Cristiano Ronaldo's Trophy Drought Extends as Al Nassr Exit King's Cup

Riyadh – Cristiano Ronaldo’s wait for silverware in Saudi Arabia continues after Al Nassr were eliminated from the King’s Cup. The defeat marks another missed opportunity for the Portuguese star to add to his illustrious trophy cabinet since joining the Riyadh-based club.

Al Nassr’s exit from the King’s Cup came in the Round of 16 on Wednesday, October 29, 2025, at the hands of Al Ittihad. In a tightly contested match at Al Awwal Stadium, Al Ittihad secured a 2-1 victory, ending Al Nassr’s hopes in the competition.

Karim Benzema and Houssem Aouar scored the goals for Al Ittihad, while Angelo Gabriel managed to pull one back for Al Nassr. Despite playing the full match, Ronaldo, now 40 years old, was unable to make a decisive impact, missing a crucial one-on-one opportunity that could have altered the game’s trajectory.

This defeat mirrors Al Nassr’s performance in the previous season, where they were also eliminated in the Round of 16 of the King’s Cup. It also extends Ronaldo’s barren run in Saudi Arabian football. Since his arrival in early 2023, the former Manchester United and Real Madrid forward has yet to win a major competitive trophy with Al Nassr.

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Ronaldo has participated in a total of 13 official competitions with Al Nassr, experiencing multiple near misses. These include three final defeats and two runner-up finishes in the Saudi Pro League. The King’s Cup and Saudi Super Cup have been particular sources of disappointment for the five-time Ballon d’Or winner. He suffered a defeat in the 2024 King’s Cup final and has lost in consecutive Saudi Super Cup finals in 2024 and 2025.

Al Nassr’s Performance in Recent Seasons

Since Ronaldo’s arrival, Al Nassr have aimed to re-establish themselves as a dominant force in Saudi Arabian football. However, they have consistently fallen short in major competitions.

In the 2022/2023 season, Al Nassr finished as runners-up in the Saudi Pro League, with Al Ittihad claiming the title. They were also eliminated in the semi-finals of the King’s Cup by Al Wehda and in the semi-finals of the Saudi Super Cup by Al Ittihad.

The 2023/2024 season saw Al Nassr once again finish as runners-up in the Saudi Pro League, this time behind Al Hilal. They also lost in the final of the King’s Cup to Al Hilal and were eliminated in the semi-finals of the Saudi Super Cup, again by Al Hilal. Their campaign in the AFC Champions League ended in the quarter-finals with a defeat to Al Ain. However, they did manage to win the Arab Club Champions Cup, a non-official competition.

In the 2024/2025 season, Al Nassr’s struggles continued as they finished third in the Saudi Pro League, with Al Ittihad winning the title. They were eliminated in the Round of 16 of the King’s Cup by Al Taawoun and lost in the final of the Saudi Super Cup to Al Hilal. Their participation in the Saudi Champions League concluded in the semi-finals with a defeat to Kawasaki Frontale.

Currently, in the 2025/2026 season, Al Nassr are leading the Saudi Pro League standings with 18 points from 6 matches. However, their early exit from the King’s Cup adds pressure to their league campaign. They are also currently leading Group D in the AFC Champions League after three matchdays.

Ronaldo’s Individual Performance

Despite the team’s struggles, Ronaldo has maintained a high level of individual performance. He has consistently been among the top scorers in the Saudi Pro League and has also contributed significantly in other competitions. However, his individual brilliance has not translated into team success, leading to frustration for both the player and the club’s supporters.

Statistical Overview of Ronaldo’s Tenure at Al Nassr:

Saudi Pro League:
- 2022/2023: Runner-up
- 2023/2024: Runner-up
- 2024/2025: 3rd Place
- 2025/2026: 1st Place (Ongoing)
King’s Cup:
- 2022/2023: Semi-finals
- 2023/2024: Runner-up
- 2024/2025: Round of 16
- 2025/2026: Round of 16
Saudi Super Cup:
- 2022/2023: Semi-finals
- 2023/2024: Semi-finals
- 2024/2025: Runner-up
AFC Champions League:
- 2023/2024: Quarter-finals
- 2025/2026: Group Stage (Ongoing)
Arab Club Champions Cup:
- 2023: Winner (Non-Official)

Upcoming Fixtures and Prospects

Al Nassr’s immediate focus will now shift to the Saudi Pro League and the AFC Champions League. The team is aiming to maintain its lead in the league and progress further in the continental competition.

Their upcoming fixtures in the Saudi Pro League include challenging matches against Al Hilal and Al Ahli, which will be crucial in determining their title aspirations. In the AFC Champions League, they will face tough opponents in the group stage as they seek to secure a spot in the knockout rounds.

Analysis and Expert Opinions

Sports analysts and football pundits have offered various perspectives on Al Nassr’s struggles and Ronaldo’s trophy drought. Some argue that the team’s overall quality and tactical approach need improvement to match Ronaldo’s individual brilliance. Others point to the increasing competitiveness of the Saudi Pro League, with other clubs investing heavily in top-quality players.

"Al Nassr have undoubtedly improved since Ronaldo’s arrival, but they still lack the cohesion and tactical flexibility to consistently win major trophies," said Ahmed Al-Qahtani, a prominent Saudi football analyst. "The other teams in the league have also strengthened, making it more challenging for Al Nassr to dominate."

The Road Ahead

The 2025/2026 Saudi Pro League season presents Ronaldo with his best opportunity to end his trophy drought in Saudi Arabia. Al Nassr currently lead the league standings with 18 points from 6 matches, demonstrating their ambition and potential.

However, the competition remains fierce, with Al Hilal, Al Ahli, and Al Ittihad all vying for the title. Al Nassr will need to maintain their consistency and improve their performance in crucial matches to achieve their goal.

The AFC Champions League also offers another avenue for Al Nassr to win a major trophy. The team is determined to make a significant impact in the competition and progress further than they did in the previous season.

Conclusion

Cristiano Ronaldo’s wait for silverware in Saudi Arabia continues, but his determination and Al Nassr’s ambition remain unwavering. The team will need to overcome their recent setbacks and improve their overall performance to achieve their goals. As the Saudi Pro League season progresses and the AFC Champions League campaign unfolds, all eyes will be on Ronaldo and Al Nassr as they seek to end their trophy drought and establish themselves as a dominant force in Saudi Arabian football.

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Ahmad Zein Salamo: Ahmad Zein Salamo is a dedicated football journalist at Sports News Break, covering the global game with a sharp eye for detail and passion for storytelling. With years of experience following Europe’s top leagues and international tournaments, he delivers insightful analysis, match previews, and breaking news with journalistic integrity and depth.

His reporting combines tactical understanding with a human perspective, highlighting not only the drama on the pitch but also the stories that shape the sport beyond it. From Champions League nights to grassroots football, Ahmad’s work reflects a true love for the beautiful game and a commitment to bringing readers closer to the action.