The captain of Al Kholood, William Troost-Ekong, asserts that Cristiano Ronaldo’s impact on Saudi Arabian football goes far beyond merely adding silverware to Al Nassr’s trophy cabinet.
The Portuguese icon gained significant attention when he made the switch to the Riyadh-based club in 2023, following a tumultuous departure from Manchester United, marking a pivotal chapter in his illustrious career.
His arrival has catapulted the Saudi Pro League into the global spotlight, drawing in football enthusiasts, elite talents, and unprecedented media attention.
Despite the fanfare and high expectations surrounding his signing, Ronaldo has yet to clinch a domestic title with Al Nassr, sparking discussions regarding the measure of his success.
Nevertheless, the Nigerian international contends that evaluating his influence solely through trophies fails to recognise the extensive impact he has had on football in Saudi Arabia.
“He holds immense respect and exhibits fierce competitiveness at the highest level. While not having lifted a trophy yet may be frustrating for him, it’s important to acknowledge the strength of the other teams in the league,” Troost-Ekong remarked.
“Clubs like Al Ittihad, a historic outfit, have claimed the league title this season with stars like (Karim) Benzema, Ngolo Kante, Fabinho, and Steven Bergwijn on their roster.
“Similarly, Al Hilal has a rich history of titles, having triumphed in previous years and also winning the Asian Cup; the league is filled with formidable sides, making it a tough competition.
“A single player, even one as remarkable as Ronaldo, cannot secure the league or a cup alone. I’m confident he’ll be motivated to achieve that before his time at Al Nassr concludes.
While he has yet to claim a title, the Real Madrid legend has amassed numerous individual accolades, including being the first player in history to score against 200 different opponents.
During the 2023/24 season, Ronaldo netted 35 goals in the league, surpassing Abderrazak Hamdallah’s record for the most goals in a single Saudi Pro League campaign.
As speculation continues over a potential exit from Al Nassr, the 40-year-old forward is reportedly poised to sign a contract extension, ensuring his presence at the club at least until the 2026 World Cup.
Reflecting on Encounters with Ronaldo
Troost-Ekong also shared his unique experiences of competing against Ronaldo on multiple occasions throughout his career, from Serie A in Italy to the English Premier League and now in the Saudi Pro League.
The Super Eagle first clashed with the Portuguese sensation during his tenure at Udinese when Ronaldo was representing Juventus.
He reminisced, “I’ve had the fortune of playing against Cristiano Ronaldo, one of the greatest footballers ever. I faced him in Italy while he was at Juventus and I was at Udinese.”
“Later, I matched up against him while playing for Watford against Manchester United. I even managed to secure a win against him once with both Udinese and Watford.”
Their rivalry took an interesting twist when they met again in Saudi Arabia, “We reunited in Saudi Arabia, and his presence has significantly elevated the league. He is pioneering in Saudi, much like when he revitalised Serie A after his move from Real Madrid.
Thoughts on His First Season in Saudi Arabia
The defender described his inaugural season in Saudi Arabia as an unforgettable journey, adjusting to a new football culture and competing alongside some of the sport’s elite.
Troost-Ekong signed with Al Kholood after departing from Greek Super League club PAOK on a free transfer.
This move signalled a new phase in his career, opening up fresh challenges and opportunities in the Middle Eastern football landscape.
“Playing in Saudi Arabia offers a unique experience; it’s exciting to be part of a project featuring big names and accomplished players,” he added.
“I’ve thoroughly enjoyed my first season with my team. We achieved a mid-table finish. For my first season in the top division, that’s quite special, and I am eager to continue this journey next season.”
As team captain, I aim to deepen my understanding of the football culture here in Saudi Arabia.
In the recently concluded season, the African player featured in 32 matches for Noureddine Zekri’s side, finding the back of the net twice against Al Hilal and Al Kholood.
Compiled by SportArena.com.au.
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