Since joining Al-Nassr in early 2023, Cristiano Ronaldo has emerged as the team's top star, setting numerous records and performing amazing exploits. His supporters expected him to win prizes immediately, but the reality has been more complex.
Ronaldo's ability to score goals is still amazing, and he has improved the club's reputation abroad. Even with his special genius, Al-Nassr's large prize cabinet has seldom expanded. The team has lost three straight local tournament finals, including the most recent 2025 Saudi Super Cup, where Ronaldo scored but was unable to save a penalty shootout defeat. The team has also been dangerously close on previous occasions.
Football is a team sport, after all. It's easy to blame a superstar when something goes wrong, but criticizing Ronaldo by himself ignores the many other factors at work, including coaching, injuries, team dynamics, and the level of competition. Al-Nassr's problems are a reflection of these complex problems rather than the fault of a single person.
In reality, Ronaldo is a vital member of a team that continues to strive for consistent success. The team's trophy drought is not a "Ronaldo problem," but rather a reminder that successful football requires collaboration.