The Ronaldo conundrum: A season of struggles at Al-Nassr

Cristiano Ronaldo, once the undisputed king of football, now finds himself grappling with unexpected challenges at Al-Nassr.

As the Portuguese superstar navigates a difficult season, both on and off the pitch, the reality of his situation feels increasingly distressing.

This isn’t the fairytale ending many envisioned when he made his high-profile move to Saudi Arabia.

Ronaldo’s journey took a dramatic turn after he pushed Manchester United to terminate his contract late in 2022.

Leaving behind the Premier League, he sought refuge in the lucrative environment of the Pro League.

However, while his old rival Erik ten Hag faced dismissal from United, it is Ronaldo who is facing the harsh reality of his declining influence on the game.

Al-Nassr’s rise to international prominence coincided with Ronaldo’s arrival, yet success has proven elusive.

At 39, he remains an awe-inspiring figure, but his impact is waning. The promise of glory in the Middle East has not materialized as anticipated, and with October coming to a close, Al-Nassr is already teetering on the brink of crisis.

Currently trailing league leaders Al-Hilal by six points, Al-Nassr’s ambitions are further dented by their early exit from the King’s Cup and a disappointing performance in the AFC Champions League.

The title that once seemed within reach now feels like a distant dream for a player synonymous with victory.

Despite contributing goals and assists—nine goals and three assists in 12 appearances this season—Ronaldo’s decline is undeniable.

The decline of even the greatest athletes is a reality that spares no one, and Al-Nassr‍‍`s overall performance has been lackluster, reflecting broader issues within the team.

When Ronaldo made the leap to Al-Nassr, he joined a team that was already competing at a high level.

Yet, even then, they finished five points behind Al-Ittihad, a team that had yet to recruit big names like Karim Benzema or N‍‍`Golo Kante. This early setback hinted at the challenges that lay ahead.

Many had speculated that a full pre-season would help Ronaldo gel with his new teammates, but the results were disheartening. Al-Nassr ended up 14 points behind the 2023-24 champions, Al-Hilal, who went unbeaten in the league.

On paper, the two squads appeared comparable, making their performance gap all the more perplexing.

The silverware Ronaldo hoped to secure in the AFC Champions League and King’s Cup has eluded him, with the only trophy coming from a pre-season Arab Club Champions Cup win in the summer of 2023.

This lack of success is a far cry from what fans expect from a player of his caliber.

In a bid to reclaim their status, Al-Nassr has continually bolstered their squad, bringing in high-profile players like Sadio Mane and Aymeric Laporte.

However, despite these efforts, the team struggles to consistently outperform their rivals.

The frequent coaching changes—Rudi Garcia was replaced by Luis Castro, and now AC Milan’s Stefano Pioli—have failed to yield the desired results.

Under Pioli, Al-Nassr has faced ongoing issues: while they can easily dismantle weaker teams, they falter against the league’s stronger sides. The margins for success are razor-thin, and navigating those pressures has proven difficult.

Ronaldo’s numbers might still impress, but there are whispers of discomfort in his central forward role, even with the team designed to support him.

Pioli has attempted to revert him to wing positions, reminiscent of his early career dominance. Ronaldo has responded with some strong performances, but his last league goal from open play dates back to August—a stark reminder of his diminishing influence.

The urgency of the moment weighs heavily. For Ronaldo, winning either the Saudi Pro League or the AFC Champions League is essential for his tenure at Al-Nassr to be considered successful.

However, as the season unfolds, those achievements appear increasingly out of reach.

His time with the Portugal national team has only added to the narrative of impending retirement.

Following a goalless draw against Scotland, Ronaldo’s frustrations boiled over, particularly regarding his pursuit of 1,000 career goals. Much like with Al-Nassr, the national team has struggled to adapt to playing around him.

Critics, including former player Didi Hamann, have pointed out that Ronaldo’s once unshakeable confidence now faces scrutiny.

Hamann suggests that Ronaldo’s need for personal accolades sometimes overshadows team success, raising doubts about his ability to enhance the squad’s performance.

Ronaldo’s legacy is complex; he is a “monster,” as Pep Guardiola recently described him, but he is often overshadowed by his great rival, Lionel Messi.

Such reflections on his past might sting for a player who has always strived to be the best.

This week proved particularly difficult for Ronaldo. In a pivotal King’s Cup match against Al-Taawoun, Al-Nassr was expected to progress easily but fell short.

The team’s inability to execute basic plays was disheartening, culminating in Ronaldo missing a crucial penalty—an uncharacteristic error for a player renowned for his precision.

As negative attention mounts, the road ahead offers a glimmer of hope for Ronaldo and Al-Nassr.

Their upcoming match against Al-Hilal could serve as a defining moment. Defeating their rivals would not only reignite their title aspirations but also provide Ronaldo with a chance at redemption.

Yet, achieving that victory will be no small feat. Al-Hilal has been virtually unstoppable, with their last league defeat coming in April 2023 and an impressive streak of 14 consecutive wins to start the new campaign.

If Al-Nassr cannot secure a victory, their title hopes may be dashed, leaving Ronaldo’s Saudi adventure marked by unmet expectations.