A historic winning streak of the Saudi Pro League was cut short and Al Nassr ended 2025 with its own message of faith and big plans with Cristiano Ronaldo. Nevertheless, the Portuguese star, in spite of the downside, has made it clear that the club is strictly long-term oriented as the year 2026 is already in sight.
Al Nassr went to Al Ettifaq on Matchday 12 of the 2025-26 SPL season with a perfect record in ten games after ten consecutive wins. Their perfect start was brought to a halt when the game ended in a draw of 2-2. Ronaldo was not left out of the scoresheet given a deflected goal on his back after a Joao Felix shot. Nevertheless, Georginio Wijnaldum scored twice in Al Ettifaq such as a goal-deciding equalizer in the 80 th minute.
Although the winning streak was ended by the draw, it had little effect in the winning team, Al Nassr, destabilizing its winning position in the title race. Highly successful, the club is still on the top of the SPL table with 31 points after 11 matches, three points ahead of the second-placed Al Taawoun. Al Hilal, in its turn, are sitting on 26 points with a game in hand.
After the game, Ronaldo used social media to discuss the momentum of the team to both fans and his peers: with the message: We are on the right track and we know what we need to do in 2026! This was a statement of confidence and not disappointment as it indicated a bigger picture as opposed to one outcome.
Ronaldo is likely to be back to action on January 2 when Al Nassr will visit Al Ahli at King Abdullah Sports City. As the triumphant aim of the club is the SPL title, the club is heading to 2026 with momentum, confidence, and a visible leader in the front seat.
