Ronaldo Tops Saudi League Scoring, Al Nassr Misses ACL Spot

Ronaldo Secures Golden Boot with 25 Goals

Cristiano Ronaldo wrapped up the 2024–25 Saudi Pro League season as the league’s top scorer, finding the back of the net 25 times in a campaign that highlighted his enduring brilliance—even at 39 years old. The Portuguese icon remained a lethal force in front of goal and a crucial figure for Al-Nassr  throughout the season.

However, Ronaldo’s individual success wasn’t enough to lift Al-Nassr into Asia’s elite club competition. Despite his stellar numbers, the team’s collective shortcomings ultimately cost them a spot in the AFC Champions League Elite next season.

Final Matchday Heartbreak: Al Nassr Fall Short Against Al Fateh

In their decisive final match of the season on Tuesday, May 27, 2025, Al-Nassr traveled to Prince Abdullah bin Jalawi Stadium to face Al Fateh. Needing a win to secure qualification, Al-Nassr dominated possession with 62% of the ball and produced 13 shots, seven of which were on target.

Yet, it was Al Fateh who capitalized on their chances. With only eight attempts—three of them on target—they managed to score all three and sealed a dramatic 3–2 victory, crushing Al-Nassr’s hopes in the process. The defeat was a bitter blow for a team chasing continental glory.

One Point Short of Glory: Al Nassr Left Just Outside the Top Three

The loss left Al-Nassr in fourth place in the final standings, finishing just one point behind Al Qadisiyah in third—the final qualifying spot for the 2025–26 AFC Champions League Elite. It’s a frustrating outcome for a club that boasts one of the most prolific forwards in the world.

This narrow miss will likely prompt serious reflection within the Al-Nassr camp as they prepare for the next campaign. Despite fielding the league’s top scorer, inconsistency and missed opportunities throughout the season proved costly in their pursuit of continental success.