Cristiano Ronaldo has finally lifted the Saudi Pro League trophy with Al-Nassr after the club defeated Damac 4-1 on Thursday to secure the title for the first time since 2019.

Ronaldo scored twice in the match, delivering a decisive performance as Al-Nassr sealed the championship and ended a three-year wait for major domestic success since his arrival from Manchester United in December 2022.

The Portuguese forward has now scored more than 127 goals in all competitions for the club, with winning the Saudi Pro League title seen as his primary objective when he joined.

Al-Nassr’s victory marks the 11th league title in the club’s history, while it is the eighth league championship of Ronaldo’s career, having previously won domestic titles in England with Manchester United, Spain with Real Madrid and Italy with Juventus.

Since Ronaldo’s arrival, several high-profile players have joined the Saudi Pro League, including Karim Benzema, N’Golo Kanté, Riyad Mahrez, Sadio Mané and Neymar, raising the league’s global profile.

However, the Saudi football project has faced scrutiny in recent months, with concerns raised over refereeing decisions and allegations of favouritism towards certain clubs. Ronaldo himself has also criticised aspects of the league environment during the season.

Despite the criticism, analysts say Al-Nassr’s title win will strengthen Saudi Arabia’s ambitions to establish itself as a global sports hub.