The Saudi Pro League has been propelled into the global spotlight over the past two years, thanks in large part to Cristiano Ronaldo’s headline-grabbing move to Al-Nassr in January 2023. However, the footballing legend’s journey in the Middle East has been anything but smooth, particularly when it comes to facing his fiercest domestic rival Al-Hilal. The two Riyadh-based giants, Al-Hilal vs Al-Nassr, represent the fiercest rivalry in Saudi Arabian football, and their most recent encounters have only intensified the drama and narrative.
Al-Hilal vs Al-Nassr: The Latest Chapter in the Rivalry
In the latest showdown, the Saudi Super Cup semifinal, Ronaldo’s Al-Nassr was handed a humiliating 4-1 defeat by Al-Hilal. What started as a promising night with Ronaldo finding the back of the net before halftime quickly turned into a nightmare. Al-Hilal, led by Serbian striker Aleksandar Mitrovic and midfield powerhouse Sergej Milinkovic-Savic, roared back with four second-half goals, dismantling Al-Nassr in ruthless fashion.
The loss was more than just a defeat; it was a symbolic moment. Ronaldo, the face of the Saudi football revolution, looked visibly frustrated, captured on camera throwing his arms up and accusing his teammates of “falling asleep.” Social media exploded with clips of Ronaldo’s gestures, sparking a fierce debate: Is the Portuguese star elevating Al-Nassr, or is he merely a frustrated icon in a league still finding its footing?
The recent Form: Al-Hilal Flying, Al-Nassr Faltering
Al-Hilal’s Domination Continues:
The team that has been to beat has been that of Jorge Jesus. Al-Hilal has demonstrated that they had a few alternatives and strategic control and thus, it was able to overcome the early injury of a marquee signing in Neymar Jr. They were in a three clean sheet league- all competitions run a 4-0 AFC Champions League (defeat of Pakhtakor) and league matches (conquers of Al-Taawoun and Al-Fayha).
They have been almost unstoppable their own selves when playing at home, the Kingdom of the Arena. Home Field: Since 2023, Al-Hilal has lost only once in their stadium and this is a fact that results to gloomy scenario to any other visiting team- including Al-Nassr.
Al-Nassr’s Inconsistency:
The men led by Stefano Pioli had a fine beginning of the season as they won eight consecutive games. But the latest performances have led to weaknesses. The derby came after Al-Nassr lost eight important points in five matches in the League having started to worry about their championship credentials. Although they have beaten Al-Kholood 3-1, where Ronaldo, Mane and Duran scored one goal each, the red card given to the right-back Nawaf Boushal has made the scenario worse in terms of the defending capability.
Standings Snapshot: A Battle for More Than Bragging Rights
| Club | Played | Points | Goal Difference | Position |
| Al-Ittihad | 25 | 61 | 32 | 1st |
| Al-Hilal | 25 | 57 | 29 | 2nd |
| Al-Ahli | 25 | 53 | 18 | 3rd |
| Al-Nassr | 25 | 51 | 25 | 4th |
The table reveals a reality Ronaldo and his teammates must confront: Al-Nassr is 10 points off the top and six points behind Al-Hilal. While mathematically possible, their title chances are hanging by a thread. The AFC Champions League Elite qualification is now arguably their more realistic target.
Tactical Preview: Expected Lineups & Key Battles
Al-Hilal (4-2-3-1):
Bono: Hamad Al Yami, Kalidou Koulibaly, Hassan Al-Tambakti, Renan Lodi; Ruben Neves, Mohamed Kanno; Kaio Cesar, Malcolm, Salem Al-Dawsari; Marcos Leonardo
Al-Nassr (4-4-2):
Bento: Simakan, Al-Fatil, Lajami, Alnajdi; Angelo, Al-Hassan, Brozovic, Mane; Cristiano Ronaldo, Jhon Duran
Key Battles:
- Koulibaly vs Ronaldo: The former Chelsea defender will be tasked with keeping the Portuguese legend quiet. Their duel will shape the rhythm of the game.
- Neves vs Brozovic: Two elite midfield anchors with European pedigree will clash for dominance in the center of the park.
- Malcolm vs Simakan: Malcolm’s pace and trickery on the left wing could exploit Al-Nassr’s weakened right side due to Boushal’s suspension.
Star-Studded League, But Where Are the Trophies?
Saudi Pro League has emerged as a tourist zone to the world stars of the football fraternity. Other than Ronaldo, players such as Karim Benzema (Al-Ittihad), Sadio Mane (Al-Nassr), N’Golo Kant (Al-Ittihad), and Riyad Mahrez (Al-Ahli) have made the event one big show.
However, despite all efforts, silverware is not within grasp of Ronaldo and Al-Nassr. Al-Hilal by contrast has continued to have the best team in Saudi football, winning four titles in last five years, title of 2024/2025 season with 12 points lead over Al-Nassr.
What’s Next?
Next major challenge that Al-Nassr has to face is playing Al-Ahli during Matchday 3. Although they managed to take four points out of their opening two games, they do not have a very large margin of error. They can not afford to lose a match because a win against Al-Hilal would have revived their season.
In the meantime, Al-Hilal will aim to end their campaign in the league undefeated, with a streak of 31 games without defeat so far, and leave their focus on the King Cup Final which will be on the 31 st of May, where they will once again play Al-Nassr. Here is another opportunity for Ronaldo. Again a chance of redemption.
Cristiano Ronaldo: Icon in Transition
There’s no denying Cristiano Ronaldo’s impact off the pitch. He’s transformed the Saudi Pro League’s global visibility, bringing eyes, sponsorships, and prestige. But football remains a results-driven business. As of June 2025, Ronaldo’s Al-Nassr has:
- No league title
- No Super Cup
- No King’s Cup (yet)
- No AFC Champions League success
For a player of his stature, it’s a painful reality. His leadership has been questioned, his reactions critiqued. Yet, there remains a sense that one moment of magic — a final, a derby win, a decisive goal — could reshape his Saudi legacy.
Final Thoughts
The Rivalry between Al-Hilal vs Al-Nassr is more than a local derby. It is a clash of ideologies: Tactical prudence against personal genius, tradition against change, consistency on one hand against aspirations on the other.
Al-Hilal is celebrating another trophy, meanwhile Al-Nassr is forced to ask some difficult questions. Will Cristiano Ronaldo and his glittering team manage to reverse its fortunes and or will Al-Hilal be the untouchable king of Saudi football?
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