Al-Nassr crowned Champions of Saudi Arabia in Historic Season 

posted on: Jun 10, 2026

By Jake Harris / Arab America Contributing Writer

Al-Nassr are champions of Saudi Arabia. Three and a half years after the club signed Cristiano Ronaldo, they have finally gotten over the line with a league title. It was one of the most competitive title races in the history of soccer in Saudi Arabia. It was the club’s first league title since 2019. The Riyadh-based club is considered one of the “big three” clubs in Saudi Arabia along with Al-Hilal and Al-Ahli. The club has a storied history embedded in Saudi sporting culture. Prince Abdul Rahman Bin Saud was president of the club for decades. He was the son of King Saud, and the grandson of the first King of Saudi Arabia, Abdelaziz.

The New Era

Al-Hilal have been the benchmark of success in the Saudi league for a generation, the signing of Cristiano Ronaldo in 2022 was a statement of intent for Al-Nassr. The signing of one of the greatest players in history, even in his later years couldn’t possibly be seen as anything else. The first few years of the “Ronaldo era” at the club has involved multiple near-misses when it comes to winning trophies. They finished in 2nd place on two occasions with a disappointing 3rd place finish in the 2024/25 season. As Ronaldo’s inevitable retirement looms, the 2025/26 season was seen as one of his final chances to win a trophy in every country he has played. 

The Title Campaign

Al-Nassr won their first 11 matches, things were looking excellent for the club, then they hit turbulence. Three losses in a row dropped Al-Nassr out of 1st place. Despite the large winning streak that followed, it took them six matches to reclaim the top spot. The margin for error in this title race was minimal. Al-Nassr would not give up the top spot again. They went on a 15 game winning streak which solidified their position. Al-Hilal did not lose a single game in the entire 34-game campaign. The games they drew cost them enough points to hand the title to their rivals. 

Freak Goalkeeping Accident Delays the Celebration

Even as Al-Nassr were strongly in control of the title race, there was a shocking moment that delayed their coronation by a week. Al-Nassr had the ability to clinch the title with a win against Al-Hilal. They were 1-0 up until the final seconds of stoppage time, when a stunning mistake by the goalkeeper led to a late equalizing goal. The goal had multiple factors of significance for Al-Hilal, it kept them mathematically alive in the title race, and also preserved their unbeaten season. The whole stadium had begun to prepare for the final whistle and the celebrations that would have followed, instead, a striking silence eerily ran through the whole venue. In the end, a 4-1 victory over 16th placed Damac Club sealed the title. The top three teams in the league only had seven losses combined over 102 total matches. 

The Future

Cristiano Ronaldo’s contract with the club expires in 2027. This is likely to be the point where the club and the superstar will go their separate ways. The 2026-27 season could likely be Ronaldo’s last as a player. Investment from the Public Investment Fund of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has given the club immense financial power that has allowed them to compete with some of the top European clubs financially. It remains to be seen how the league, and the club will implement a long-term vision for further growth.

The 2026/27 Pro League season begins on August 13th 2026. 

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