Sour grapes in Riyadh: Ronaldo skips medal ceremony after Al-Nassr’s ACL 2 final loss

In a night of high drama at Al-Awwal Park, Cristiano Ronaldo produced his most controversial performance long after the final whistle. Following Al-Nassr’s heartbreaking 0-1 loss to Gamba Osaka in the AFC Champions League Two final, the Portuguese captain stunned fans by refusing to collect his runners-up medal.

As the Japanese side celebrated their historic victory, Ronaldo was seen walking alone toward the tunnel, visibly shaking his head in disgust . While his teammates and coaching staff led by Jorge Jesus lined up to receive their silver medals, the five-time Ballon d’Or winner was notably absent, having reportedly headed straight to the locker room without returning .

The 41-year-old’s reaction has split opinion. For the home crowd of 26,000, the evening ended in double disappointment: first by a 30th-minute strike from Deniz Hommet, and second by the sight of their captain abandoning the podium .

Critics were quick to label the behavior “ugly” and unworthy of a player of his stature, particularly given his role as team captain . However, supporters argue the reaction was one of “absolute desolation” rather than contempt, pointing to a frustrating night where Ronaldo registered five shots, none of which were on target, earning him one of the lowest match ratings on the pitch .

This marks the fourth official final defeat for Al-Nassr since Ronaldo joined the club, extending a title drought that has now seen the team miss out on 14 potential trophies during his tenure .

The silver lining
Despite the continental heartbreak, the season is not entirely lost. Al Nassr remains atop the Saudi Pro League standings, holding a two-point lead over Al-Hilal. A victory in their final league match against Damac on May 22 would secure the domestic title—potentially offering Ronaldo his first piece of major silverware in the Middle East .