The level of fan support for the Saudi Pro League right now hits differently. The arrival of Cristiano Ronaldo boosted the league’s popularity, with people watching the games and the merchandising sales blowing through the roof. In fact, the serial winner continues to draw plaudits for his persona on the pitch while also off it. This caused His Excellency Counselor Turki Al-Sheikh to give him respect for his achievements.
He won his first trophy with Al Nassr by winning the Arab Club Champions Cup, scoring two goals in the final. He got those goals in extra time to give the team a sensational victory by defeating Neymar’s Al Hilal. Due to his transfer, other world-class players joined the Saudi Arabian clubs, boosting the league’s popularity. Therefore, one cannot blink away the stunning soccer player’s influence.
Cristiano Ronaldo draws plaudits from the hierarchy
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In the final, Al Nassr was down to ten men after receiving a red card. But Ronaldo rallied back and helped the team to score a sensational victory. After going trophyless in the first season, he guided the team to claim their first Arab Club Champions Cup. Because of this, His Excellency Counselor Turki Al-Sheikh mentioned about his impact.
He stated, “Al-Nasr has the greatest player in history, and it is our duty to celebrate Al-Nasr Club after achieving the Arab Championship.”
Ronaldo’s arrival marked the first time a talent of his caliber joined a Saudi club. He moved to Manchester United in 2021 and became the club’s top scorer. But, his second homecoming failed to materialize as he fell out with manager Erik Ten Hag. Following that, he gave an explosive interview with Piers Morgan, detailing the issues with the club.
The Red Devils terminated his contract as he joined Al Nassr in January 2022. Thus, things became complicated, but the Saudi Pro League got one of the greatest players to play the game.
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Can he win the league with Al Nassr?
With the club winning six games in a row, Al Nassr is the team to beat in the league. They are the most in-form team, with Ronaldo leading his teammates from the front. Other players like Sadio Mane, Marcelo Brozovic, and Alex Telles have improved the squad to greater heights.
After failing to land a trophy in his first season, Ronaldo looks like a man possessed to win multiple cups this year. Can he do it? Only time will tell!
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