At 39, Cristiano Ronaldo continues to excel at what he does best: scoring goals.
In Al-Nassr’s 2024/25 Saudi Pro League opener, Ronaldo struck first with a superb header, igniting hopes that with CR7 on the field, victory was certain. However, football’s unpredictable nature had other plans.
The 1-1 draw with Al-Raed at Al Awal Park left a sour taste. Ronaldo delivered, netting his 898th career goal, only to see another disallowed for offside.
Yet, his teammates failed to match his performance. Al-Nassr’s season kickoff was lackluster, revealing a worrying over-reliance on their Portuguese star.
The team seemed to expect Ronaldo to single-handedly solve every challenge.
But even legends need support. While Ronaldo’s talent and experience are undeniable, at 39, his physical capabilities are not what they once were.
This isn’t a criticism, but rather an acknowledgment of the unrealistic expectations placed on him.
To assume Ronaldo alone can elevate Al-Nassr to the pinnacle of Saudi football is, at best, unfair.
The draw against Al-Raed should serve as a wake-up call for Al-Nassr’s management and coaching staff. Relying solely on Ronaldo’s brilliance could backfire.
The team needs to invest in reinforcements, develop tactical alternatives, and, most importantly, share responsibilities on the pitch. Ronaldo’s talent should be a differentiator, not a crutch.
Despite having quality players like Sadio Mané, Al-Nassr lacks the balance required to be a truly competitive side.
The defense is shaky, the midfield lacks creativity, and the ball consistently finds its way to Ronaldo, to the detriment of the team’s overall performance. Against more organized opponents, this could prove costly.
Ronaldo, whose contract runs until June 2025, may reach the 1,000-goal milestone, but only if Al-Nassr can provide the necessary support.
His best scoring season was in 2014/15 with 61 goals for Real Madrid. Today, Ronaldo needs a team that complements his abilities, rather than relying entirely on them.
Al-Nassr’s next challenge is an away match against Al Feiha, where Ronaldo is expected to reach the historic 900-goal mark.
For that to happen, the team must perform far better than they did in the opener. Success in football requires more than just having the best player on the pitch; it requires playing, thinking, and winning as a team.
Cristiano Ronaldo’s presence in Saudi football undoubtedly raises the competition’s profile, attracting global attention and adding glamour to the league.
But glamour alone doesn’t win matches. The team must train hard, work together, and recognize that football is a team sport.
Ronaldo has proven this time and again throughout his career; now it’s Al-Nassr’s turn to step up. Even the greatest of kings needs the support of his knights.
