Al Nassr’s iconic Portuguese footballer, Cristiano Ronaldo, is gearing up for another thrilling Saudi Pro League season. His primary objective remains clear: to dethrone Al Hilal and end their dominance. Since joining Al Nassr in December 2022, Ronaldo has yet to secure a domestic trophy. This season, however, he is more determined than ever to change that.
Al Hilal’s Unyielding Supremacy
Last season, Al Hilal cemented their dominance with 31 wins and three draws, finishing 14 points ahead of Al Nassr. Last weekend, they defeated Al Nassr 4-1 in the Saudi Super Cup final, further showcasing their strength. Kalidou Koulibaly, Al Hilal’s defender who joined from Chelsea, anticipates a tough season ahead. He believes every team will target Al Hilal, aiming to disrupt their supremacy.
Neymar’s Return: A Game-Changer
Neymar’s return to Al Hilal is highly anticipated, almost like a new signing for the team. He played only five matches before a knee injury during a World Cup qualifier last October sidelined him. Koulibaly emphasized Neymar’s motivation and potential impact, expecting him to significantly contribute once fully recovered.
Al Nassr’s Strengthened Lineup
Al Nassr have made only one addition to their squad in the transfer window, Brazilian goalkeeper Bento, who replaced David Ospina. The team now features stars like Sadio Mane, Marcelo Brozovic, and Aymeric Laporte alongside Ronaldo. These reinforcements signal their intent to challenge Al Hilal’s supremacy this season.
Rising Rivals and a Competitive Season
Al Hilal’s main competitors include Al Ahli, led by Riyad Mahrez, and Karim Benzema’s Al-Ittihad, who secured Moussa Diaby for over $60 million. League officials hope for a more competitive title race, which could boost attendance, which averaged just over 8,000 per game last season. Al Hilal also has international ambitions as they represent Asia in the FIFA Club World Cup, starting June 15 in the United States. Koulibaly remains confident, stating, “We’ll do everything to ensure Neymar is ready to help us win trophies.”
Upcoming Fixtures
Al Nassr will kick off their Saudi Pro League campaign on Thursday against Al Raed, who narrowly avoided relegation last season. Al Raed secured 37 points from 34 matches, finishing 12th in the standings. They have appointed a new manager, Odair Hellmann, after parting ways with Igor Jovicevic.
On Saturday, Al Hilal will commence their title defense against Al Okhdood, who barely survived relegation last season, finishing 15th with 33 points.
