14 points behind Al-Hilal who swept to the title on the back of an impressive 34-game winning streak in all competitions. Once the Blues defeated Al-Nassr 3-0 in the Riyadh Derby in December, there was little doubt as to where the title was going.

All this was done without Neymar, their superstar forward. The 31-year-old ruptured his anterior cruciate ligament and meniscus in his left knee in October while playing for Brazil in a 2026 World Cup qualifier.

He is likely to miss the August start of next season. “He’s a star player, he possesses exceptional talent,” said Hilal coach Jorge Jesus. “He’s currently in a crucial phase of treatment, and we’re hopeful he might be ready to rejoin the team and start practising by September or October.”

Aleksandar Mitrovic, signed from Fulham, stepped up and scored 28 goals, linking up well with fellow Serbian Sergej Milinkovic-Savic, who chipped in with 11 from midfield. Throw in Ruben Neves, signed from Wolverhampton Wanderers, and Kalidou Koulibaly, a defensive addition from Chelsea, then it is no surprise that Hilal were too good for the rest.

Coach Jesus also has many Saudi Arabia national team stars at his disposal including Saud Abdulhamid and Asian Player of the Year Salem Al-Dawsari, scorer of the winning goal against Argentina at the 2022 World Cup.

“This season has been truly exceptional for the team – arguably our best ever.” said the Portuguese boss. “The credit goes to the immense talent within the squad and the incredible sense of unity that transcends both on and off-field interactions.”