Goalkeeping Error Leaves Ronaldo Waiting for Saudi Title

Nassr's Portuguese forward #07 Cristiano Ronaldo reacts after missing a goal during the Saudi Pro League football match between Al-Nassr and Al-Hilal at King Fahd Sports City Stadium in Riyadh on May 12, 2026. (Photo by Fayez NURELDINE / AFP)

Cristiano Ronaldo’s dream of clinching his first Saudi Pro League title with Al Nassr was delayed after a shocking own goal in the dying seconds of their match against Al Hilal on Tuesday.

With the title in sight, Al Nassr were just moments away from securing the championship, but an unfortunate error by goalkeeper Bento, who mishandled a long throw-in into his own net, forced the match to end in a 1-1 draw in Riyadh.

Al Nassr, who were leading the game and had only seconds left to play, were stunned as Bento’s blunder allowed second-placed Al Hilal to equalise. The result means Ronaldo and his team will have to wait at least one more week for the title, as they remain five points ahead of Al Hilal, who still have a game in hand.

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Nassr’s Portuguese forward #07 Cristiano Ronaldo looks on ahead of the Saudi Pro League football match between Al-Nassr and Al-Hilal at King Fahd Sports City Stadium in Riyadh on May 12, 2026. (Photo by Fayez NURELDINE / AFP)

After the match, Ronaldo shared a message on X to his 107.5 million followers, rallying his team and fans.

“The dream is close,” he wrote. “Heads up, we have one more step to take! Thank you all for the amazing support tonight!”

With only one game left in the season, Al Nassr can still secure the title if they win their final match against Damac next week.

Since his move to Saudi Arabia in 2023, Ronaldo has yet to win a domestic title with Al Nassr, despite sparking a wave of interest in Saudi football. His arrival helped attract other high-profile players such as Neymar and Karim Benzema to the league, igniting a new era of talent in the Pro League.

The suspense continues as Ronaldo and his Al Nassr teammates look to finish the season on a high. The upcoming match could be the one that finally delivers the long-awaited title for the Portuguese superstar.

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  • Tope Oke

    Temitope is a storyteller driven by a passion for the intricate world of geopolitics, the raw beauty of wildlife, and the dynamic spirit of sports. As both a writer and editor, he excels at crafting insightful and impactful narratives that not only inform but also inspire and advocate for positive change. Through his work, he aims to shed light on complex issues, celebrate diverse perspectives, and encourage readers to engage with the world around them in a more meaningful way.

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