Cristiano Ronaldo and Al Nassr missed a major opportunity to win continental silverware after suffering a 1-0 defeat to Gamba Osaka in the AFC Champions League Two final in Riyadh. The loss extended Ronaldo’s long wait for an official continental club title.
Ronaldo was unable to lead the Saudi side to victory on one of the club’s biggest nights of the season, as Deniz Hummet scored for Gamba Osaka in the 30th minute, which decided the final. The defeat left frustration around the team after another missed chance to secure an international trophy as Ronaldo lost his fourth final with Al Nassr.
The result has also increased speculation surrounding the future of head coach Jorge Jesus, who is reportedly expected to leave Al Nassr at the end of the season following the disappointing finish to the campaign.
When was Cristiano Ronaldo’s last continental club title?
Ronaldo’s most recent official continental club trophy still dates back to 2018, when he helped Real Madrid win the UEFA Champions League during the 2017-18 season. That title was the fifth Champions League trophy of his career.
Cristiano Ronaldo of Al Nassr interacts with teammate Abdullah Al Hamdan. Yasser Bakhsh/Getty Images
Since then, Ronaldo has played for Juventus, Manchester United, and Al Nassr without winning another recognized continental title at club level. Although Al Nassr lifted the Arab Club Champions Cup in 2023, the tournament isn’t officially recognized by FIFA.
The AFC Champions League Two final represented an important chance for Ronaldo to end that long drought, but the opportunity slipped away once again as Gamba Osaka capitalized on their only shot on target to take the title. Ronaldo’s reaction said it all: he was devastated by this defeat.
Portugal success continues despite club disappointment
While continental success at club level has been difficult to find in recent years, Ronaldo has continued to enjoy important moments with the Portugal national team.
After winning Euro 2016, Portugal also captured the UEFA Nations League title in both 2019 and 2025. Ronaldo remains expected to play a leading role for his country during the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
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For now, however, Al Nassr’s defeat leaves more questions than answers as the club turns its focus back to the Saudi Pro League, where both the team and Cristiano Ronaldo still remain in the title race.
