Ronaldo leads Al-Nassr's title charge in Saudi Pro League, but controversy lingers off the pitch

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Cristiano Ronaldo
Cristiano Ronaldo's time in Saudi Arabia has been eventful, to say the least. Since joining Al-Nassr FC in September 2021, the Portuguese superstar has made headlines on and off the pitch.

On Saturday, Ronaldo helped Al-Nassr take a step closer to the Saudi Pro League title with a 3-1 victory over Al-Feiha. Ronaldo opened the scoring in the 25th minute with a clinical finish, before assisting teammate Sultan Al-Ghannam for Al-Nassr's second goal.

Al-Nassr's victory put them six points clear at the top of the table with just three matches remaining. With a superior goal difference over second-placed Al-Hilal, Al-Nassr is now on the verge of securing its third league title in five seasons.

Ronaldo's impact at Al-Nassr has been significant, with the 37-year-old scoring eight goals in just nine league appearances. His arrival has also boosted the profile of Saudi Arabian football, with Al-Nassr reportedly experiencing a surge in merchandise sales and social media followers since signing the five-time Ballon d'Or winner.

Off the pitch, however, Ronaldo has faced criticism for his involvement with the Saudi Arabian government. In November 2021, he attended the Future Investment Initiative (FII) in Riyadh, a high-profile conference aimed at promoting Saudi Arabia's economic and social reforms.

The FII has been criticised by human rights groups for its connections to the Saudi government, which has been accused of widespread human rights abuses, including the imprisonment and torture of activists and dissidents.

Ronaldo's attendance at the conference was seen by some as an endorsement of the Saudi government's actions, prompting backlash from fans and human rights advocates. Ronaldo defended his decision to attend, stating that he was there to "promote the values of sport and unity".

Despite the controversy, Ronaldo's performances on the pitch have been a bright spot for Al-Nassr this season. With just three matches remaining, he and his teammates will be hoping to seal the title and add another trophy to the club's collection.

Regardless of the outcome, Ronaldo's time in Saudi Arabia is sure to be remembered as a significant moment in the history of Saudi Arabian football. Whether his involvement with the Saudi government will overshadow his on-pitch achievements remains to be seen.


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