How Al Hilal’s Form is Forcing Cristiano Ronaldo Into a Trophyless Season With Al Nassr Again

Cristiano Ronaldo’s blockbuster move to Al Nassr was initially thought to herald a golden age for the Riyadh side and was expected to usher in a glut of silverware. However, this dream has not materialized, not least for Cristiano himself, despite his impressive goalscoring form.

While Ronaldo has been worth every penny Al Nassr paid to lure him to the Middle East, the Saudi Pro League has eluded him since he pitched camp in Riyadh. This is a unique anomaly for a player who has won almost every tournament he has ever competed in.

This failure is especially stark given the 39-year-old has notched 32 goals in 27 league games, streets ahead of his nearest challengers, Al Hilal’s Aleksandar Mitrovic.

The biggest obstacle this season has been Al Hilal. Jorge Jesus’ side spent £300 million last summer to recruit some of the best talent in world football, including Neymar, PSG’s and Brazil’s talisman attacker.

The results have been brilliant. They have been unbeaten the whole season, leading Al Nassr by 12 points. They are a few wins away from clinching the Saudi Pro League title and wrestling it from Al Ittihad.

Al Hilal have broken records across the season, including securing 28 consecutive wins. As Jorge Jesus and his charges close in on an incredible title and a potential domestic treble, Cristiano Ronaldo is staring at a potentially trophyless season.

The two sides will meet in the King’s Cup of Champions, with Al Hilal installed as early favorites. Al Nassr must rethink their approach and improve the team around Ronaldo if he is to win a maiden Saudi Pro League title next season.