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Cristiano Ronaldo has won his first title in Saudi Arabia, scoring twice in Al Nassr’s 2-1 victory over Al-Hilal in the Arab Club Champions Cup final. This achievement marks Ronaldo’s biggest success since joining the club and the team’s first-ever title in the tournament. Ronaldo signed a lucrative deal with Al Nassr in December 2022, part of Saudi Arabia’s effort to boost its soccer league with high-profile signings. Despite an injury during the match, Ronaldo appeared in good spirits and celebrated with the trophy. Al Nassr’s next match is against Al Ettifaq in the Saudi Pro League opener. Jack Baer reported
Lionel Messi is excelling in MLS, while Cristiano Ronaldo has recently secured his first championship in Saudi Arabia.
The former Real Madrid superstar scored two goals in Al Nassr’s 2-1 victory over Al-Hilal in the final of the Arab Club Champions Cup. This triumph marks Ronaldo’s most significant accomplishment since joining Saudi Arabia and represents the club’s inaugural title in the competition.
The winning goal came in the 98th minute, during a period when Al Nassr was playing with only 10 players.
Ronaldo signed a contract worth over $200 million per year in December 2022. This move was part of Saudi Arabia’s strategy to strengthen its soccer league by attracting renowned players with lucrative offers, aiming to elevate the country’s global standing through sports.
Messi declined an offer reportedly twice as lucrative as Ronaldo’s, but other notable players such as Karim Benzema, Roberto Firmino, N’Golo Kanté, Edouard Mendy, Ruben Neves, and Jota were more willing to join. On Saturday, Ronaldo played alongside Sadio Mané, Seko Fofana, and Marcelo Brozović, among others.
Al Hilal took the lead with a goal from Michael in the 51st minute. Michael imitated Ronaldo’s signature celebration, which turned out to be rather futile as Ronaldo equalized in the 74th minute and ultimately secured the victory in extra time.
Ronaldo claimed the tournament’s golden boot with six goals. However, his joy was tempered by a few minutes after his second goal when he had to be carried off the field due to an injury. Nevertheless, he appeared to be in high spirits while celebrating with the trophy and on social media after the match, implying that the injury may not be severe.
Ronaldo and Al Nassr will have little time to revel in their success as they are scheduled to play their Saudi Pro League opener against Al Ettifaq on Monday.
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