On Saturday, as Cristiano Ronaldo departed the playing field, he appeared genuinely vexed at his inability to acquire another league championship for his collection of awards.
Ettifaq held Al-Nassr to a 1-1 draw in their away game, with their goal being scored by Luiz Gustavo. After playing for 84 minutes without scoring, Ronaldo was substituted for Mohammed Maran. Meanwhile, Al-Ittihad won against Al Feiha, securing a Saudi Pro League victory for Nuno Espirito Santo instead of Ronaldo's compatriot. Ronaldo will now have to look towards the following season.
Has Ronaldo's move to Al-Nassr achieved its intended purpose, or is his pain the only consequence worth considering?
Ronaldo sought to start a new chapter when he left Europe for Al-Nassr, claiming that he had accomplished all he could in the continent. Despite receiving offers from various clubs in Europe, Brazil, Australia, the US, and Portugal, he honored his commitment to Al-Nassr for the chance to experience football and be part of a great nation. It was a challenge he eagerly accepted.
Critics may question why Ronaldo would opt for the Saudi Pro League instead of pursuing more European accolades, but who are we to judge? Regardless, whether Ronaldo's move has accomplished its intended purpose remains.
Having won every possible title in Europe, it can be argued that he had achieved all he could. While he may have sold his skills to the highest bidder, it cannot be denied that his Champions League victories hold value. However, winning a title in the Middle East cannot be compared to his previous accomplishments. We do not hold it against Johan Cruijff for not winning a trophy with the Los Angeles Aztecs.
In 16 Saudi Pro League Games, Ronaldo Has Managed To Score 14 Goals.
Ronaldo relocated to Saudi Arabia to prove his goal-scoring abilities were still intact. He achieved this feat by surpassing the goal tally of all other players in the second half of the season.
His move was also motivated by a desire to maintain his star status and attract attention to his actions. This objective was also met as there was a significant increase in media coverage of Al-Nassr following his arrival.
Moreover, he aimed to enhance the reputation of Saudi football and the country as a whole. The positive headlines leading up to the summer transfer window have also achieved this objective.
Additionally, Using sports or sporting personalities for PR purposes is not a new trend, as demonstrated by Manchester City, Paris Saint-Germain, and Newcastle United, who have all been utilized to change public perception of certain nations. Similarly, the recent World Cups in Qatar and Russia were staged with similar goals.
While his decisions might be motivated by a genuine love for the sport, it does not negate that they are primarily intended to boost PR. This is evident in deals such as Ronaldo's move to Saudi Arabia.
On The Pitch, Ronaldo's Debut Season With Al-Nassr Has Been Inconsistent.
It is no secret that Saudi Arabia is preparing to bid for the men's World Cup. Qatar has deemed the 2022 tournament a success despite concerns over human rights, and now Saudi Arabia hopes to achieve a similar triumph in either 2030 or 2034.
Unlike Qatar, Saudi Arabia is unlikely to face criticism for not being a traditional footballing powerhouse. Their national team has qualified for multiple World Cups and even defeated eventual champions Argentina in the 2022 group stage. They consistently rank higher than Qatar and have attracted European stars before Ronaldo's arrival.
Although Cristiano Ronaldo may be disappointed to have lost the title race to Nuno's Al-Ittihad, his efforts have already been accomplished.