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Is Cristiano Ronaldo Playing Tonight For Al Nassr Vs Al Ahli In Saudi Super Cup Final?

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Emmanuel Mendez | Last updated Aug 23, 2025 11:02 AM ET

Before the start of the Saudi Pro League returns for another season, the Saudi Super Cup Final will be between Al Nassr and Al Ahli. Both teams are among the favorites to win the Sadui Pro League this season.

Al Nassr reached the final after defeating the current Saudi Pro League champions Al Ittihad 2-1 with goals from Sadio Mane and Joao Felix in the semifinal.

Meanwhile, Al Ahli made it look easy in their semifinal match against Al Qadisiyah 5-1 with goals from Ivan Toney, Enzo Millot , and a brace from Franck Kessie . An own goal from Nacho Fernandez was the fifth goal for Al Ahli.

One of the stars that fans want to see on the pitch is Cristiano Ronaldo of Al Nassr. Ronaldo played the full game against Al Ittihad in the semifinal, and while impressive, it could be concerning due to the Portuguese striker being 40 years old.

Cristiano Ronaldo Expected to Start vs Al Ahli

Not only is Ronaldo expected to play the Saudi Super Cup, but the Portuguese striker is expected to start the match. Ronaldo shows no signs of slowing down and has been training all week for the match against Al Ahli.

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A post shared by نادي النصر السعودي (@alnassr)

Ronaldo's competitive nature will not allow him to miss the opportunity to win a trophy with Al Nassr. Ronaldo is also one goal away from reaching 100 goals with Al Nassr since his arrival in 2023.

Another reason why Ronaldo is expected to start is due to the suspension of Sadio Mane, who received a red card against Al Ittihad in the semifinal.

Cristiano in high spirits ahead of the final. pic.twitter.com/LahytnKwoz
— Al Nassr Zone (@TheNassrZone) August 22, 2025

Al Nassr Show Ambition for New Season

The 2025-26 season has just started, and Al Nassr has the opportunity to win a trophy already. Ronaldo has only won the Arab Club Champions Cup with Al Nassr in 2023.

The Saudi Super Cup could be the first major Saudi Arabian trophy for the Portuguese striker, which is important to him and the club, as they have been pursuing a trophy.

Al Nassr signing Iñigo Martinez joined the club a few weeks ago and already shows high ambition, which showcases the confidence in the team under head coach Jorge Jesus.

In a press conference ahead of the final, Martinez spoke about aiming towards multiple trophies this season under Jorge Jesus.

Iñigo Martinez: "Happy to play the first final of the season, great passion for me and the group to compete for the title, happy to play for the Al Nassr team, and we will face a respectable team. We are all ready for the match, and we want to enjoy the final and return with the cup."

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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