Cristiano Ronaldo left in tears as major trophy wait in Saudi Arabia goes on after defeat in Asian Champions League Two final
By Ben Morse
Updated 17/05/2026 at 18:35 GMT+1
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Cristiano Ronaldo's wait for a first major trophy in Saudia Arabia drags on after his Al Nassr side lost to Gamba Osaka 1-0 in the final of the Asian Champions League Two.
Ronaldo left fuming as late goalkeeping blunder denies Al-Nassr title
Video credit: TNT Sports
Turkish forward Deniz Hummet scored the only goal of the game in the 30th minute as the Japanese side won Asia's second-tier competition - similar to the UEFA Europa League in Europe - in Riyadh.
For Ronaldo, the defeat means he is still to win a major trophy since joining Al Nassr in 2023, and the former Manchester United and Real Madrid forward couldn't mask his dejection at full-time.
The 41-year-old was caught on camera bursting into tears on the bench after the final whistle.
Saturday's defeat comes four days after Al Nassr missed out on the chance to claim the Saudi Pro League title after a 98th minute own goal from goalkeeper Bento against title-rivals Al-Hilal in a 1-1 draw.
However, Al Nassr can win their 11th Saudi league title and first since 2019 on the final day of the league season on Thursday with victory over Damac.
They are currently two points ahead of Al-Hilal with one game remaining, with Al Hilal facing Al Fayha on the final day.
"We didn't get what we wanted here but there is one more final for us, the Saudi Pro League title, which is very important to us," Al Nassr manager Jorge Jesus said, per the BBC.
"We have five days to recover and prepare and there is no time for grieving. We have to get going again."
Al Nassr had more possession and shots on goal throughout the game at the King Saud University Stadium, but they found Gamba's goalkeeper Rui Araki in inspired form.
It is now three years without a trophy for Ronaldo, who himself came close to finding an equaliser, but his header in the dying moments flew just wide of the post. Joao Felix also came close in the 77th minute but his shot hit the post.
And Hummet's low strike proved decisive, standing after a lengthy VAR review for offside.
”I am happy to score and help the team and to do my best for this club,” Hummet said. ”I was nervous watching in the second half but the most important thing is that we won and I am proud of my teammates. Now it is time to celebrate and enjoy.”
It is Gamba Osaka's second continental title, 18 years after they won the Asian Champions League.
Despite the lack of major trophies, Ronaldo has enjoyed a successful time in front of goal since leaving Manchester United and moving to Saudi Arabia.
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The Portuguese forward has played 106 times for Al Nassr in the league, scoring 100 goals and providing 18 assists.
The five-time Ballon d'Or winner has 28 goals in all competitions this season, including 26 in the Saudi Pro League.
He is third in the league's top scorer charts though, with Al Ahli's Ivan Toney leading the way with 32 and Julian Quinones of Al Qadsiah in second with 30.
At the age of 41, Ronaldo is set to lead the line for Portugal at this summer's FIFA World Cup in the United States, Mexico and Canada.
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