Cristiano Ronaldo is gearing up for another season with Al-Nassr in the Saudi Pro League, hoping to help his team overthrow their rivals Al-Hilal. Despite joining the club in December 2022, Ronaldo has yet to win a domestic trophy with Al-Nassr. With the kickoff of the league’s season approaching, Ronaldo expressed his determination to achieve their shared goal in a recent social media post.
Al-Hilal, the reigning champions, dominated the league last season, finishing 14 points clear of second-place Al-Nassr and defeating them 4-1 in the Saudi Super Cup final. The competition is expected to be tougher this season, with all teams eager to dethrone Al-Hilal. Kalidou Koulibaly, a defender for the club, acknowledged the challenges that lie ahead and emphasized the importance of maintaining their title-winning form.
The transfer market in Saudi Arabia saw significant activity last summer, with numerous European stars joining the league. This season, however, has been relatively quieter in terms of transfers. Al-Hilal is anticipating the return of Neymar, who suffered a serious knee injury last year after making only five appearances for the club. With Neymar’s imminent return, the team is hopeful that his presence will boost their performance in the upcoming season.
Al-Hilal’s strong squad includes Serbian striker Aleksandar Mitrovic, Portuguese midfielder Ruben Neves, and Moroccan goalkeeper Yassine Bounou. Al-Nassr, on the other hand, has made key signings like Brazilian goalkeeper Bento to strengthen their team. With a lineup that includes Ronaldo, Sadio Mane, Marcelo Brozovic, and Aymeric Laporte, Al-Nassr is poised to be a formidable contender in the league.
Apart from the Riyadh-based clubs, Jeddah’s Al-Ahli and Al-Ittihad are also set to pose a challenge in the league. Al-Ahli, led by Riyad Mahrez, and Al-Ittihad, featuring Karim Benzema and Moussa Diaby, have made significant acquisitions this summer. The competition between these clubs, all owned by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund, is expected to intensify, leading to a more exciting title race in the upcoming season.
Aside from domestic success, Al-Hilal is looking to make a mark on the international stage by representing Asia in the FIFA Club World Cup. Despite falling short in the 2022 tournament’s final against Real Madrid, Al-Hilal is determined to perform well in the upcoming competition. With Neymar’s impending return and the team’s collective effort in training, they are optimistic about their chances of securing silverware in the tournaments ahead.
