Cristiano Ronaldo fails to make Saudi team of the season

Rory Fleming

It’s been a season to forget for the Portuguese superstar.

Cristiano Ronaldo failed to make the Saudi Pro League’s team of the season, with one former Manchester United player making the cut instead.

Ronaldo joined Al Nassr in January after leaving United by mutual consent in November off the back of an explosive interview with Piers Morgan.

The 38-year-old enjoyed a free-scoring spell, finding the back of the net 14 times in 16 games, as Al Nassr finished the season behind Al Ittihad in second place.

🇳🇬 @ighalojude leads the line 🦅
5⃣ players from the champions @ittihad_en 🟡⚫️

Here's your #RoshnSaudiLeague Team of The Season presented by @OptaAnalyst 🔢 pic.twitter.com/ynZgxDcQC8

— Roshn Saudi League (@SPL_EN) June 7, 2023

Despite joining halfway through the season, the Portugal international finished as the league’s fifth highest goal scorer, but it wasn’t enough to be named amongst the best XI in the league.

Onion Ighalo, the former Watford and Man United striker, did make the cut after scoring 19 times for Al-Hilal. Firas Al-Buraikan joined the Nigerian up top after scoring 17 goals and so did Mourad Batna, who found the back of the net 10 times.

After completing his first season in the Middle East, Ronaldo sung the praises of the league, which he believes could become one of the best in the world.

Since joining Al Nassr, the Portuguese star has scored 14 goals in just 16 games. (Credit: Getty Images)

“I am happy here, I want to continue here, I will continue here”, he said earlier this month.

“And in my opinion if they continue to do the work that they want to do here, for the next five years, I think the Saudi league can be a top five league in the world”.

“I will be part of your world, your culture, I will be here, I hope I make the people enjoy through my games, my performance, and to win things, but again, thank you for welcoming me, and I will try to give my best during the time that I will be here”.

A number of high profile names have either moved to Saudi Arabia or been linked with a move to the state since Ronaldo’s arrival.

Karim Benzema joined title rivals Al Ittihad earlier this week while N’Golo Kanté is also expected to follow suit. Wilfried Zaha could also link up with Ronaldo at Al Nassr after they reportedly made a lucrative offer to lure him away from Crystal Palace.

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