Why Ronaldo broke down after winning Saudi Pro League: Story of heartbreaks and redemption

Cristiano Ronaldo used to be a serial trophy winner. Wherever he went, silverware followed. His trophy cabinet was already overflowing from his Manchester United days, but it was at Real Madrid where he became a trophy-churning machine, winning four Champions League titles in five seasons. Even after moving to Juventus at 33, he continued his winning habit by securing two straight Serie A titles.

So when the trophies stopped coming, everyone noticed. His fans were frustrated but no one was more disappointed than Ronaldo himself. That desperation and frustration were often visible on his face.

Ronaldo last won a major club league title in 2020 with Juventus. Since then, the five-time Ballon d’Or winner endured a long and painful drought. His return to Manchester United failed to deliver silverware, prompting his move to Al-Nassr in December 2022.

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The curse of Al-Nassr

In Saudi Arabia, Ronaldo continued to produce breathtaking brilliance at an age when most players fade. He scored prolifically, finding the net week after week, but team success remained elusive. While Ronaldo’s teams were historically known for rising to big occasions, Al-Nassr often shrank in the crucial moments. Near misses in domestic cups, the Asian Champions League, and the Saudi Pro League became a painful pattern.

The agony reached its peak last week. First, Al-Nassr suffered a gut-wrenching defeat to Japan’s Gamba Osaka in the AFC Champions League Two final. Moreover, against Al-Hilal, they threw away a 1-0 lead in stoppage time after goalkeeper Bento scored a bizarre own goal, further delaying their title hopes.

Ronaldo was distraught. He just could not understand what else was to be done. These major slip-ups were becoming more than a pattern. They were slowly becoming the identity of one of the greatest strikers the sport has ever seen.

The weight of expectations, mounting criticism, and Ronaldo’s own pride made the wait even heavier. How could one of the greatest players in the world not get his team over the line? How come Cristiano Ronaldo of all people could not win titles? His frustrated face would give away these expression at times.

Ronaldo's redemption

On Thursday, May 22, 2026, redemption finally arrived. Ronaldo scored twice as Al-Nassr defeated Damac 4-1 to clinch the Saudi Pro League title. At 41, he became the first player in history to win top-flight league titles in England, Spain, Italy, and Saudi Arabia. But individual records were never far from him, it was the team title that refused to come.

As the final whistle blew, the emotions overwhelmed him. Ronaldo broke down in tears. The reward of his years of hardwork in Saudi had finally arrived after a series of misses.

As sweet as this title feels, Ronaldo knows a bigger challenge awaits. In less than a month, he will head to North America for his sixth World Cup. Portugal, like Al-Nassr, have underwhelmed in World Cups and Ronaldo's record too is not as great as it should be. Now that he has broken Al-Nassr’s trophy curse, can he do the same for his country at the biggest stage of them all? As much as his fans want it, no one wants that title more than Ronaldo himself.