Football icon Cristiano Ronaldo expressed heartfelt gratitude to Al-Nassr fans in an emotional social media post following the team’s devastating 3-2 defeat to Kawasaki Frontale in the AFC Champions League Elite semi-finals on Wednesday night. The loss at Alinma Stadium marked another trophyless season for the Saudi giants, dashing hopes of continental glory despite high expectations for the star-studded squad.
The 40-year-old Portuguese superstar, visibly distraught at the final whistle, took to social media minutes after the match to address the loyal Al-Nassr supporters. “I’m proud of this team and everything we gave on the pitch. Thank you to all the fans who believed in us and stood by us every step of the way. Your support means the world,” Ronaldo wrote, adding, “Sometimes the dream has to wait.” His message resonated with fans worldwide, reflecting both his disappointment and unwavering commitment to the club.
Al-Nassr, who had breezed past Yokohama F. Marinos with a 4-1 victory in the quarter-finals, struggled to capitalize on their chances against the resilient Japanese side. Despite playing in front of a home crowd, the team failed to level the score after Ronaldo missed a clear opportunity, a moment that proved pivotal in their elimination. Kawasaki Frontale’s victory secured their place in the final against Al-Ahli, who defeated Al-Hilal 3-1 in the other semi-final.
Ronaldo, who has scored an impressive 91 goals in 102 appearances for Al-Nassr since joining in December 2022, admitted earlier this season that winning the AFC Champions League was a personal goal. “The [AFC] Champions League is something I want to win for the club,” he had said, underscoring the significance of the competition for both him and the Riyadh-based side. However, with this defeat, Al-Nassr have now reached three AFC Champions League semi-finals without progressing to the final, prolonging their wait for a continental title.
The semi-final exit compounds a challenging season for Al-Nassr, who trail league leaders Al-Ittihad by eight points with only five matches remaining in the Saudi Pro League. The team also suffered early eliminations in the Saudi Super Cup and King’s Cup, leaving Ronaldo with just one minor trophy—the 2023 Arab Club Champions Cup—during his tenure with the club. Despite his prolific goal-scoring form, including seven goals in this season’s AFC Champions League, the lack of major silverware has fueled criticism from some quarters, with a few fans even calling for the veteran forward to retire.
Despite the setback, Ronaldo remains a central figure for Al-Nassr, with reports suggesting he has agreed to extend his contract through at least 2026, aligning with his goal of playing for Portugal at the upcoming World Cup. His determination to deliver a major trophy for Al-Nassr persists, even as the club faces an uphill battle in the domestic league.