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Cristiano Ronaldo could reunite with Roberto Martinez at Al-Nassr after Saudi Pro League triumph

The SunThe Sun23 May 2026, 11:02
Cristiano Ronaldo could reunite with Roberto Martinez at Al-Nassr after Saudi Pro League triumph

Cristiano Ronaldo led Al-Nassr to the Saudi Pro League title with a brace against Damac, and reports now suggest Portugal coach Roberto Martinez could join the Saudi club after the 2026 World Cup, setting up a high-profile reunion as Ronaldo targets 1,000 career goals.

Cristiano Ronaldo could be reunited with Roberto Martinez at club level after finally winning a major trophy at Al-Nassr.

Jorge Jesus stepped down as boss of the Saudi side after Ronaldo, 41, scored twice in a 4-1 win over Damac to clinch the Saudi Pro League title.

And it is claimed that Al-Nassr will now target Portugal chief Martinez, who is expected to stand down after the World Cup — where Ronaldo is set to play in a record sixth finals.

Victory secured top spot for Al-Nassr, two points ahead of their city rivals Al-Hilal — who only finished as runners-up despite completing the 34-game season undefeated.

Ronaldo — who joined Al-Nassr in December 2022 — scored his 27th and 28th league goals of the season in the second half after former Liverpool star Sadio Mane and Kingsley Coman had struck either side of the break.

Visibly emotional, the five-time Ballon d’Or winner was taken off to a standing ovation near the end.

CR7’s £178million-a-year contract has one more season left to run, which will take him beyond his 42nd birthday.

The Portuguese has banked three and a half years’ worth of experience working alongside Martinez at international level.

Portugal appointed the Spaniard in January 2023. Since then he has led them to the Euro 2024 quarter-finals and the 2024/25 Nations League title.

Martinez, who played for the likes of Chester City and Walsall, started his managerial career with Swansea and Wigan.

He then spent three years at Everton and another six with Belgium, taking their golden generation to three major tournaments.

If the pair do join forces at club level, Martinez could be in the Al-Nassr hot seat to see Ronaldo surpass 1,000 career goals, which he is projected to do next season.