In a touching display of loyalty, Al-Nassr fans showed their full support for their star player, Portuguese legend Cristiano Ronaldo, during his absence from the crucial derby match against Al-Ittihad. The match, held at Al-Ahli Park as part of the 20th round of the Saudi Professional League, saw the stands erupt in chants of "Ronaldo" in the seventh minute, a symbolic reference to his famous jersey number.
The fans didn't just chant; they also held up banners bearing the Portuguese star's name and number, a clear message affirming his high standing in their hearts and their appreciation for what he has contributed to the team since joining. This support came at a crucial time, as Ronaldo missed the match due to a calf muscle injury, an injury that also led to the postponement of the team's pre-season tour in China. This reflects the significant impact of his absence, not only on the team's performance but also on the club's marketing plans.
Background of Ronaldo's transfer and its impact on Saudi football
Cristiano Ronaldo's move to Al-Nassr in December 2022 was a historic event and a turning point in the history of the Saudi Professional League. The deal was more than just a player transfer; it signaled the launch of a massive sporting project aimed at putting Saudi Arabia on the global football map. The arrival of the five-time Ballon d'Or winner proved to be a huge draw for other international players, with stars like Neymar joining Al-Hilal, Karim Benzema joining Al-Ittihad, and Sadio Mané joining Al-Nassr, thus raising the league's technical and marketing value to unprecedented levels.
The importance and impact of public support
The Al-Nassr fans' gesture is particularly significant as it comes during a highly competitive and historic derby match against Al-Ittihad. This support not only boosts the player's morale but also strengthens the bond between the international star and his club's fan base, further enhancing the image of the Saudi league as an attractive and nurturing environment for the world's biggest stars. Internationally, such scenes are widely circulated in global media, contributing to a positive perception of the culture of support and passion for football in the Kingdom, a key objective of Saudi Vision 2030 in the sports sector.
Ronaldo is considered the cornerstone of coach Luis Castro's plans, with the team relying heavily on him to lead the attack and secure victories. Therefore, his absence presents a significant challenge for the team, but the unwavering support of the fans proves that "CR7's" status transcends that of a mere player on the field; he is an icon and a symbol of a new and ambitious era in the history of Al-Nassr and Saudi football as a whole.
