Neason’s move to Saudi Arabia could go one of two ways: either he becomes a hero against all odds, or he finds himself in a sticky situation like his latter days in the Premier League. We’ll find out after tonight’s game.
Ronaldo’s 2022 wasn’t exactly smooth sailing. He exited Manchester United in a manner that could only be described as undignified, followed by an equally unceremonious exit from the World Cup after being demoted to a bit-part role for Portugal midway through the tournament. Ouch.
But it’s 2023 now and Ronaldo’s surrounded by the adoration of millions…like an eternal icon. He’s landed in Riyadh to join Saudi Arabia’s Al Nassr, trading in the Premier League and Champions League for a club and league where he’ll be treated like royalty. Move over, Queen Elizabeth.
It’s been a while since the Saudi capital’s seen this much excitement. We’re talking 1978, when Rivellino, who won a World Cup with Brazil, joined Al Hilal. “Hala Ronaldo” billboards lined the roads as he made his way to his new home stadium, Mrsool Park, where 23,000 fans gathered to witness the unveiling of the five-time Ballon d’Or winner. Al Nassr became famous overnight (even more so than that Kardashian family).
The club’s official video of Ronaldo’s presentation has been watched by millions around the world, and their Instagram account has gone from 800,000 to over 14 million followers in three months. That’s a lot of people double-tapping.
On the field, Al Nassr isn’t doing too well. Predictions that Ronaldo would dominate the Saudi Pro League turned out to be a bit premature. He took 180 minutes to score his first goal, and then it was a last-minute penalty. But he managed to bag all four in a 4-0 away thumping of minnows Al Wehda the following week, and within three months of joining the club, he’d scored 11 goals in 10 matches. Not too shabby.
However, things aren’t going too smoothly. Ronaldo’s visibly angry when away fans chant “Messi, Messi!” as he leads his new team onto the pitch. We know he’s been measured against Lionel Messi throughout his career, but come on, he’s in a new league and he’s still the biggest attraction. Give the guy a break.
And it seems like Ronaldo isn’t even the most important player at Al Nassr, at least according to many of the club’s fans. That title goes to Brazilian forward Anderson Talisca, the club’s top goalscorer this season with 16. Ronaldo should probably start working on his TikTok dance moves to gain some clout.
After former boss Rudi Garcia was sacked, Dinko Jelicic became the interm manager. But the club has their sights set on one man: former Wolves boss Bruno Lage, who’s also Ronaldo’s compatriot. We smell a bit of favoritism here.
With seven league matches to go and the King Cup semi-final against Al Wehda coming up next week, Al Nassr still has a chance to make this one of their most successful seasons in recent memory. They’re currently second in the table, three points behind Al Ittihad. Will Ronaldo come through for his new team, or will he just be another footnote in their long history?
Al Nassr’s rivals, Al Hilal, have set themselves apart as a continental powerhouse. They’ve reached five AFC Champions League finals in the past eight years, including this year’s tournament against Japan’s Urawa Red Diamonds. Their first leg is next week, and they’ve even fielded a weakened side in their last two outings. Looks like they might be feeling a bit nervous.
For all the publicity Ronaldo has brought to Al Nassr, his true legacy at the club will depend on how he performs against Al Hilal. It’s a chance for him to step up and prove that he’s still got it. Or, you know, he could just sit on the bench and sip some tea. Either way, it’ll be entertaining.
Serious News: nytimes
