Cristiano Ronaldo in tears as footballing icon finally wins Saudi Pro League

Cristiano Ronaldo was in tears after he finally won the Saudi Pro League, securing his first major trophy in Saudi Arabia.

The footballing icon netted twice in Al-Nassr's commanding 4-1 triumph over Damac.

The 41-year-old Portuguese star had been chasing domestic silverware since his high-profile arrival at the Riyadh club in January 2023, with only the Arab Club Champions Cup to show for his efforts until now.

Al-Nassr's victory ensured they finished the campaign two points ahead of rivals Al-Hilal, bringing the league title back to the club for the first time since 2019.

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Prior to this success, Ronaldo had experienced three frustrating seasons, finishing second twice and third.

Sadio Mane opened the scoring for the hosts before the interval, with Kingsley Coman extending their lead after the break.

Damac briefly threatened an upset by pulling one back in the 57th minute, unsettling the home crowd.

However, Ronaldo swiftly calmed any nerves with a trademark free-kick from the left flank shortly after the hour mark.

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The veteran forward then completed his brace with a close-range strike in the 80th minute, putting the result beyond doubt.

The victory came as a relief following Al-Nassr's missed opportunity earlier this month, when a bizarre stoppage-time own goal saw them draw 1-1 with Al-Hilal.

Ronaldo concluded the campaign with 28 league goals, though Julian Quinones and Ivan Toney both outscored him in the final standings.

The Portuguese icon, who earns £488,000 daily in the Gulf state, celebrated on the pitch alongside his fiancée Georgina Rodriguez and their children following the final whistle.

The victory provided some consolation after Al-Nassr's recent defeat to Gamba Osaka in the AFC Champions League Two final.

The campaign was not without its share of drama, with Ronaldo himself at the centre of several disputes.

Back in February, the forward staged a strike in protest against what he perceived as favourable treatment towards Al-Hilal following their signing of Karim Benzema, though he eventually returned to action.

The integrity of officiating also came under scrutiny in April when Ivan Toney and his Al-Ahli teammates suggested referees were helping Ronaldo secure the championship.

With the Saudi title now secured, Ronaldo will join up with the Portuguese national squad for what will be his sixth World Cup appearance.

The star has confirmed this World Cup will be his last, with the possibility of him having one last dance against Lionel Messi should both Argentina and Portugal reach the quarter-finals.

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