Al Nassr lost its historic winning streak in the Saudi Pro League after all, but Cristiano Ronaldo had a clear message of conviction and concentration at the end of 2025. Although the Portuguese star has lost the points in the first time since the season started, he sounded positively by encouraging his teammates to remain dedicated as the club focuses on the year 2026.
This was the case as Al Nassr went to play Al Ettifaq on Matchday 12 of the 2025-26 SPL season with a 100 percent record, after winning all the first 10 games. The visitors looked like they were on the way to another win when Ronaldo scored in a bizarre manner, he redirected the attempt of Joao Felix by his back. Nonetheless, Georginio Wijnaldum was decisive to the hosts, scoring twice, including a late goal in the 80 th minute to draw the game at a draw with both teams scoring two goals apiece.
Although it was the outcome that ended the perfect beginning of Al Nassr, it did not help much to crush their title hopes. The club also leads the league with 31 points in 11 matches, which is three points ahead of the 2nd-placed Al Taawoun. Al Hilal, the defending champions, are on 26 points with one game in hand and the race is therefore competitive but squarely held by Al Nassr.
Looking back at the journey to date, Ronaldo went to social media to build confidence in the squad. We are going the right direction and we know what we have to do in 2026! he made written, an indication of leadership as well as long-term ambition.
The first match Al Nassr has played has already become a part of the history of SPL and is the best opening of a season that the league witnessed. It was not enough to beat the most dominant achievements of Al Hilal, but the success indicates the balance and consistency of the club.
The next match Ronaldo is likely to be involved in is on January 2 when Al Nassr take on Al Ahli at King Abdullah Sports City. As they are about to enter the new year, their captain tells them: the title push is not over.
