Cristiano Ronaldo’s second season in the Saudi Pro League was marked by personal triumphs, despite missing out on the championship title to the Al-Hilal. The five-time Ballon d’Or winner made headlines by securing the Golden Boot and setting a new goalscoring record in the league. His impressive tally of 35 goals in just 31 games surpassed the previous record set by Abderrazak Hamdallah in 2019, highlighting Ronaldo’s enduring prowess on the field.
Ronaldo’s performance was nothing short of spectacular, with the former Manchester United forward scoring four hat-tricks and providing 12 assists. These achievements underscore his significant contribution to Al-Nassr, even though the team finished second in the league. However, his season wasn’t without controversy. Ronaldo faced two suspensions, one for a red card due to an elbow in April and another in February for an inappropriate gesture towards Al-Shabab fans chanting “Messi, Messi” at him. Despite these setbacks, Ronaldo’s individual brilliance stood out in an otherwise challenging season for Al-Nassr.
Al-Hilal’s Dominance Without Neymar
Al-Hilal clinched their 19th Saudi Pro League title, showcasing their dominance and extending their record as the most successful team in the league’s history. This triumph was achieved despite the absence of their star forward Neymar, who suffered a severe injury in October while playing for Brazil. The 31-year-old ruptured his anterior cruciate ligament and meniscus, sidelining him for the season and potentially the start of the next.
Al-Hilal’s success was built on a solid team performance, spearheaded by the likes of Aleksandar Mitrovic, who scored 28 goals after joining from Fulham. His effective partnership with fellow Serbian Sergej Milinkovic-Savic, who added 11 goals from midfield, was instrumental. Other key contributions came from Ruben Neves and Kalidou Koulibaly, recent signings from Wolverhampton Wanderers and Chelsea respectively, who bolstered the team’s midfield and defense. Under the leadership of coach Jorge Jesus, Al-Hilal maintained an impressive 34-game winning streak in all competitions, demonstrating their superiority in the league.
Exceptional Team Effort Leads Al-Hilal to Victory
Al-Hilal’s triumph was a testament to the depth and talent of their squad, which includes several stars from the Saudi Arabia national team, such as Saud Abdulhamid and Asian Player of the Year Salem Al-Dawsari. Coach Jorge Jesus praised the team’s unity and the exceptional talent that characterized their play throughout the season. “This season has been truly exceptional for the team – arguably our best ever,” said Jesus. “The credit goes to the immense talent within the squad and the incredible sense of unity that transcends both on and off-field interactions.”
Al-Hilal’s ability to dominate without Neymar was particularly noteworthy. The team’s balanced attack and robust defense made them formidable opponents. Mitrovic’s goal-scoring prowess, coupled with the creative midfield play of Milinkovic-Savic and Neves, ensured that Al-Hilal remained a step ahead of their competitors. This collective effort, complemented by strategic leadership from coach Jesus, solidified Al-Hilal’s status as the premier team in the Saudi Pro League. As they look forward to the next season, their performance sets a high benchmark for excellence in the league.
Star Power Signings Bolster Al-Nassr’s Squad
Al-Nassr, aiming to reclaim their dominance in Saudi Arabian football, made headlines with high-profile signings this season. Cristiano Ronaldo, one of the most celebrated footballers globally, was not their only star acquisition. The club also brought in Sadio Mane from Bayern Munich, Marcelo Brozovic from Inter Milan, and Aymeric Laporte from Manchester City to strengthen their defense. These signings were part of a strategic move to enhance their squad’s overall quality and competitiveness.
Despite these efforts, Al-Nassr finished second, matching Al-Hilal’s offensive prowess as both teams scored over 100 goals this season. However, defensive lapses proved costly, contrasting with Al-Hilal’s more balanced approach. Head coach Luis Castro acknowledged the shortcomings, stating, “Obviously, finishing second was not our target when the season started, but there were issues that affected us. Overall, though, the players have performed well.” This sentiment reflects a season of mixed results despite significant investments in star power.
Disappointments and Surprises Among the ‘Big Four’
The Saudi Pro League’s ‘Big Four’ clubs experienced varying degrees of success and disappointment this season. Al-Ahli secured third place and the final Asian Champions League spot, thanks to the contributions of Riyad Mahrez and Allen Saint-Maximin, who recorded 13 and nine assists respectively. Roberto Firmino also found his footing in Jeddah, contributing nine goals, while Firas Al-Buraikan emerged as the league’s most prolific Saudi Arabian striker with 17 goals.
In contrast, Al-Ittihad, the defending champions, had a season to forget. Despite bolstering their squad with former Real Madrid star Karim Benzema, along with Fabinho and N’Golo Kante, the team struggled significantly. Benzema faced injury issues, and the defensive unit that conceded just 13 goals last season crumbled, allowing 50 goals this time around. These defensive frailties led to the dismissal of coach Nuno Santo in November, marking a tumultuous season for the Tigers.
Challenges and Developments Across the League
While the top clubs garnered most of the attention, the rest of the Saudi Pro League experienced notable developments and challenges. Attendance figures fell short of expectations, averaging just over 8,000 per game. Only the ‘Big Four’ clubs managed to draw crowds in the five-figure range, with Al-Ittihad’s attendance dropping dramatically from over 40,000 last season to less than half this season due to their on-field struggles.
On a positive note, clubs like Ettifaq and Al-Shabab made strides by opening new boutique stadiums, addressing the long-standing issue of inadequate facilities. These improvements led to increased attendance, though there’s still considerable work needed to attract larger crowds consistently. Al-Taawoun’s impressive fourth-place finish highlighted their potential, despite lacking the financial muscle to compete with the league’s top spenders.
Ettifaq also showed promise, finishing higher than last season with better overall performances. Although star signing Jordan Henderson departed for Ajax in January, Gini Wijnaldum’s arrival significantly boosted the team. Scottish international Jack Hendry’s consistent presence in defense and Moussa Dembele’s goal-scoring prowess were key factors in Ettifaq’s progress. As the league looks ahead, rumors of potential signings like Mohamed Salah, Allison, and Casemiro suggest an even more competitive future, emphasizing the growing ambition within Saudi Arabian football.
