Cristiano Ronaldo Aims to Win His First Major Title in Saudi Arabia

After taking a short break, Cristiano Ronaldo is back and focused on winning his first major trophy in Saudi Arabia.

The 40-year-old striker had an amazing season last year, scoring 35 goals in the Saudi Pro League – a new record. He’s performing well again this season, but since joining Al-Nassr in December 2022, he has not won any major titles.

Ronaldo’s team, Al-Nassr, will play Yokohama F. Marinos from Japan in the AFC Champions League Elite Quarterfinal on Saturday. Despite being one of Saudi Arabia’s top clubs, Al-Nassr has never won a continental trophy.

The match will take place in Jeddah, so Al-Nassr hopes to use the home ground advantage. Ronaldo was given a rest during their last league match so he could be fully ready for this important game.

Strong Squad and High Hopes

Coach Stefano Pioli has a strong team that includes:

• Jhon Durán (signed from Aston Villa for $100 million)
• Former Liverpool star Sadio Mané
• Spanish defender Aymeric Laporte

On Tuesday, Pioli said, “Our full focus is now on Asia. We’ve worked hard for this and I’m happy with how the players are performing.”

Yokohama’s Struggles

Yokohama F. Marinos lost in last year’s final and are currently last in the Japanese league. They have earned just two points from their last seven matches.

Recently, the club fired assistant coach Steve Holland, who still had four months left on his contract. Australian coach Patrick Kisnorbo has been appointed as the interim head coach.

Other Saudi Clubs in the Race

Another Saudi team, Al-Hilal, has already won the AFC title four times. On Friday, they will play Gwangju FC from South Korea, who are making their first appearance in the tournament.

Al-Hilal is finding it tough to reach the top of the domestic league, so their main focus is now the AFC Champions League. Coach Jorge Jesus said, “Winning this trophy is my personal dream, and also the dream of our fans and club president. We will fight to win every game.”

A third Saudi club, Al-Ahli, has reached the final twice in the past. They will face Buriram United from Thailand in the quarterfinal. The final will take place on May 3 in Jeddah.

Only one quarterfinal match does not include a Saudi club—that will be played on Sunday between Al-Sadd (Qatar) and Kawasaki Frontale (Japan). Kawasaki is still searching for their first continental title.