Cristiano Ronaldo has been a pivotal figure for Al-Nassr ever since he arrived in Saudi Arabia, but recent disappointing results have left many of his supporters questioning his future at the club. After a 2-1 loss to Al-Ittihad on Friday, December 6, 2024, fans took to X (formerly Twitter) to urge the Portuguese icon to leave the club, citing frustration over the team’s performance and the perceived mediocrity of his teammates. This loss, which came in the 13th match of the 2024-25 Saudi Pro League season, has only fueled the growing discontent among the Al-Nassr faithful.
A Game of Missed Opportunities
The highly anticipated fixture between Al-Nassr and Al-Ittihad kicked off at King Abdullah Sports City with both teams playing cautiously in the early minutes. Al-Ittihad, under the management of Laurent Blanc, looked the more dangerous side, with Karim Benzema almost scoring twice before the 20th minute. Despite this early pressure, neither side was able to break the deadlock, and the first half ended in a goalless stalemate.
In the second half, Al-Ittihad increased their pressure and took charge of the game. In the 55th minute, Benzema scored for the hosts by tapping in a pass from Muhannad Al-Shanqeeti. But Al-Ittihad’s lead didn’t last long. Just two minutes later, Cristiano Ronaldo scored for Al-Nassr, finishing off a cross in the box to make it 1-1.
It seemed like both teams were heading towards a draw, but the drama didn’t end there. In stoppage time, Steven Bergwijn scored the winning goal for Al-Ittihad, securing all three points for the hosts and leaving Al-Nassr with nothing. The result left Al-Ittihad further ahead at the top of the table, while Al-Nassr remained in fourth position with 25 points—a far cry from their title aspirations.
Ronaldo’s Efforts Fall Short in a Losing Cause
Although the result was disappointing for Al-Nassr, Cristiano Ronaldo was once again the standout performer for his side. According to Sofascore, Ronaldo was Al-Nassr’s highest-rated player in the match, earning a 7.5 rating for his goal and overall contributions. Yet, despite his performance, the collective display of the team was far from impressive.
Ronaldo, who has been a source of inspiration and motivation for Al-Nassr, seemed visibly frustrated during the match, as his efforts were not enough to secure a positive result. His performances this season have shown that he remains one of the best players in the league, but fans have increasingly become disillusioned with the team’s lackluster performances, especially in high-stakes matches like this one.
Fans Urge Ronaldo to Consider a Move
The loss to Al-Ittihad triggered a strong reaction from Al-Nassr fans on X, with many expressing their frustration at the team’s inability to deliver consistent results. Some fans believe that Ronaldo, who has proven his worth time and time again throughout his career, deserves more than what the current Al-Nassr squad can offer. Several supporters took to social media to suggest that Ronaldo should consider moving to another club, one that could provide him with a more competitive environment.
One fan wrote, “He needs to go to Al Hilal… this team is terrible,” referencing the bitter rivalry between Al-Nassr and Al Hilal, suggesting that Ronaldo would find more success at the latter club. Another fan tweeted, “Pls leave this awful club, Ronaldo,” echoing sentiments that the team’s performance does not match Ronaldo’s talent and status as a global football icon.
The frustration among fans is evident, as they feel that Ronaldo’s immense talent is being wasted in a squad they consider to be “average” and “mediocre.” The criticism isn’t just directed at the players but also at the management for failing to build a competitive team around one of the greatest players of all time. The combination of poor results, lack of support, and the growing frustration of fans has led to calls for Ronaldo to seek a move to another club where he could better realize his potential.
What’s Next for Cristiano Ronaldo and Al-Nassr?
With Al-Nassr’s ambitions for the season now looking uncertain after another disappointing defeat, Cristiano Ronaldo’s future at the club remains in question. Although the Portuguese icon is not known for making rash decisions, the mounting pressure from fans and the lack of support from his teammates could make him reconsider his options in the future.
As for Al-Nassr, they will need to regroup quickly to salvage their season and avoid falling further behind in the league race. With Al-Ittihad extending their lead at the top of the table, Al-Nassr’s next steps will be critical if they are to remain competitive in the league. Ronaldo’s leadership and individual brilliance may continue to shine through, but whether he stays at Al-Nassr or moves on to another challenge, only time will tell.
