In Riyadh, Cristiano Ronaldo found the response he needed from the Al Nassr stands on Friday. Days after the attention surrounding his departure from Portugal’s national-team camp, the Saudi club’s supporters turned their stadium into a public show of support for their captain.
A seventh-minute salute in Riyadh
Al Nassr fans unveiled a vast tifo dedicated to Ronaldo, carrying the message: “CR7, greatness is deserved.” The display set the tone for an evening in which the Portuguese forward was embraced by the home crowd.
- Before the match, supporters raised the tribute across the stands in recognition of Al Nassr’s leading figure.
- When the clock reached the seventh minute, the stadium rose for a collective ovation for the player synonymous with No. 7.
- Ronaldo then answered on the pitch, giving Al Nassr the breakthrough after 24 minutes.
Ronaldo turns support into a goal
With the contest beginning to grow awkward for Al Nassr, Kingsley Coman struck an effort that was not dealt with cleanly inside the penalty area. The loose ball fell invitingly for Ronaldo, who reacted quickest to finish and put his side ahead.
The goal gave Al Nassr the lead, while also underlining the forward’s continuing importance in Riyadh: a captain backed emphatically by his supporters and still decisive when a match needs an intervention.
