Despite all the hype and high hopes, Cristiano Ronaldo’s Al-Nassr won’t be featuring in the AFC Champions League Elite next season.
And the disappointment hits harder considering they were once again aiming to reclaim their status among Asia’s top clubs.
Al-Nassr’s 1-1 draw against Al-Taawoun on Friday night sealed their fate.
Without Ronaldo on the pitch, they simply couldn’t get the win they needed—and now, with only two games left, they can’t climb higher than third in the Saudi Pro League standings.
No Champions League Elite for Ronaldo’s Team
The draw left Al-Nassr stuck in fourth place, officially ruling them out of the top two finish that’s required for direct qualification to Asia’s premier club tournament.
It’s a frustrating blow for a team stacked with talent—and for Ronaldo, who also sat out their previous 9-0 win over Al-Okhdood earlier in the week.
This means Saudi Arabia will be sending Al-Ittihad, Al-Hilal, and Al-Ahli to next year’s AFC Champions League Elite.
Al-Ittihad locked in their spot as league champions, while Al-Hilal are comfortably holding second.
Al-Ahli Get the Edge Thanks to AFC Glory
You might be wondering how Al-Ahli secured a Champions League Elite place despite currently sitting behind Al-Nassr in the league table.
Well, that’s because they pulled off a huge win in the 2024-25 AFC Champions League final earlier this month, beating Japan’s Kawasaki Frontale.
Interestingly, it was Kawasaki who knocked Al-Nassr out in the semi-finals, which added an extra sting to the result.
Roberto Firmino led Al-Ahli’s charge, while Riyad Mahrez also impressed—both key players in what proved to be a decisive campaign.
Ronaldo Still Dominates the Scoresheet
While team success may be slipping through his fingers, Ronaldo is still bossing the individual stats.
He scored eight goals in this season’s AFC Champions League Elite—ranking just behind top scorers Salem Al-Dawsari, Jasir Asani, and Mahrez.
In the Saudi Pro League, the 40-year-old is currently the frontrunner for the Golden Boot with 23 goals.
He’s holding off fellow superstars Karim Benzema and Abderrazak Hamdallah, both on 21, and Ivan Toney, who’s close behind with 20.
Could Al-Nassr Still Salvage Something?
There’s still a slim chance for Al-Nassr to grab a consolation prize.
If they can clinch third place in the league and if Al-Ittihad beats Al-Qadsiah in the upcoming King’s Cup final, then Al-Nassr would qualify for the AFC Champions League Two—the Asian equivalent of the UEFA Europa League.
It’s not the stage Ronaldo was aiming for, but it could give the club something to hold onto as the season wraps up.
Ronaldo Nearing Milestone as Contract Winds Down
Ronaldo’s contract with Al-Nassr is set to expire next month, and it’s still unclear whether he’ll extend his stay in Saudi Arabia.
While the club is eager to keep him, rumors are swirling about a possible move to another team in the region.
Financially, Ronaldo’s time at Al-Nassr has been massive.
He reportedly earns around £164 million per year, making him one of the highest-paid athletes in the world.
And despite joining on a free transfer after his dramatic Manchester United exit in 2022, he’s delivered on the pitch.
Chasing 100 Goals in Al-Nassr Colors
Before anything is finalized, Ronaldo has one more target in sight—hitting the 100-goal mark for Al-Nassr.
He’s currently on 97 goals from 109 appearances, just three away from another stunning milestone.
In total, his club career tally sits at 798 goals in 1,058 games, and when you include his international exploits, he’s scored 934 career goals—a staggering figure by any standard.
Final Two Matches Could Be His Farewell
Al-Nassr will finish their season with two final league games: a home match against Al-Khaleej on Wednesday, followed by a trip to Al Fateh five days later.
Whether these will be Ronaldo’s final appearances in the yellow and blue remains to be seen.
But one thing is clear—while silverware may have eluded him this time, Ronaldo’s legacy and impact on Saudi football have already left a lasting mark.