Cristiano Ronaldo (41) has not won a single trophy with Saudi Arabian club Al Nassr since joining three and a half years ago. In the final of the Asian Champions League 2, a match between Al Nassr and Marcelo Brozović's club, and Japanese Gamba Osaka, Osaka emerged victorious, winning 1-0 despite Al Nassr's dominant first half. The goal was scored by Deniz Hummet from Turkey, and despite a long review for offside, the goal was confirmed. This made Osaka the first Japanese club to win the Asian Champions League 2 since its inception in 2004.
Ronaldo's Trophy Drought in Saudi Arabia
Al Nassr has not won a major title since Ronaldo's arrival in January 2023. Despite earning €200 million annually and scoring 121 goals in 141 matches, Ronaldo remains trophyless with the Saudi club. His latest disappointment came just four days after a bizarre own goal from a goalkeeper upended their chances of winning the Saudi league title. Following the final loss to Osaka, Ronaldo was visibly upset and left the post-match ceremony.
The Captain's Absence
Despite being the captain, Ronaldo did not attend the medal and trophy ceremony following the loss. While his coach and teammates collected their silver medals and congratulated the opponents, the frustrated Ronaldo headed to the locker room and did not return. Al Nassr will have another chance to secure their first trophy in Ronaldo's era in four days, facing Damac, who are fighting for their survival in the Saudi league.
It's heartbreaking to see Ronaldo go trophyless again. Will he ever lift a trophy in Saudi Arabia? Or is it time for him to find a new challenge? #Ronaldo #AlNassr