Photo Credit: Fayez NURELDINE / AFP – Al Nassr’s Cristiano Ronaldo during the Saudi Pro League match against Abha at Al-Awwal Park Stadium, Riyadh on September 9, 2026.
Ronaldo Chases Elusive Asian Title in Final Season as Saudi Clubs Eye Dominance

Cristiano Ronaldo is set for one last push for continental glory in Asia as the AFC Champions League Elite kicks off on Monday, with Saudi Arabian clubs expected to dominate the competition.

The 41-year-old Al Nassr forward, who said in August that this is “probably my last year in football,” is yet to add an Asian title to his glittering CV that already includes five UEFA Champions League titles and five Ballon d’Ors.

Despite his success in Europe, the Asian Champions League has so far eluded the former Manchester United, Real Madrid and Juventus star.

Ronaldo heads into the campaign in good form, with three goals in five Saudi Pro League matches, with Al Nassr sitting second in the league behind Al Hilal on goal difference.

Al Nassr will be led by new manager Ange Postecoglou, the former Tottenham boss who joined after winning the Europa League with Spurs. He will have a star-studded attack to call on, including Sadio Mane, Kingsley Coman and Ronaldo’s Portugal teammate Joao Felix.

Their biggest domestic rivals remain a major threat. Simone Inzaghi’s Al Hilal were heavy spenders in the last window, signing England striker Ollie Watkins from Aston Villa and Brazilian winger Gabriel Martinelli from Arsenal for a combined $150 million.

The competition itself heavily favours Saudi sides. Since the 2024/25 season, it has been rebranded as the Champions League Elite, with the quarter-finals, semi-finals and final played at a centralized venue in Saudi Arabia, hosts of the 2034 World Cup. Al Ahli took advantage of that home advantage to win the title in 2025 and 2026, beating Japan’s Machida Zelvia 1-0 in extra time in the final in Jeddah.

This year, a record five Saudi teams – Al Nassr, Al Ahli, Al Hilal, Al Ittihad and Al Qadsiah – are among the 32 teams competing.

The main challenge to Saudi dominance is expected to come from Japan, whose clubs have reached the final in each of the last four editions. This year Japan is also represented by five J.League sides, including reigning champions Kashima Antlers.

Former Kashima star Yasushi Endo admitted Japanese clubs face an uphill task against the financial power and home advantage of the West region teams.
Source: Punch Nigeria