Cristiano Ronaldo
Cristiano Ronaldo | Image:X/Al-Nassr

In a thrilling King Cup of Champions final, Al-Hilal clashed with Al-Nassr resulting in a nail-biting 1-1 draw after the end of extra time. The deadlock was broken early on by Al-Hilal’s Aleksandar Mitrović in the 7th minute, answered by Al-Nassr’s Ayman Yahya in the 88th minute. The tension mounted as both teams fought fiercely, leading to red cards for Al-Nassr’s Ali Albulayhi in the 87th minute and Kalidou Koulibaly in the 90th minute. With the match heading into penalties, Al-Hilal emerged victorious with a 5-4 scoreline, clinching the title after a dramatic showdown at the King Abdullah Sports City stadium.

Will Cristiano Ronaldo stay at Al-Nassr after losing the King’s Cup final to Al-Hilal?

Cristiano Ronaldo showed obvious emotion on Friday after his Al Nassr squad succumbed to Al Hilal in a penalty shootout to complete their trophyless season. Having tied 1-1 in regulation and extra time in Jeddah, Al Hilal prevailed 5-4 in the shootout.

Ronaldo collapsed on the ground when Al Nassr lost, too overcome by the result. Coaches and teammates tried to comfort him, but he was still upset and was finally brought off the pitch. He had trouble controlling his emotions even as he sat on the sidelines waiting for his runners-up medal.

According to Fabrizio Romano, Al Nassr CEO Guido Fienga has confirmed that Cristiano Ronaldo will remain with the club for the upcoming season, dispelling any doubts about the Portuguese star’s future. This announcement provides clarity and stability regarding Ronaldo’s future, indicating that there will be no change of plan for the renowned footballer as he continues his journey with Al Nassr.

Ronaldo’s season had not gone well; Al Nassr had finished second in the Saudi Pro League to Al Hilal and had been knocked out of the Asian Champions League in the last four. Ronaldo’s February suspension also resulted from an insulting gesture he made to Al Shabab supporters who were screaming Lionel Messi’s name, his longstanding rival.

The 39-year-old Portuguese forward enjoyed an incredible individual season despite these setbacks, setting a record by scoring 35 goals in his first full season in the Saudi Pro League. His team lost the title match despite his penalty shootout goal.

Aleksandar Mitrovic gave Al Hilal an early lead in the seventh minute of the game; Aiman Yahya equalised in the 88th minute to force extra time. Three red cards were also shown during the match: Al Nassr’s David Ospina was sent off in the 57th minute, followed by Ali Al-Bulayhi of Al Hilal and Kalidou Koulibaly of Al Hilal later. Yassine Bounou, the custodian of Al Hilal, became the hero by stopping the last two penalties of Al Nassr to win the championship.

Al Hilal won even though its Brazilian superstar Neymar was out of action for the most of the season after suffering a serious knee injury soon after coming from Paris Saint-Germain. Neymar cheered his side on from the stands during the championship game.