Cristiano Ronaldo motivates his Al-Nassr teammates despite the team’s poor run in the Arab league

The 2025-26 season is proving to be a psychological and physical gauntlet for Cristiano Ronaldo and Al-Nassr. The Riyadh-based giants are currently weathering a storm in the Saudi Pro League after suffering a catastrophic dip in form. Following two consecutive defeats at the hands of Al-Ahli and Al-Qadisiya, the "Knights of Najd" have fallen into second place with 31 points—now trailing the league-leading Al-Hilal by a daunting four points.

Despite the collective slump, the Portuguese legend reached another personal summit in the recent 2-1 loss on Thursday. By converting his team’s only goal, the five-time Ballon d’Or winner officially registered the 958th goal of his professional career. However, in the cutthroat environment of the Saudi top flight, personal milestones have been overshadowed by the very real fear that the league title is slipping away.

Recognizing the fragility of the dressing room morale, Cristiano Ronaldo chose to exert his leadership through a symbolic and direct message. Shortly after the final whistle of the last defeat, the 40-year-old took to his social media platforms to address both his teammates and the millions of Al-Nassr supporters worldwide. It was a clear attempt to stop the bleeding and prevent a total collapse of the project.

"This fight is not over. We keep working, and we will rise together," Ronaldo posted on his Instagram account.

The message was interpreted by local and international media as a classic "rallying cry." Ronaldo understands that at this stage of his career, his role as a psychological anchor is just as important as his output in the penalty area. By publicly committing to the comeback, he is putting the pressure on himself and his squad to deliver a perfect response in the coming weeks.

However, Ronaldo’s influence remains a polarizing topic in Riyadh. While his supporters see a captain capable of dragging his team through the mud, detractors are beginning to question the tactical cost of his presence. Some analysts argue that the team has developed an "unhealthy dependency" on the Portuguese star, which has inadvertently caused a tactical imbalance for the coach, Jorge Jesus.

The debate centers on whether the system is being forced to revolve too heavily around a 40-year-old striker, potentially stifling the fluidity of other high-profile teammates. Critics suggest that when Ronaldo is the sole focus, opponents find it easier to sit deep and neutralize Al-Nassr’s offensive transitions.

There is no margin for error left in the calendar. Al-Nassr’s next fixture is not just a game; it is a season-defining "six-pointer" against the leaders, Al-Hilal. This match will serve as the ultimate turning point for the 2026 campaign.

The scenarios are stark:

As Ronaldo approaches his 41st birthday, his career remains a marvel of modern sports science and professional discipline. His ability to remain a top-tier goalscorer in a league that has grown increasingly competitive reflects a level of longevity rarely seen in football history.

For Al-Nassr, the upcoming weeks will define the season’s narrative. For Cristiano Ronaldo, it is about more than just a trophy; it is about proving that his leadership can still conquer adversity. The "958" mark is a testament to the past, but the match against Al-Hilal will be the true test of his present. The world will be watching to see if the legendary "CR7" can indeed make his team "rise together" one more time.