Saudi Pro League Title Race: Al Nassr, Al Hilal and Ronaldo’s Dramatic Run-In

The 2025/26 Saudi Pro League season has delivered one of the most dramatic title races in recent memory, with Cristiano Ronaldo’s Al Nassr and fierce rivals Al Hilal separated by only a handful of points heading into the final stretch of the campaign. A tense Riyadh derby, a heartbreaking late own goal, and a growing spotlight on players like Mohamed Simakan and goalkeeper Bento have turned the Saudi league standings into one of global football’s biggest talking points.

At the center of it all is Ronaldo, still chasing his first Saudi Pro League crown since arriving at Al Nassr in January 2023.

Al Nassr Still Lead the Saudi Pro League Table

Despite dropping points in a dramatic 1-1 draw against Al Hilal, Al Nassr remain top of the Saudi Pro League standings with 83 points from 33 matches. Al Hilal sit second with 78 points but still have a game in hand, keeping the title race alive until the final days of the season.

The current top of the table looks like this:

Al Nassr’s attacking numbers have been extraordinary this season, scoring 87 goals while conceding only 27. Their +60 goal difference highlights why many considered them overwhelming favorites before the Riyadh derby drama unfolded.

Al Nassr vs Al Hilal Delivered Chaos and Drama

The latest Al Nassr vs Al Hilal showdown had everything expected from Saudi football’s biggest rivalry: intensity, controversy, pressure, and a stunning late twist.

Mohamed Simakan gave Al Nassr the lead in the 37th minute after converting from a corner, sending the home crowd into celebration mode. The French defender’s goal looked destined to become one of the most important moments of the season.

For much of the match, Al Nassr controlled proceedings. Cristiano Ronaldo came close to scoring again early in the second half, while Kingsley Coman struck the post before halftime in a missed opportunity that would later prove costly.

Then came the moment that changed everything.

In the 98th minute, Al Hilal launched a long throw into the penalty area. Goalkeeper Bento Matheus Krepski attempted to gather the ball, but confusion with defender Inigo Martinez resulted in a catastrophic error. The ball slipped into the net for an own goal, giving Al Hilal a dramatic equalizer and silencing Al-Awwal Park.

Reuters described it as a moment that denied Al Nassr “the chance to wrap up the Saudi Pro League title.”

Cristiano Ronaldo’s Emotional Reaction

Few images from the Saudi Pro League season have been more striking than Ronaldo’s reaction after the equalizer.

The Portuguese superstar had already been substituted in the 83rd minute and appeared convinced that Al Nassr were about to secure the championship. Instead, television cameras captured him sitting stunned on the bench before offering a frustrated smile in disbelief.

According to ESPN, Ronaldo “sat head in hands on the bench when Bento’s gaffe ensured Ronaldo would have to wait for a first trophy in Saudi Arabia since moving there in January of 2023.”

Still, Ronaldo attempted to rally supporters after the match, posting on social media:

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

Mohamed Simakan’s Crucial Contribution

While much of the post-match discussion focused on Bento’s mistake, Mohamed Simakan’s performance reminded fans why Al Nassr invested heavily in the defender.

The former RB Leipzig center-back has added stability and athleticism to Al Nassr’s back line throughout the campaign. Against Al Hilal, he not only scored the opening goal but also delivered a commanding defensive display for most of the match.

His contribution reflected the broader transformation of Al Nassr under a squad built around elite international talent. Alongside Ronaldo, Sadio Mane, Marcelo Brozovic, Aymeric Laporte, and others, Simakan has become an important figure in the club’s push for domestic dominance.

What Al Nassr Need to Win the Saudi League

Despite the disappointment of the draw, Al Nassr still control their own destiny.

The equation is relatively simple:

• If Al Nassr beat Damac in their final league match on May 21, they will win the Saudi Pro League title.
• Al Hilal must win both remaining matches to maintain pressure.
• If Al Hilal fail to defeat Neom Sports Club, Al Nassr could become champions before the final day.

Al Hilal’s remaining fixtures are:

• Al Hilal vs Neom Sports Club — May 16
• Al Hilal vs Al Feiha — May 21

The tension is heightened by the fact that Damac are still fighting relegation survival, meaning Al Nassr’s final opponent will be highly motivated.

Ronaldo’s Remarkable Numbers Continue

Even at 41 years old, Ronaldo continues to dominate statistically.

The Portuguese forward has scored:

• 26 league goals in 33 Saudi Pro League matches
• 127 goals across all competitions for Al Nassr
• 971 career goals overall as he pushes toward the historic 1,000-goal milestone

This season also saw Ronaldo reach his 100th Saudi Pro League goal for Al Nassr, another milestone in a legendary career.

His impact extends beyond the pitch. Since joining Al Nassr, Ronaldo has transformed international interest in Saudi football, helping attract elite players, major sponsorships, and significantly larger global television audiences.

The Bigger Saudi Pro League Picture

The Saudi Pro League’s growth has accelerated rapidly over the last several seasons.

Clubs like Al Nassr, Al Hilal, Al Ahli, and Al Ittihad now feature internationally recognized stars, while major sponsors and broadcasters continue investing in the competition. The league table itself reflects the increasing competitiveness across Saudi football.

Al Hilal remain unbeaten after 32 matches, while Al Ahli and Al Qadsiah have also mounted strong campaigns. Meanwhile, teams near the bottom of the table continue battling relegation with only weeks remaining.

The drama surrounding Al Nassr vs Al Hilal demonstrates how the Saudi league has evolved into a global entertainment product capable of attracting worldwide attention.

Bento Faces Heavy Criticism

The aftermath of the draw has placed goalkeeper Bento under intense scrutiny.

Social media reactions from fans and pundits quickly focused on the Brazilian’s late mistake, with many suggesting the own goal could cost Al Nassr the championship. Headlines across international sports media highlighted the “bizarre” nature of the equalizer and the devastating timing of the error.

Still, Al Nassr manager and players have attempted to maintain unity as they prepare for the final phase of the season.

Two Possible Trophies for Al Nassr

The Saudi Pro League title is not the only prize still available.

Al Nassr are also preparing for the Asian Champions League Two final against Gamba Osaka. Victory there would give Ronaldo his first major trophy with the Saudi club and potentially create a historic double-winning finish to the campaign.

For Ronaldo personally, the coming weeks could define his Saudi Arabian legacy.

Conclusion

The Saudi Pro League title race between Al Nassr and Al Hilal has become one of football’s most compelling stories of the season. What looked like a championship-clinching night for Cristiano Ronaldo’s side instead turned into heartbreak after Bento’s dramatic late own goal.

Yet Al Nassr remain in control at the top of the standings, with one victory potentially enough to secure their first league title since 2019. Mohamed Simakan’s leadership, Ronaldo’s relentless scoring, and the fierce pressure from Al Hilal have combined to create a thrilling finale that has captured worldwide attention.

With the season nearing its conclusion, the question remains simple: can Ronaldo finally lift the Saudi Pro League trophy with Al Nassr, or will Al Hilal produce one last twist in a remarkable title race?