How Cristiano Ronaldo's Al Nassr missed out on the Saudi Pro League title

A new footballing frontier is open for business.

Saudi Arabia have taken huge strides in increasing the sport's popularity over the past 12 months, and they secured a monstrous coup at the end of 2022 when it was revealed that Cristiano Ronaldo would be joining the Saudi Pro League's Al Nassr for the second half of the 2022/23 season and beyond.

The league hopes to attract a whole host of big names this summer as their ascent in prominence continues. The country's ultimate goal is to host the 2030 World Cup, and the potential arrival of Ronaldo's great contemporary rival, Lionel Messi, will certainly aid their cause.

While Ronaldo is now looking back upon his peak with a trembling lip, very few expected the 38-year-old to struggle out in the Middle East after falling out of favour at Manchester United. Al Nassr were top of the Saudi Pro League when his signing was announced, but Ronaldo will end the season trophy-less after his side were pipped to the post in the title race.

2022/23 Saudi Pro League title race

The 2022/23 Saudi Pro League concludes on 31 May, but the title has already been decided.

Ronaldo's Al Nassr will finish second behind Al-Ittihad, who are managed by Nuno Espirito Santo. The former Wolves and Tottenham boss joined the club ahead of the current campaign and guided them to their ninth Saudi championship, but their first since 2008/09.

Al Hilal had won five of the previous six titles heading into 2022/23, with Al Nassr last coming out on top during the 2018/19 season.

Nuno's Al Ittihad were crowned champions following a 3-0 win over Al Feiha on Saturday, and their current advantage over Al Nassr heading into the final day of the season is four points. Their slender victory over Ronaldo's side back in March proved crucial in their eventual title triumph.

2022/23 Al Nassr's Saudi Pro League results

*Ronaldo's first game was the 1-0 win over Al Ettifaq on 22 January 2023.

Al Nassr's record since Cristiano Ronaldo joined

Cristiano Ronaldo's Al Nassr's record

Has Cristiano Ronaldo had a positive impact at Al Nassr?

It's been a mixed bag for the veteran superstar during his first season in the Middle East.

While Ronaldo still knows where the goal is (14 league goals in 16 games), he hasn't been a particularly consistent performer since he was named the league's Player of the Month for February. He's been accused of going missing in games and was criticised for his performance in the critical defeat to Al Ittihad in March. Al Nassr also failed to win any pieces of silverware in 2022/23 despite being in a strong position to potentially claim three trophies at the time of Ronaldo's arrival.

They endured semi-final exits in the King's Cup and Saudi Super Cup, and were, of course, beaten to the league title by Nuno's Al Ittihad.

Rudi Garcia lost his job back in April, and it's believed Ronaldo didn't exactly have the best of relationships with the former Lyon boss. Petulance has also overshadowed his game at times, with the veteran often bombarded with "Messi!" chants in the stands when visiting away grounds.

It's not been all doom and gloom, however. While Ronaldo wasn't able to inspire Al Nassr to the title, the impact his mere presence has had on his teammates has been profound. He's raised the training standards at the club, with players taking greater care when it comes to fitness and nutrition.

Off the pitch, Al Nassr's social media following has been transformed since the 38-year-old's arrival. The club has gained almost 14 million Instagram followers since Ronaldo's signing was confirmed. Overall, this is a deal that transcends Ronaldo's mere output on the pitch. This is about ascending Saudi football into mainstream prominence ahead of their potential hosting of the 2030 World Cup.

From that standpoint, Ronaldo's arrival has been an undisputed success.