Cristiano Ronaldo’s quest for an official trophy with Al Nassr remains unfulfilled as Al Ahli clinched the 2025 Saudi Super Cup in a dramatic penalty shootout in Hong Kong.
Earlier today, Al Nassr, led by Cristiano Ronaldo, suffered a heart-wrenching defeat to Al Ahli in the Saudi Super Cup final at Hong Kong Stadium. Ronaldo ignited hope with an early penalty goal, marking a historic milestone as the first player to score 100 goals for four different teams. However, Al Ahli’s Franck Kessie equalized before the break, setting the stage for a tense battle. Al Nassr regained the lead late through Marcelo Brozovic’s clinical finish, only for Riyad Mahrez to assist Roger Ibañez’s dramatic equalizer in the final moments, forcing a penalty shootout.
In the shootout, Ronaldo and Joao Felix converted for Al Nassr, but Abdullah Al Khaibari’s miss proved costly as Al Ahli secured the title. The loss marks Ronaldo’s third consecutive final defeat with Al Nassr since joining in 2023, following setbacks in the Saudi Super Cup and King’s Cup. Despite his prolific scoring, Ronaldo’s elusive pursuit of silverware continues to define his tenure in Saudi Arabia.
The outcome has fueled discussions about Al Nassr’s resilience under pressure, with coach Jorge Jesus facing scrutiny over tactical adjustments. Al Ahli’s triumph, led by Matthias Jaissle, highlights their growing dominance in Saudi football. The final, a showcase of high-stakes drama, tests Ronaldo’s resolve as he eyes future opportunities. As Al Ahli celebrates, Ronaldo and Al Nassr must regroup, their ambition undeterred in the quest for glory.