It’s just a matter of time before Al Nassr resumes its 2024/25 campaign. A short international break saw the club action on hold but now the Knights of the Najd will gear up for their Saudi Pro League Matchday 3 clash against Al Ahli Saudi. As the anticipation of the match reaches the climax, a question looms whether star player Cristiano Ronaldo will make an appearance at the Al Awwal Park.

The Portuguese superstar also caught a flight at the start of this month to reunite with his beloved nation for the UEFA Nations League. However, now that he has returned, fans can expect him in action. Cristiano Ronaldo will play tonight against Al Ahli Saudi. Wearing the skipper’s armband, he will be hoping to score some goals and help clinch the crucial three points, just like he did over the weekend for his nation.

Wearing the red jersey for Os Navegadores was expected to be hard for the 39-year-old after he endured a disappointing UEFA Euro campaign, having been knocked out within the quarter-finals and even maintaining a goalless streak. However, unlike the European championship, the Nations League proved favorable, as he finally found the goal for Portugal.

The opening group stage fixture against Croatia saw Roberto Martinez’s side win 2-1, with Ronaldo even getting his name on the scoresheet. That was his 900th career goal. The subsequent match against Scotland was also won by Portugal with a similar scoreline, where CR7 had again managed to find the back of the net.

Even before leaving for the international break, Cristiano had opened his account for Al Nassr twice. He scored the only goal in the opening league fixture that ended in a 1-1 draw against Al Reid. Then, the last match against Al Feiha again saw Ronaldo get his name on the scoresheet which helped Al Nassr register a 1-4 victory.

Certainly, the former Real Madrid superstar would be looking to keep up his goal-scoring form in today’s fixture. After all, this is a season where everything is at stake.

This is a make-or-break season for Cristiano Ronaldo and Al Nassr

Ever since arriving in the winter of 2022, Cristiano Ronaldo has managed to give his everything yet nothing for Al Nassr. Sure, being the top scorer of the 2023/24 campaign with 35 goals, along with a tally of 14 during his debut mid-season in 2022/23, are numbers one may consider phenomenal. But they are impressive only on an individual level.

On the collective front, things have been uncertain for the Saudi giants. Twice they came close to winning the Roshn Saudi League. Meanwhile, luck has also been absent in other domestic competitions like the Saudi Super Cup, AFC Champions League, etc. In terms of silverware, Ronaldo has only lifted the Arab Club Champions Cup.

This season is undoubtedly a significant one, not just for Al Nassr but especially for Cristiano Ronaldo. If the Manchester United icon finishes this season empty-handed, his time in the Middle East won’t be considered a successful one.