Despite Ronaldo finding the back of the net in the opening round of the Saudi Pro League on the early morning of August 23, Al Nassr could only manage a 1-1 draw with Al Raed. Ronaldo’s goal was overshadowed by a controversial celebration that provoked the fans and his reaction toward the referee, leaving a mixed impression.
Since his move to Al Nassr in the Saudi Pro League, Ronaldo has faced one of the most challenging periods of his illustrious career. While he continues to score, the 39-year-old has been dogged by rumors of discord with both teammates and the coaching staff. To add to the turmoil, Al Nassr’s new season has gotten off to a rocky start, with a humiliating 1-4 loss to Al Hilal in the Super Cup final. This follows a disappointing 2023-2024 season where Ronaldo and his team finished as runners-up in all domestic competitions, falling behind Al Hilal.
Al Nassr’s opening match of the 2024-2025 Saudi Pro League saw them face off against Al Raed, a team that had previously stunned them with a 3-1 victory at Al Awal Park in March 2024, leaving Ronaldo frustrated after failing to score. This match, too, proved challenging for the star and his team as they struggled to secure a win.
Ronaldo criticized for causing controversy at Al Nassr
AL NASSR
Ignoring the off-field controversy, Ronaldo still started against Al Raed. Players rumored to be leaving, Laporte and Sadio Mane, also started from the start. On the coaching bench, coach Luis Castro also returned.
In the first half, the match was one-sided as Al Nassr played an overwhelming attack, leading Al Raed 1-0. The Saudi Pro League runner-up controlled the ball 80% of the time and had 12 shots (4 times more than Al Raed). Ronaldo played brilliantly and was given 7.5 points, the highest score in the half. In the 34th minute, the Portuguese player scored, helping Al Nassr take the lead. Starting from Sadio Mane’s breakthrough, the ball was crossed back into the penalty area for Ronaldo to easily shoot his signature shot, defeating Al Raed’s goalkeeper.
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Notably, after this goal, Ronaldo ran to the corner of the field, put both hands on his head instead of the usual “Siu” celebration. Marca ( Spain) predicted that Ronaldo’s action was in response to recent criticism directed towards him.
Ronaldo celebrates, responds to criticism
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In the second half, things did not change much when Al Nassr dominated all parameters. However, while playing well, Laporte suddenly made a mistake, fouling an Al Raed player in the penalty area in the 49th minute. On the penalty spot, Mohamed Fouzair easily helped Al Raed equalize the score 1-1.
Not accepting the draw, Al Nassr sent more attacking players onto the field. Starting from the 60th minute, the home team increased the pressure with many dangerous moves. Ronaldo played the highest and all the balls were aimed at the 39-year-old player.
However, Ronaldo himself also caused the match to be interrupted many times. In the 79th minute, the Portuguese player scored the second goal against Al Raed. Ronaldo ran to the corner of the field and continued to celebrate like the previous goal. However, about 2 minutes later, after consulting VAR, the referee denied Ronaldo’s goal because of an offside. In the 10th minute of injury time of the second half, Ronaldo and his teammates rushed to the referee and argued because an Al Raed player touched the ball with his hand. VAR intervened but denied Al Nassr a penalty.
Al Nassr was helpless in finding more goals in the second half.
AL NASSR
In the end, Ronaldo’s Al Nassr drew 1-1 with Al Raed on the opening day. Coach Luis Castro’s team temporarily ranked 2nd but continued to be booed and criticized by home fans after the match. According to Marca , a group of Al Nassr fans protested Al Nassr’s poor results and affirmed that they would not continue to buy tickets to the stadium. This also coincided with Al Nassr’s opening match when stands C and D were both empty.
