Cristiano Ronaldo was left stunned as a bizarre own goal denied his Al Nassr side the Saudi Pro League title in the dying moments of a crucial match. Leading 1-0 against fierce rivals Al Hilal in Riyadh, Al Nassr were just 12 seconds away from securing the championship when the unthinkable unfolded.
Needing at least a point to stay in contention, Al Hilal launched a long throw into the Al Nassr box. The ball sailed past a cluster of attackers and appeared to be drifting harmlessly toward goalkeeper Bento, but a catastrophic miscommunication changed everything. As the Brazilian international jumped to gather the ball, defender Inigo Martinez backtracked and attempted to head it clear, inadvertently disrupting Bento’s catch. The ball deflected into the net, with Abdulelah Al-Amri unable to clear it off the line.
The cameras immediately focused on Ronaldo, who had been substituted in the 83rd minute. He sat motionless in disbelief before breaking into a rueful smile. Having joined Al Nassr in January 2023, the 41-year-old Portuguese forward had hoped this would be the night he finally ended his wait for a Saudi Pro League title. Instead, it was a moment of sheer frustration.
After the final whistle, Ronaldo posted a rallying message on social media: “The dream is close. Heads up, we have one more step to take! Thank you all for the amazing support tonight!”
Al Nassr remain favorites to lift the trophy, leading by five points with one match remaining, though Al Hilal have two games left. If Al Hilal win both, Al Nassr must beat Damac on the final day to clinch the title. Should the teams finish level on points, Al Nassr would finish second due to an inferior head-to-head record. Damac, fighting relegation, have extra motivation as they are level on points with Al Riyadh in the third relegation spot.
Before the league finale, Ronaldo also has the Asian Champions League Two final—the continent’s second-tier competition—against Gamba Osaka this weekend. He could secure his first two major honors in Saudi Arabia within two weeks, ahead of a potential World Cup call-up if selected by head coach Roberto Martinez on May 19.