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Ronaldo scored for Al Nassr but was subbed off frustrated as Al Hilal won 3-1, leaving Al Nassr seven points behind in the Saudi Pro League.
Al Nassr’s Cristiano Ronaldo (AFP)
Cristiano Ronaldo’s frustration boiled over on Monday night as Al Nassr’s title ambitions suffered a major blow in a 3-1 defeat to Saudi Pro League leaders Al Hilal.
The five-time Ballon d’Or winner had given Nassr the dream start in Riyadh — but ended the night shaking his head in disbelief as he was hauled off late on.
Ronaldo struck first in the blockbuster clash, firing home his 16th goal of the season with a clinical finish in the 42nd minute after being teed up by Kingsley Coman. Al Nassr dominated the opening half, peppering Hilal’s goal and looking in control.
Everything unravelled after the break.
Mohamed Simakan conceded a clumsy penalty, which Salem Al Dawsari converted to level matters. Moments later, Nassr’s night worsened when goalkeeper Nawaf Al Aqidi was sent off following a VAR review for violent conduct, leaving the visitors down to 10 men for over half an hour.
Al Hilal sensed blood. Mohamed Kanno poked home in the 81st minute before Ruben Neves sealed the win from the spot in stoppage time, completing a ruthless comeback.
With Nassr trailing 2–1 in the 83rd minute, coach Jorge Jesus stunned the crowd by substituting Ronaldo.
The 40-year-old reacted furiously — shaking his head, waving his arms and appearing to mouth “impossible” as he trudged off, a moment that quickly went viral.
The defeat leaves Al Nassr seven points behind Al Hilal and extends a worrying slump — three straight losses after a blistering start to the season.
Still chasing his first major trophy with Al Nassr, Ronaldo now faces another uphill battle. Nassr host Al Shabab on Saturday, knowing anything less than a win would further dent their fading title hopes.
January 13, 2026, 09:03 IST
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