RIYADH, Saudi Arabia (AP) — Cristiano Ronaldo has finally won a big trophy with Al Nasr.
The 41-year-old Portuguese star helped Al Nasr win the Saudi Professional League title by scoring twice in a 4-1 win over Damac on Thursday. This is the team’s first major trophy since Ronaldo arrived more than three years ago.
Ronaldo after being presented with the trophy Posted a social media video “It means a lot to us,” he wrote of himself and his team. It also included the word “Yara Nasr,” which, translated from Arabic, means “Come on, al-Nasr!” This is a popular cheer for the team’s fans.
Ronaldo lifted the trophy just two days after taking over. Named on Portugal national team roster for world cupthis would mark his record sixth appearance in the tournament.
The victory secured Al Nasr the top spot, two points behind city rivals Al Hilal, who finished second despite finishing the season unbeaten in 34 games.
Sadio Mane and Kingsley Coman scored on either side of half-time to give Al Nasr the lead, before Ronaldo scored his 27th and 28th league goals of the season in the second half.
With Al Nasr leading 2-1, Ronaldo restored his team’s two-goal cushion just past the hour mark, slotting a free-kick from the left through traffic.
He added his second with eight minutes remaining, scoring from close range to seal the result as celebrations began. Visibly emotional, the five-time Ballon d’Or winner received a standing ovation with three minutes remaining.
This is Al Nasr’s 11th league victory, and the first since 2019.
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