Cristiano Ronaldo is preparing for a mind-melting 24th professional club campaign in what could be one of the final full seasons of his glittering career. Despite hitting 40 in February this year, Ronaldo is showing no signs of slowing down, with his 2025/26 season at Al Nassr set to be packed with more goals, more milestones, and potentially long-awaited silverware.
Ronaldo began pre-season extremely positively, scoring in Al Nassr's 2–1 friendly win over Toulouse on 30th July, and followed that up with a hat-trick against Portuguese outfit Rio Ave on 7th August! And in Al Nassr's final pre-season friendly against Almeria in Spain on August 10, he scored another 2!
His 2025/26 season officially kicks off in Saudi Super Cup semi-final against Al Ittihad on August 19th. If Ronaldo's team progress, they will face either Al-Ahli or Al-Qadsiah in the final on the 23rd August.
With so much excitement surrounding the new season, fans are already speculating on both individual performances and who will take home the various trophies. For those looking to add an extra layer of excitement to this new season, this casino platform offers a wide variety of games and entertainment tied closely to sporting themes, making it a go-to destination for fans who enjoy both gaming and sports.
Goals Galore, But No Trophies Yet
Since joining Al Nassr in January 2023, Ronaldo has been a goalscoring machine. He netted 14 times in just 19 games during his debut half-season. In 2023/24, he hit an incredible 50 goals in 51 games, with 35 of those coming in the Saudi Pro League - setting a new SPL season record.
Last season, he was rampant once again, scoring 35 goals in 41 games across all competitions, and securing a second consecutive Saudi Pro League Golden Boot with 25 league goals in 30 appearances. And yet, despite all Ronaldo's personal accolades, team success has remained elusive for Ronaldo in Saudi. Al Nassr have finished 2nd, 2nd, and 3rd in the league since his arrival, and their only trophy so far is the 2023 Arab Club Champions Cup, the true prestige of which has been the subject of much debate.
The 2025/26 season could change all of that... or further highlight the frustrating gap between Ronaldo's brilliance and the team's ability to convert it into silverware.
No Top Level Continental Football
A major blow for Al Nassr last season was failing to qualify for this season's AFC Champions League. Instead, they'll compete in the AFC Champions League Two, which you might have guessed is Asia's second-tier continental club tournament. Although it lacks the prestige of the main competition, it still offers Ronaldo the opportunity to add to his legacy with international club success if Al Nassr can go all the way.
Also, this lesser competition may actually be a blessing in disguise. With the lower standard, Al Nassr will be hot favourites to go deep, Ronaldo will surely not be short of goalscoring opporunities, and it gives Al Nassr the ability to focus more on domestic success, something the team has craved in the Ronaldo era.
The Hundred Goal Landmark
One of the earliest stories of the 2025/26 season is almost certain to be Ronaldo hitting 100 goals for Al Nassr. Currently on 99 goals in 111 games, he's poised to hit the century in the opening fixtures - potentially in the Super Cup, or in the first Saudi Pro League matches (which begin on August 28th).
This would make Al Nassr the fourth club Ronaldo has scored 100+ goals for, joining Real Madrid (450), Manchester United (145), and Juventus (101). A truly astonishing feat that reflects his consistency at the very highest level.
One Eye on the World Cup
Although club football remains Ronaldo's immediate focus, he'll undoubtedly be using this season as preparation for the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the USA, Mexico, and Canada. This star-studded Portugal side, who won the 2025 UEFA Nations League, are genuine contenders, and Ronaldo himself has very openly spoken about his dream of lifting the World Cup trophy.
According to FIFA.com, Portugal are currently ranked 6th in the world and will definitely be among the tournament favourites. If Ronaldo stays fit and in form, he will certainly play some part (likely still a major role even), making him one of the oldest outfield players ever to compete in the tournament at 41 years of age.
He'll of course be aware that time is running out for this World Cup dream of his. This season then, is about far more than domestic goals, it's about building momentum and staying sharp for a probable final shot at football's biggest and most prestigious prize.
Will This Be Ronaldo's Final Season?
While there's no official word on retirement, some believe the 2025/26 season could be Ronaldo's swan song. But given his exceptional fitness and past comments, it seems more likely he will continue to compete beyond this season. Although even he has acknowledged that each campaign now must be approached as if it could be the last.
His professionalism, diet, and fitness regime - well documented by outlets like Goal.com - have helped prolong his career far beyond most mere mortals. But football is unforgiving, and the pace of the game rarely waits for anyone, even legends.
Whether or not this is his final season, Cristiano Ronaldo's 2025/26 campaign promises to be another one to remember. With records on the line, trophies to chase, and one eye on the World Cup, there's no doubt he will be giving it absolutely everything once again.