Ronaldo Secures First Saudi Pro League Title With Al-Nassr As Felix Reflects On The Struggles And Milestone

Cristiano Ronaldo finally lifted a Saudi Pro League title with Al-Nassr, and Joao Felix described the success as deeply emotional after watching Ronaldo battle for three seasons in Saudi Arabia without domestic league glory.

Al-Nassr sealed the crown with a 4-1 victory over Damac, where Ronaldo scored twice to secure the club’s first Saudi Pro League triumph since the 2018-19 campaign and end a long personal wait for the 41-year-old forward.

Sadio Mane opened the scoring for Jorge Jesus' team before half-time at Al-Awwal Park, then Kingsley Coman added a second seven minutes into the second half, yet Morlaye Sylla's 58th-minute penalty briefly raised Damac hopes until Ronaldo’s brace, including a free-kick soon after the hour, finished the contest.

Ronaldo ended the league season with 28 goals from 30 matches, ranking behind only Al-Ahli’s Ivan Toney with 32 and Al-Qadsiah’s Julian Quinones on 33, while the Al-Nassr captain also moved his career collection to 33 major trophies and was seen crying before the final whistle.

Joao Felix reflected on the scenes by highlighting Ronaldo’s effort across the campaign and the challenges of playing in Saudi Arabia, emphasising how the title meant more because of the pressure and criticism surrounding Al-Nassr and the squad during the season.

"It's special, as it was a time of much controversy. Winning with Al Nassr in Saudi Arabia isn't easy. People in Portugal probably don't know that," Joao Felix said. "There's a lot going on outside of football here. Al Nassr, unfortunately, is a small club, and it's difficult to win the league. We managed it. It'sa memorable day for theclub. Cris has been trying to win his first title here, mainly the league. I know, because I'm with him every day, what he suffered because of this. I know how much he wanted to win. I went to give him a hug. Best player in the Saudi league? There were many players who had good seasons. With Al Nassr being champions, I think it has to go to me or Cris."

Ronaldo shared the celebrations with supporters after the match and posted a message on social media as Al-Nassr fans recognised both the landmark title and the veteran forward’s influence during the Saudi Pro League campaign.

Saudi Pro League numbers for Ronaldo and Joao Felix

While Ronaldo finished behind Quinones and Toney in the scoring charts, Joao Felix also produced strong statistics across the Saudi Pro League season, combining goals and assists to become one of the most productive attacking players in the competition.

The forward, who joined Al-Nassr from Chelsea for a reported 26.5m nearly one year ago, reached 20 league goals and 13 assists, giving Joao Felix 33 direct goal contributions, with only Quinones on 37 and Toney with 39 recording higher totals during the 2025-26 campaign.

"There were doubts, but I worked every day to be the best I can be," Joao Felix said of his move to Al-Nassr, before explaining how the system and squad roles in the Saudi Pro League suited Joao Felix and helped deliver regular scoring chances.

"I found myself in an environment that greatly favoured me. The type of game, the position, the team-mates I had around me. It ended up being a fantastic season, which ended in the best way."

Saudi Pro League success and Joao Felix future focus

Joao Felix stressed that joining Al-Nassr was not a rushed call, outlining the thought process behind leaving Chelsea and committing fully to Saudi Arabia, where Joao Felix adapted quickly and played a central role in the Saudi Pro League title push.

"When I make a decision, I think about it. The opportunity to come to Al Nassr wasn't something I considered one day. From the moment I accepted, I went all in. Sometimes things go well, sometimes not.This time I think it went perfectly."

Despite the title party, Joao Felix kept attention on upcoming international duty, as Joao Felix had already been named in Portugal’s World Cup squad for what is expected to be Ronaldo’s final appearance at FIFA’s global tournament, with the nation still chasing a first world title.

"Now it's a few days to rest, enjoy time with family, a little bit in Portugal. We start again on the 1st. From then on, it's time to forget about the championship. Favourites for the World Cup? We want to do our best. It's game by game and things will naturally come together. We have a great group and with a bit of luck I believe we can win [the World Cup]."

The season therefore ends with Al-Nassr champions of the Saudi Pro League, Ronaldo finally a league winner in Saudi Arabia, and Joao Felix emerging as a leading figure for both club and country before shifting full attention to Portugal’s World Cup campaign.