The Middle East has been extending exceptional treatment to Cristiano Ronaldo ever since he signed a $75 million-per-year contract with Al-Nassr in 2023. His presence has brought a unique charm to the league, thanks to his off-pitch stardom and influence. Moreover, on the field, he consistently showcases his extraordinary abilities, not slowing down even at 38.
Following an eventful 2023 with Al-Nassr and the Portugal national team, Ronaldo concluded the year with the highest goal tally to his name. Most recently, the forward secured three accolades at the Globe Soccer Awards, underscoring his triumphant year, a success celebrated with a special surprise from his teammates.
Al Nassr surprises Cristiano Ronaldo
The Al-Nassr captain Cristiano Ronaldo won three awards earlier this week in Dubai, as he claimed the Best Middle East Player award, earned recognition as the Fans’ Favourite Player of the Year, and for being the top scorer in 2023 was honored with the Maradona Award at the Globe Soccer Awards.
To celebrate their skipper’s triumph, his teammates organized a special surprise for the five-time Ballon d’Or winner. During the team lunch, they surprised him with a cake bearing the words “Awards keep following the GOAT.” The celebration continued with the iconic ‘Siuuu’ chant, Ronaldo’s trademark celebration, to add to the joyous atmosphere.
Similarly, his teammates had planned a welcome at the training session surprise last year upon his return from the Portugal national team duty, where he led his side to secure the EURO 2024 qualification surpassing the likes of Kylian Mbappe, Harry Kane and Erling Haaland in terms of goals tally.
The 38-year-old has garnered significant support and acknowledgment from his Al-Nassr teammates, and he appears to be relishing his time at the Riyadh club in a positive and vibrant atmosphere. Despite his controversial exit from Manchester United due to a feud with Erik ten Hag, he has successfully bounced back.
Cristiano Ronaldo’s individual achievements while playing for Al Nassr
Cristiano Ronaldo has been in exceptional form for his club side. His goal-scoring and dribbling prowess are justifying the lucrative wage he has been receiving. The former Real Madrid star finished the year 2023 with the highest goal tally of 54 goals for both club and country globally.
Meanwhile, in the current season, he has managed to find the back of the net 24 times with 11 assists in merely 25 appearances for the club in all competitions. Ronaldo has spearheaded the Al-Nassr attack, leading them from the front as the skipper.
Ronaldo won his first trophy with the club by lifting the Arab Club Champions Cup in August of last year. Currently, the Saudi Pro League is on a mid-season break due to the AFC Asian Cup and AFCON. Al-Nassr will be resuming the remainder of their season next month in February 2024.
