By Ahmed Khalil
August 23, 2025
Hong Kong – In a thrilling Saudi Super Cup final, Al-Ahli emerged victorious over Al-Nassr, winning 5-3 on penalties after a dramatic 2-2 draw at Hong Kong Stadium on Saturday. Despite Cristiano Ronaldo scoring his historic 100th goal for Al-Nassr, the night ended in heartbreak for the Portuguese legend as his team fell short in the shootout, extending his wait for a major Saudi trophy.
Ronaldo’s Historic Milestone Overshadowed
Cristiano Ronaldo, 40, made history by becoming the first player to score 100 or more goals for four different clubs—Real Madrid (450), Manchester United (145), Juventus (101), and now Al-Nassr (100). His 41st-minute penalty, awarded after a controversial handball call on Al-Ahli’s Ali Majrashi, gave Al-Nassr the lead and sent fans into a frenzy. Posts on X celebrated the milestone, with one user declaring, “Ronaldo’s 100th for Al-Nassr! The GOAT keeps making history 🐐.”
However, Al-Ahli responded just before halftime when Franck Kessie curled a stunning shot past Al-Nassr goalkeeper Bento in first-half stoppage time (45+6’). The second half saw both teams trade blows, with Al-Nassr’s Marcelo Brozovic restoring their lead in the 83rd minute after capitalizing on a Kessie error. Al-Ahli refused to back down, and Roger Ibanez’s 89th-minute header, following a misjudged punch by Bento, forced the match into penalties.
In the shootout, Al-Ahli’s Edouard Mendy proved decisive, saving Abdullah Al-Khaibari’s attempt, while Galeno sealed the victory with the final spot-kick. Al-Ahli’s flawless penalty conversions secured their second Saudi Super Cup title, their first since 2016.
A Thrilling Contest with High Stakes
The match was a showcase of high-octane football, with both sides featuring star-studded lineups. Al-Nassr’s starting XI included Ronaldo, Joao Felix, and Kingsley Coman, while Al-Ahli fielded Ivan Toney, Riyad Mahrez, and Kessie. Early chances saw Al-Nassr’s Wesley miss a golden opportunity and Ronaldo’s audacious overhead kick stopped by Mendy. Al-Ahli’s Firas Al-Buraikan also struck the post in the 68th minute, underscoring the match’s end-to-end action.
The game wasn’t without controversy. Some fans on X criticized the referee’s decision to award Al-Nassr’s penalty, calling it “shameful cheating” and pointing to perceived inconsistencies in officiating. Despite the debate, the match’s intensity and late drama captivated viewers, with highlights circulating widely online.
Ronaldo’s Trophy Drought Continues
Ronaldo’s milestone goal was a bittersweet moment, as his quest for a major Saudi title remains unfulfilled. Since joining Al-Nassr in December 2022, the five-time Ballon d’Or winner has lost three finals, including the 2023/24 Kings Cup and last year’s Saudi Super Cup, both against Al-Hilal. Fans expressed mixed sentiments on X, with some lamenting, “Another final, another heartbreak for Ronaldo. He’s carrying Al-Nassr at 40 🙏🏾,” while others trolled his inability to secure the trophy.
Al-Nassr, now led by coach Jorge Jesus, will shift focus to the upcoming Roshn Saudi League season, which kicks off on Thursday, and the AFC Champions League, where they aim to end their trophy drought. Al-Ahli, fresh off their AFC Champions League Elite title in May, signal their intent to dominate the 2025-26 season with this victory.
What’s Next?
The Saudi Super Cup result has sparked widespread discussion online, trending across platforms as fans debate Ronaldo’s legacy and Al-Ahli’s resurgence. With the Saudi Pro League season on the horizon, both teams will look to build on their performances. For Ronaldo, the focus remains on delivering silverware for Al-Nassr, while Al-Ahli’s penalty heroics have set a strong tone for their campaign.
Ahmed Khalil is a sports journalist covering Middle Eastern football and global soccer trends.