Cristiano Ronaldo CR7 and Al-Nassr’s strong start: A complete analysis

When Cristiano Ronaldo joined Al-Nassr at the end of 2022, it was more than just a high-profile transfer. The move marked a new era in world football, where the Saudi Pro League began to attract global attention. Looking ahead to 2025, the 40-year-old Portuguese superstar is still proving his worth on the field. Al-Nassr has had a stellar start to the current season, and Ronaldo is central to their success.

In this blog, we will delve into Al-Nassr’s impressive start to the 2025-26 season, Ronaldo’s role, the team’s strengths, challenges, and what this means for Saudi football and the global game.

40-Year-Old Cristiano Ronaldo: Still Breaking Barriers

Many doubted how long Cristiano Ronaldo would be able to maintain his elite level after leaving Europe. Nevertheless, his hunger and physical fitness have enabled him to perform at the highest level. Ronaldo’s work ethic, training discipline, and competitive mentality have ensured that even at 40, he remains one of the world’s most dangerous forwards.

• He consistently scores goals, scoring two goals and a match-winning goal.
• His leadership, both on and off the field, inspires his younger teammates.
• His fitness level is incredible, allowing him to play week after week.

Ronaldo is not just a symbolic figure at Al-Nasr; he is their talisman, a player who sets the tone for the entire team.

Al-Nasr’s impressive start to the season

The 2025-26 Saudi Pro League season has been a stellar one for Al-Nasr. The club has won all of its opening matches, scoring a significant number of goals and dominating its opponents. The recent 5-1 victory over Al-Riyadh showcased the team’s offensive potential.

Ronaldo scored two goals in that match, once again proving his finishing ability is as sharp as ever. New teammates João Félix and Kingsley Coman also added to the scoresheet, highlighting the depth and attacking versatility of Al-Nassr’s squad.

Such a strong start isn’t just about points—it builds confidence and momentum, both crucial for a long campaign.

Key Factors Behind This Strong Start

1. Cristiano Ronaldo’s Leadership

Ronaldo’s mere presence changes the team’s mentality. His high standards demand effort, professionalism, and belief. Teammates often look to him for inspiration in crucial moments, and his ability to consistently score goals provides stability.

2. Strengthening the Team

The arrival of João Félix and Kingsley Coman has transformed Al-Nassr’s attack. Felix’s creativity and dribbling strengthen the defense, while Coman’s speed adds width. The balance in attack ensures that the opposition can’t focus solely on Ronaldo.

3. Attacking Versatility

Goals have come from different parts of the field—crosses, counterattacks, intricate passing, and individual brilliance. This unpredictability makes Al-Nassr one of the most dangerous teams in the league.

4. Confidence and Consistency

Winning every match early sets the tone for the start of the season. Teams that start well usually maintain momentum. Each victory strengthens confidence in the system and instills fear in opponents.

5. Club Stability

Management has demonstrated full commitment to building a long-term project. Extending Ronaldo’s contract until 2027 proves that Al-Nassr isn’t relying solely on short-term publicity—they are planning for a sustained era of dominance.

Ronaldo’s New Contract: What It Means

Earlier this year, Cristiano Ronaldo extended his contract with Al-Nassr until 2027. This was a historic decision for both player and club.

For Ronaldo, this means:

• Continued opportunities to play at the highest level.
• The chance to set more personal records.
• The ability to influence the development of football in Saudi Arabia.

For Al-Nassr, this signals:

• Stability and ambition to dominate domestically and continentally.
• Greater commercial success, as Ronaldo continues to be the face of the Saudi Pro League.
• A strong attraction for other top players to join the club.

Challenges Ahead

Despite a strong start, Al-Nassr faces several challenges:

Consistency throughout the season
Maintaining their form throughout the long campaign will be crucial. The Saudi Pro League has become more competitive, and rivals like Al-Ittihad and Al-Hilal will face stiff competition.

Matchload
Competing in multiple tournaments, including the AFC Champions League, means team rotation will be crucial. Injuries or fatigue can disrupt momentum.

Pressure of Expectations
Every win raises expectations. Fans and media now demand titles. Even small setbacks will be scrutinized.

Balancing Ronaldo’s Workload
At 40 years old, Ronaldo cannot play every minute of every match. Managing his fitness without losing his effectiveness will be a delicate balancing act for the coaching staff.

Widening Impact on Saudi Football

Al-Nassr’s success under Ronaldo’s leadership isn’t just about one club—it’s the story of the evolution of football in Saudi Arabia.

Global Attention: With Ronaldo scoring goals and winning, more and more international fans are tuning in to watch Saudi Pro League matches.

Rising standards: Other clubs are being forced to improve recruitment, tactics, and infrastructure to compete.

Inspiration for youth: Saudi players have the opportunity to train and play with veterans, raising their own level.

Continental ambitions: Strong domestic performances could translate into dominance in the AFC Champions League, giving Saudi clubs greater global recognition.

Predictions for this season

Looking ahead, if Al-Nasr maintains its current form, these are the most likely scenarios:

Saudi Pro League title contenders
They are already favorites, and with this team’s strength, it will take a major collapse to stop them.

Excellent performance in the AFC Champions League
Al-Nasr has the ability and experience to advance in continental competition. Winning the title is realistic.

Milestones for Ronaldo
More goals, records, and perhaps even surpassing his personal career goals. Ronaldo’s potential to forge new paths is far from over.

Growing Rivalries
The matches against Al-Hilal, Al-Ittihad, and Al-Ahli will be crucial in the season. These matches will determine whether Al-Nasr’s strong start translates into a silver medal.

Cristiano Ronaldo’s Legacy at Al-Nassr

Ronaldo’s football legacy was secured long before he arrived in Saudi Arabia. Yet, what he is doing at Al-Nassr adds an intriguing final chapter to his career.

• He has demonstrated with his consistent performances that age is just a number.
• He has elevated the reputation of an entire league.
• He has proven that ambition, even outside Europe, can be rewarded with success.

If Al-Nassr continues on its current path, Ronaldo could not only win more trophies but also cement his status as the most influential player in Saudi football history.

Conclusion

Cristiano Ronaldo and Al-Nassr have started the 2025-26 season in spectacular fashion. With consistent wins, impressive performances, and Ronaldo’s consistently stellar performances, the club is poised for a memorable campaign.

The challenges are real—consistency, injuries, and pressure—but the potential benefits are enormous. For Ronaldo, this is a chance to add another glorious chapter to his illustrious career. For Al-Nassr, it’s a chance to establish themselves as a powerful team not only in Saudi Arabia, but across Asia.

If the opening weeks are anything to go by, the journey ahead promises to be exciting.