Cristiano Ronaldo wins Saudi League Golden Boot but Al-Nassr miss out on AFC Champions League football

Al-Nassr striker Cristiano Ronaldo scored early on to give his side the lead in their final game of the Saudi Pro League season against Al-Fateh.

It was his 99th goal in 111 appearances for the Riyadh-based club.

However, his effort was not enough as Al-Fateh returned from a goal down to win 3-2 and ruin Al-Nassr’s chances of qualifying for the Asian Champions League as they finished in third place.

Ronaldo registered 25 goals and three assists (12 big chances created) in 29 appearances in the Saudi League to clinch the Golden Boot for the second consecutive season.

The 40-year-old Portuguese international netted 35 goals in 41 appearances across all competitions this season. Unfortunately, he did not have the silverware to crown his efforts.

Al-Nassr crashed out of the Champions League semi-finals against Kawasaki Frontale while missing out on the Saudi Super Cup and the King’s Cup.

The only silverware he has picked since his exit from Manchester United in November 2023 is the Arab Club Champions Cup.

Following the game, there will be plenty of speculation about where Ronaldo plays next as his contract is up in June, and he continues to chase that record of 1000 career goals.

Immediately after the loss to Al-Fateh, Ronaldo released a cryptic post on Twitter that read, “This chapter is over. The story? Still being written. Grateful to all.”

FIFA president Gianni Infantino suggested the former Real Madrid and Juventus star could be at the FIFA Club World Cup showpiece this summer.

According to a report from The Athletic, Ronaldo’s entourage was unhappy with the comment. For now, it seems only the player knows where he will be plying his trade next term.

Ronaldo will be eager to reach the 1000-goal mark before hanging up his boots. He currently has a staggering 936 career goals.