Cristiano Ronaldo reflected on another setback in his quest to win a major trophy with Al Nassr, admitting “the dream has to wait” after the Saudi Arabian side lost in the semi-finals of the AFC Champions League.
Ronaldo missed an excellent chance late on as Al Nassr went down 3-2 to Kawasaki Frontale in Jeddah and cut a disconsolate figure after the final whistle, remonstrating with himself in the centre circle.
“Sometimes the dream has to wait,” he posted on social media after the loss. “I’m proud of this team and everything we gave on the pitch. Thank you to all the fans who believed in us and stood by us every step of the way. Your support means the world.”
Sometimes the dream has to wait. I’m proud of this team and everything we gave on the pitch. 🟡🔵
Thank you to all the fans who believed in us and stood by us every step of the way. Your support means the world. 🙏 pic.twitter.com/sLP6k4ihrH
— Cristiano Ronaldo (@Cristiano) April 30, 2025
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Trophy drought goes on for Ronaldo
The 40-year-old joined Al Nassr in 2022 and has scored a remarkable 91 goals in 102 appearances, yet it has reaped just one minor trophy, the Arab Club Championship.
And with Al Nassr seemingly unlikely to overhaul Saudi Pro League leaders Al Ittihad – they trail the Karim Benzema-spearheaded side by eight points with five games remaining – it seems unlikely salvation with come domestically.
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Widespread reports suggest Portuguese superstar Ronaldo will extend his stay in Saudi with another lucrative contract but an official announcement has yet to come.
They knocked Ronaldo out of the AFC Champions League and my G started speaking to ghosts! 😂💔 pic.twitter.com/UM9dYluZEG
— BeksFCB (@Joshua__Ubeku) April 30, 2025
Ronaldo thwarted at the death
Wednesday’s disappointment is likely to inspire him to remain in the Middle East and make up for a setback that didn’t look on the cards when Sadio Mane cancelled out Tatsuya Ito’s early opener.
But the Japanese side came again with Yuto Ozeki restoring their lead four minutes before half-time. Akihiro Ienaga made it 3-1 with 14 minutes remaining before Aiman Yahya halved the deficit 11 minutes later.
Ronaldo could have been the hero for Al Nassr but fluffed his lines with the visitors scrambling the ball away from their goal three times in the closing stages.
Kawasaki rode their luck and will now play another Saudi side, Al Ahli, in the final on Saturday.
