The beginning of 2026 might not have been more opposite to how he ended the last year than it was the case with Cristiano Ronaldo. With a positive mind, strong leadership, and a perfect start in the Saudi Pro League as Al-Nassr captain, the Portuguese superstar instead suffered a bitter blow against the dark backdrop of Jeddah. Stunningly beaten by Al-Ahli, the defeat terminated an impeccable domestic performance of Al-Nassr and provided Ronaldo with one of his most aggravating evenings since he had landed in Saudi Arabia.
The match at the King Abdullah Sports City was positioned as a possible turning point in the title match and it proved as expected. Al-Nassr came in as the pace-setters of the leagues and Al-Ahli were keen on establishing their credentials against the most dominant team in the division. The hosts were aggressive since the kickoff and attacked the already calm Al-Nassr with urgency, high pressing, and errors in their backline, which should be composed.
Ivan Toney was the figure of the night. Taking advantage of defensive lapses, the English striker scored twice in the first 20 minutes to shake the stadium and leave Al-Nassr clearly displeased. The initial ambitions disturbed the impact of Ronaldo, since the number of forwarded balls to attacking positions was reduced and the game pace was set by Al-Ahli.
Al-Nassr had trouble restoring their authority even with the attempts to react. Ronaldo, who is normally the difference-maker when it counts, looked frustrated as the match went beyond salvaging. The whistle was not only a sign that the team was losing, but it also indicated that they were in a weak position in a team that was formerly considered to be unbeatable.
To Ronaldo, the loss was a culmination of an ideal Saudi Pro League story of this season. To the league, it restored the faith that the title race has never been closed and a new tension and intrigue starts 2026.