When Cristiano Ronaldo joined Al Nassr in early 2023, many believed that the Saudi-Arabian giants would be not just boosted by his global star power, but galvanized into a dominant trophy-winning phase. By that logic, his arrival represented both a statement of intent from the club and a final piece in his own legacy. Instead, what has followed is a surprising protracted trophy drought — what many are calling a “curate’s egg” of individual brilliance amid collective frustration.
An article in India Today framed it starkly: “Ronaldo’s Al Nassr trophy curse: 10 tournaments lost after King’s Cup heartbreak.” According to their tally: since he arrived, Al Nassr have dropped three league seasons (Saudi Pro League), four editions of the King’s Cup, four editions of the Saudi Super Cup, and two campaigns of the AFC Champions League — amounting to 10 attempts at major silverware, all unsuccessful so far.
The only piece of hardware Ronaldo has collected with Al Nassr is the 2023 Arab Club Champions Cup, a tournament with high-profile teams but which is not officially recognized as a major title by FIFA.
Why the “curse” feels real
- Mismatch of expectations vs reality: Ronaldo’s résumé includes multiple Champions League titles, leagues in England, Spain, Italy, and a Euro with Portugal. Arriving in Saudi Arabia, he was expected not just to score, but to lead. Yet the team repeatedly falls short.
- Repeated scenarios of heartbreak: Losses in finals or late eliminations add to the perception of a “curse”. For example, Al Nassr lost the 2024 King’s Cup final on penalties to rivals Al Hilal after a 1-1 draw.
- Individual brilliance, collective void: Ronaldo continues scoring. But goal-scoring alone isn’t translating to trophies. Critics say the squad lacks the cutting edge in team cohesion, mental toughness, or perhaps the tactical balance to convert star power into silverware.
- Narrative momentum: The more times you lose, the more you start believing in the pattern. The “curse” becomes self-fulfilling — pressure increases, and even when you’re favourites, you stumble.
Key moments in the drought
- King’s Cup exit (2025): Al Nassr went out in the King’s Cup after a defeat to Al Ittihad, despite Ronaldo being involved in the buildup of the equalizer. A blow in a competition they considered winnable.
- Super Cup loss (Aug 2025): In the 2025 Saudi Super Cup final in Hong Kong, Al Nassr drew 2-2 with Al Ahli, then lost 5-3 on penalties — even as Ronaldo scored and reached his 100th goal for the club.
- AFC Champions League Elite semi-final upset: Despite being heavy favorites, Al Nassr lost to Japanese side Kawasaki Frontale in the semi-final — another blow in so-called “easy” territory.
What does this mean for Ronaldo?
- Legacy in limbo: Until now, Ronaldo moved clubs and won titles. At 39 (and soon 40), time is literally running out to add major silverware to his career. The lack of trophies at Al Nassr stands out more starkly because of his past.
- Club dynamics under scrutiny: The failures raise questions about Al Nassr’s depth, tactical framework, mentality in crucial moments — not just Ronaldo’s output. Even the best player can’t carry everything alone.
- Psychological burden: As losses pile up, the pressure increases. Watching rivals lift trophies, fans getting restless, and the narrative of a “curse” becomes a distraction in itself. One article described how Ronaldo “fumes” at himself after open-goal misses in key moments.
Could the “curse” end? What needs to change
- Team-wide reinforcement: More than star signings, the club needs the right mix of tactical discipline, game-management in finals, and depth to sustain across competitions.
- Mental toughness: Converting dominance into trophies requires resilience. Whether it’s in penalty shoot-outs, extra time, or remounting deficits, Al Nassr have foundered.
- Clearer tactical identity: With a star of Ronaldo’s magnitude, the team must build around his strengths while ensuring balance — not simply feeding a superstar and hoping.
- Relief from external pressure: If the “curse” narrative dominates, it can influence performances. Breaking the cycle may require a quiet, confident approach rather than spotlight.
Ronaldo’s spell at Al Nassr so far has turned into a Paradox: he stands as prolific as ever, yet the ultimate prize remains elusive. The “10 tournaments lost” mark is less about superstition and more about structural gaps — individually he delivers, collectively the team hasn’t crossed the finish line.
