Al Kholood’s skipper, William Troost-Ekong, asserts that Cristiano Ronaldo’s impact on Saudi Arabian football goes well beyond merely clinching trophies with Al Nassr.
The Portuguese icon made waves when he signed with the Riyadh outfit in 2023, following a turbulent departure from Manchester United, which represented a pivotal chapter in his illustrious career.
His presence has propelled the Saudi Pro League into the international spotlight, drawing in fans, elite players, and media coverage like never before.
Despite the excitement and lofty expectations surrounding his move, Ronaldo has yet to secure a domestic title with Al Nassr, igniting discussions about his effectiveness.
However, Troost-Ekong believes that evaluating Ronaldo’s influence based solely on trophy counts diminishes the wider impact he has on Saudi football.
“He’s immensely respected and fiercely competitive at the highest level. Not winning a trophy yet? It must frustrate him, but it’s essential to recognise the strength of other teams in the league,” he commented.
“Look at Al Ittihad Club, a historic side that won the league this season with players like (Karim) Benzema, N’Golo KantĂ©, Fabinho, and Steven Bergwijn.
“Similarly, Al Hilal has a rich history of title victories with their stars, including the Asian Cup, indicating that there are fantastic teams in this league, which make it more challenging.
“No single player, not even Ronaldo, can secure the league or a cup on their own. I’m confident that he’s eager to achieve that before he departs Al Nassr.”
While he has yet to lift any silverware, the Real Madrid legend holds numerous personal accolades, including being the first player in football history to score against 200 different opponents.
During the 2023/24 season, Ronaldo netted 35 goals in the league, setting a new record for the most goals scored in a single Saudi Pro League season, overtaking Abderrazak Hamdallah.
With ongoing speculation regarding his potential exit from Al Nassr, the 40-year-old is reportedly on the verge of signing a contract extension that would keep him at the club until at least the 2026 World Cup.
Experiences Facing Ronaldo
Troost-Ekong also reflected on his unique encounters with Ronaldo across multiple leagues, from Serie A in Italy to the English Premier League and now in the Saudi Pro League.
The Super Eagle first faced the celebrated winger during his time with Udinese when Ronaldo played for Juventus. He remembered, “I’ve been fortunate to play against Cristiano Ronaldo, one of the best players in history. I lined up against him in Italy when he was with Juventus, and I was at Udinese.
“Then with Watford, he was at Manchester United. I managed to best him once during our encounters at Udinese and Watford.”
Their rivalry took an unexpected turn when they clashed again in Saudi Arabia. “We met once more in Saudi Arabia. He has significantly elevated the profile of the league.
“He’s the trailblazer in Saudi football, much like how he revitalised Serie A when he left Real Madrid.”
First Season Reflections in Saudi Arabia
The defender described his initial season in Saudi Arabia as an unforgettable experience, as he adapted to a new football culture while competing alongside some of the world’s finest players.
Troost-Ekong made the switch to Al Kholood after leaving PAOK in the Greek Super League on a free transfer, embarking on a new phase of his career that brought fresh challenges and opportunities in the Middle East.
“Playing in Saudi Arabia offers a unique experience, and I’m thrilled to be part of a project featuring big names and accomplished players,” he noted.
“I’ve relished my first season with the team. We managed a mid-table finish, which is a special achievement in our maiden top-flight season, and I’m eager to continue this journey next season.”
“As the team’s captain, I’m looking forward to deepening my understanding of the football culture in Saudi Arabia.”
In the recently concluded season, the African player participated in 32 matches for Noureddine Zekri’s side, scoring twice against Al Hilal and Al Kholood.
Compiled by SportArena.com.au.
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