Ronaldo’s 100th Goal Turns to Tears in Saudi Super Cup

The 2025 Saudi Super cup final in Hong Kong delivered everything goals, drama, late twists and penalties.

In the end, it was Al Ahli who emerged victorious defeating bitter rivals Al Nassr 5 - 3 on penalties after gripping 2 - 2 draw.

How the drama unfolded

Cristiano Ronaldo gave Al Nassr the lead in 41 minute with coolly taken penalty marking his 100 goal for the club since arriving in Jan 2023. But just before halftime, Franck Kessie struck to level for Al Ahli.

Marcelo Brozovic thought he’d won it for Al Nassr in 82 minute, only for Roger Ibanez to dramatically equalize in 89. The match went to penalties where Al Ahli kept their nerve converting all 5 while Abdullah Al Khaibari’s miss doomed Al Nassr.

Al Ahli’s triumph

With the win, Al Ahli lifted the Saudi Super cup for the second time in their history (the 1st since 2016) while Al Nassr were left empty handed missing the chance to claim their 3rd.

Ronaldo’s painful drought

For Cristiano Ronaldo, the night was bittersweet. His 100 goal for Al Nassr:

• 74 in the league
• 14 in Asia
• 6 in the Arab Cup
• 3 in the King’s Cup
• 3 in the Super Cup

Placed him in elite company becoming the 4th club in his career where he’s reached the century mark after Real Madrid (450), Manchester United (145) and Juventus (101).

But despite the personal milestone, the Portuguese legend remains without major official club trophy since arriving in Saudi Arabia. Since leaving Juventus in 2021, Ronaldo's now played 3 finals with Al Nassr and lost them all:

• The 2023 /24 King’s Cup
• The 2024 Super Cup
• The 2025 Super Cup

The "unofficial" exception

Ronaldo did lift the 2023 Arab club Champions cup scoring twice against Al Hilal in the final but FIFA doesn't recognize the tournament as official title leaving his 4 year club trophy drought intact.

A glimmer with Portugal

While club glory has eluded him, Ronaldo's continued to shine on the international stage. Earlier this year, he lifted the 2025 Nations league with Portugal defeating Spain in the final , his only official trophy since 2021.

The question now looms.. can ronaldo end his club trophy curse with Al Nassr before time runs out?

Khaled Hegazy |

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Journaliste sportif spécialisé dans la couverture du football et la création de contenu numérique, alliant expérience éditoriale et expertise des médias sociaux.