The Saudi Pro League has officially concluded its season with the announcement of the individual honours, crowning João Félix as the Player of the Season. The announcement, made on Friday, recognises the Portuguese international’s exceptional contribution to Al Nassr’s successful campaign, where he ultimately eclipsed his compatriot and teammate, Cristiano Ronaldo, for the league’s top individual accolade.
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Al Nassr Clinch League Title
The award follows a decisive conclusion to the league race. Al Nassr secured the Saudi Pro League title following a convincing 4-1 victory against Damac. In that fixture, the 41-year-old Cristiano Ronaldo scored twice to ensure the win, allowing Al Nassr to finish the season two points clear of their closest rivals, Al Hilal. For Ronaldo, this victory represents his first major domestic trophy since relocating to Saudi Arabia.
Performance Comparison and Statistics
While Ronaldo maintained a prolific scoring record, netting 28 goals throughout the season, the league’s technical committee favoured João Félix for the overall Player of the Season award. Félix proved to be the creative engine of the Al Nassr attack, contributing not only 20 goals but also providing a league-high 13 assists.
The following table outlines the statistical contributions of the two Al Nassr stars during the championship-winning season:
| Player | Goals Scored | Assists | Total Goal Involvements |
| João Félix | 20 | 13 | 33 |
| Cristiano Ronaldo | 28 | — | 28+ |
Transfer Background and Tactical Role
João Félix arrived at Al Nassr this season from the Premier League club Chelsea for a transfer fee of approximately €30 million. Signing a two-year contract, the forward has made an immediate impact in his debut year in the Middle East.
Reflecting on his achievement and the team’s success, Félix highlighted the importance of tactical freedom:
“I find joy in playing football, especially when I can operate in my natural position. The coach has given me a great deal of confidence. He entrusted me with the responsibility of controlling the team’s play. When you have that level of trust from a manager, everything becomes easier on the pitch.”
Managerial Success and Departure
The individual honours extended to the dugout, as Al Nassr manager Jorge Jesus was named the Saudi Pro League Manager of the Season. Under his guidance, the club managed to navigate a tight title race to finish at the summit of the table. However, despite the silverware and personal recognition, Jorge Jesus confirmed shortly after the awards ceremony that this was his final season with Al Nassr. His departure marks the end of a successful tenure that culminated in a domestic league double of sorts—the championship trophy and the Manager of the Season award.