Two years on from his groundbreaking move to the Saudi Pro League, Cristiano Ronaldo has spoken of his dream of winning more major silverware with his club Al Nassr – and helping to push the league to the next level.
The five-time Ballon d'Or winner's switch to the SPL inspired a string of world-class stars, such as Karim Benzema, Neymar, Riyad Mahrez, Roberto Firmino and N'Golo Kante to follow in his footsteps.
The influx of big-name players to Saudi Arabia that followed in the three transfer windows after he signed for Nassr, coupled with the launch of the SPL Transformation Strategy in early 2023, propelled the league to the forefront of the world football stage.
Two years on, the SPL is now broadcast in 160 countries around the world and its social media followers have grown by 205 per cent, while its 18 clubs combined gained 45 million new followers. Neymar, another marquee addition to the league, has publicly credited Ronaldo as a “trailblazer”.
On the second anniversary of his momentous move, Portuguese superstar Ronaldo says it is an honour to compete in the league and that he and his family are happy with their new life in the Gulf nation.
“I’m happy and my family is happy. We started a new life in this beautiful country,” the 39-year-old said in an interview with the SPL.
“Life is good, football is good. In terms of individual and collective we are still there; we are still improving.”
International football’s all-time top scorer enjoyed a stellar first full season in the SPL, breaking the competition’s record for most goals in a single season in the 2023/24 campaign.
His 35 goals in 31 matches earned Ronaldo the season’s golden boot, but for all his supreme efforts, Al Nassr finished second behind their Riyadh rivals Al Hilal, who went unbeaten through the campaign to clinch the title.
This time around, it is Jeddah-based Al Ittihad, captained by former Real Madrid teammate Karim Benzema, who are leading the table heading into 2025. Ronaldo, who ranks as Madrid’s all-time leading scorer, with Benzema second, acknowledged the competitive nature of the league, but vowed to guide his club to glory in the next couple of years.
“It’s hard to compete with teams like Al Hilal and Al Ittihad, but we are still there, still pushing and fighting,” Ronaldo said. “Football is like that; you have good moments and bad moments but, for me, the most important thing is to be professional, to push hard, respect the club, respect your contract and believe that things will change – for Al Nassr to try to win more titles.
“The [AFC] Champions League is something I want to win for the club, but the most important is to keep pushing and be professional.”
But Ronaldo’s influence is felt far beyond the pitch. The Madeira native is the most followed celebrity on social media and, since the launch of his channel on YouTube in July, he has taken his total followers above the one-billion mark.
Ronaldo’s trademark No 7 shirt can be seen worn across the world and several major international stars have cited his presence as a key factor in their decision to join the SPL.
“People look at Cristiano as an example, not just inside the pitch, but also outside,” said the Al Nassr star, emphasising the responsibility that comes with his unrivalled status.
It represents a position Ronaldo is keen on using for the betterment of the sport in Saudi Arabia well beyond his playing days.
Ronaldo sets new SPL goals record
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Cristiano Ronaldo celebrates scoring his and Al Nassr's second goal in a 4-2 win over Al Ittihad. Reuters -
Cristiano Ronaldo's second goal in the 4-2 win over Al Ittihad lifted him to 35 goals, a new Saudi Pro League record. Getty -
Cristiano Ronaldo in trademark celebration after the first of his goals at Al Awwal Park in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Getty -
Cristiano Ronaldo of Al Nassr celebrates after scoring against Al Ittihad. Getty -
Cristiano Ronaldo of Al Nassr celebrates. Getty -
Teammates congratulate Cristiano Ronaldo after the Portuguese opened the scoring against Al Ittihad. Reuters -
Cristiano Ronaldo had two earlier goals disallowed before bagging a brace in Al Nassr's 4-2 win over Al Ittihad. Reuters -
Cristiano Ronaldo reacts after a goal was disallowed for offside. Getty -
Al Nassr's Cristiano Ronaldo takes a drinks break during the game against Al Ittihad. Reuters -
Al Ittihad defender Saad Al Mousa up against Al Nassr's Cristiano Ronaldo. AFP
“For me, it is an honour that the league is growing and many star players are coming to make the league even better and more competitive,” he said. “To be the first one – let’s say a star – to come here is an honour, but what I’m looking forward to is the next five-10 years of the league still improving – not only the first teams but also the academies.
“Not just for the future of the Saudi [players] and the league, but for the country and to compete with other leagues, this is my dream. And this is what I will try to help the country and league reach and be there at that level.”
While the SPL title has so far eluded Ronaldo, there was never a doubt that the man who has won five Uefa Champions Leagues among his countless accolades, would opt for his first piece of silverware in Saudi Arabia as his favourite moment in an Al Nassr shirt.
“Probably when we won the first title [the 2023 King Salman Arab Club Cup, in which he scored both goals in the 2-1 victory against Al Hilal to capture the crown],” Ronaldo said. “The final against Al Hilal was probably the most intense one that we lived.
“You know, when you win titles, things come easier, and to have the privilege to win in my first year here my first trophy was amazing.
“But I want more. I will continue to push and help my team Al Nassr to win titles. I believe that this year will be a good year for Al Nassr, inshallah.”
