Cristiano Ronaldo won the first Saudi Pro League title for Al-Nasr

The season was not without controversy.

Ronaldo in February Missed two league matches, The PIF is said to be concerned about how the club has been run compared to Al-Hilal. Others, however, believe the league is on his side.

Al-Ahly’s Toni and Brazilian winger Galeno are among those who have accused the league of favoring Ronaldo and Al-Nasr.

Ronaldo’s response: “I think it’s not good for the league. Everyone complains. It’s football, it’s not a war… but everything is not allowed. I’m going to speak at the end of the season because I’ve seen many, many bad things.

“A lot of players are complaining, posting on Instagram, Facebook, talking about the referees, talking about the league, talking about the project. It’s not good. It’s not the goal of the league.”

The overall Saudi Arabian sports project has been called into question of late.

In April, the PIF announced that it would stop funding LIV Golf at the end of the current season.

In January, the 2029 Winter Asian Games scheduled to be held in the country were postponed indefinitely.

It has also been reported that the WTA’s season-ending tennis finals will leave Saudi Arabia this year after a three-year deal with the country expires.

In football too, the media was full of rumors and news of big name players moving to the Saudi Pro League.

“The shared achievements of Ronaldo and Al-Nasr could also bring some much-needed inspiration to football in Saudi Arabia, which has struggled to maintain the hype and appeal of the last three years,” Chadwick said.

There are still notable signings: Al-Qadsia paid around £57m for Italian striker Matteo Retegui last summer and Al-Hilal splashed around £46m on Darwin Nunez.

However, compared to the peak of 2023, the focus is more on bringing in young players with sell-on value.

According to sources in Riyadh, there are still funds for a proper experienced superstar like Mohamed Salah. The Egyptian, who left Liverpool in the summer, wants Al-Ittihad – but only if the price is right.

While Ronaldo’s win could be seen by some as a testament to all the spending, it could also be seen as a throwback to a bygone era when Saudi Arabian teams spent £700m in a single transfer window.

What happens next is a matter of debate.

“Now it’s up to decision-makers at every club, league and country to capitalize on the success Ronaldo has helped deliver,” Chadwick said.

For the moment, however, Riyad and the yellow half of Ronaldo’s global fanbase have much to celebrate.