Cristiano Ronaldo and Al Nassr experienced a challenging start to 2026, as their impressive 11-match unbeaten streak in the Saudi Pro League came to an end. The Riyadh-based club suffered a 3-2 defeat against Al Ahli on January 2nd, 2026, marking a significant turn in their season. This loss not only halted Al Nassr’s remarkable run but also signified a rare setback for their captain, Cristiano Ronaldo, at 40 years old.
Despite the disappointing result, Al Nassr managed to retain their position at the top of the Saudi Pro League standings. They currently lead the table with 31 points from 12 matches. Closely trailing are Al Hilal with 29 points from 11 games, and Al Taawoun in third place with 28 points, indicating a fiercely contested race at the summit of the league.
Al Nassr had maintained an exceptional record since the commencement of the season, consistently avoiding defeat in all 11 of their prior Saudi Pro League encounters. This recent loss to Al Ahli represents a notable disappointment for the team, and particularly for the veteran striker, Ronaldo, who reportedly missed a crucial opportunity to score the equalizer, ultimately contributing to his team’s three-point loss to the home side.
During the high-stakes match, Ronaldo’s performance saw moments of struggle, especially in crucial areas within the opponent’s penalty box. Several of his attempts on goal reportedly lacked the required precision or power to genuinely threaten the Al Ahli defense and goalkeeper, highlighting a challenging day for the Portuguese star.
This defeat, while impactful, was not entirely unforeseen, as warning signs had emerged towards the end of 2025. Al Nassr had previously settled for a 2-2 draw against Al Ettifaq, a match that very nearly ended their impressive 11-game unbeaten run prematurely. The subsequent fixture against Al Ahli ultimately brought the streak to its definitive conclusion.
