Cristiano Ronaldo made a striking decision during the AFC Champions League Two final, choosing not to accept his runner-up medal after Al-Nassr fell to Gamba Osaka in the match. The game took place at Al-Awwal Park in Riyadh, where Deniz Hommet’s goal secured a 1-0 victory for Gamba Osaka. Despite reaching the final of Asia’s second-tier club competition, Al-Nassr were unable to claim the title.
After the final whistle, Ronaldo walked away from his teammates and headed towards the tunnel. He did not return to collect the silver medals that his team was awarded. Instead, Al-Nassr’s head coach, Jorge Jesus, led the players to the podium to receive their medals. This moment sparked widespread discussion among fans and media, with many questioning the significance of Ronaldo’s actions.
Looking ahead, Ronaldo still has a chance to end the season with a trophy. Al-Nassr currently sit two points clear of Al-Hilal at the top of the Saudi Pro League. If they defeat Damac, who are fighting to avoid relegation, they will secure the league title—Ronaldo’s first since joining Al-Nassr in 2023.
However, Al-Nassr missed an opportunity to clinch the title earlier this week when they drew 1-1 with Al-Hilal. The match was crucial, as Al-Nassr appeared to be on track for a win with a 1-0 lead in injury time. A mistake by goalkeeper Bento allowed a throw-in to slip through his hands, resulting in an equaliser for Al-Hilal.
Ronaldo was visibly shocked and sat on the bench in disbelief during the final moments of the game. Later, he posted on Instagram: “The dream is close. Heads up, we have one more step to take! Thank you all for the amazing support tonight.” His message reflected both disappointment and determination.
Jorge Jesus, who previously led Al-Hilal to multiple titles in 2024, was appointed as Al-Nassr’s head coach last summer. Speaking about the recent draw, he said: “It’s tough to have lost the possibility to celebrate winning the title today on the last play of the game, but there is still one more game [against Damac] at our stadium, and we can be champions.”
Jesus emphasized that the team still has a chance to win the league. “We have a second chance. We still have a game to be happy. If the fans are strong as today, for sure in the last game we will be happy and we will celebrate the title.” His words highlighted the importance of fan support and the pressure on the team to deliver in the final match.
With the league title still within reach, Al-Nassr will need to regroup and focus on their upcoming game against Damac. The team’s performance in that match could determine whether Ronaldo ends the season with a trophy.
As the season progresses, the focus remains on Al-Nassr’s ability to recover from setbacks and finish strong. The team’s journey has been marked by high expectations, and the upcoming matches will be critical in shaping their legacy.
For fans and followers, the excitement continues as the final games of the season approach. Whether it’s the AFC Champions League or the Saudi Pro League, every match brings new opportunities and challenges.
With Ronaldo leading the charge, the anticipation for the final games is building. The team’s resilience and determination will be tested in the coming weeks, and the outcome could define the season for Al-Nassr.
