Cristiano Ronaldo issues clear warning to King Cup of Champions final referee as Al-Nassr superstar reignites Al-Hilal rivalry after breaking Saudi Pro League goals record

After an emphatic finish to the Saudi Pro League season, courtesy of a brace in a 4-2 win over Al-Ittihad, Ronaldo has set his sights on the next piece of silverware on offer. Earlier in the season, the Portuguese striker felt that the refereeing in matches against Jorge Jesus' Al Hilal had failed to meet the required standards and has issued a warning to the officials that will be taking charge of the King Cup of Champions final.

After the victory against Al-Ittihad, Ronaldo said: "We finished the league well and now it's time to win the King's Cup. What I can hope is that the team can play well, that it can be a final well played and that it is fair. That's what I ask the most."

Ronaldo's two goals against Al-Ittihad took his season's tally in the league to 35 strikes in 31 games - which is the most in the history of the Saudi Pro League, surpassing Moroccan forward Abderrazak Hamdallah's 34-goal mark set in the 2018-19 campaign. Ronaldo was elated to set another record and added: "I'm very happy. Firstly, for the team's victory and for finishing the championship well. And then, breaking a league goals record. I'll confess that I'm very happy. I wasn't expecting it and it's important for me. The most important thing is always the team. We are in good shape... We are doing well, we are improving."

Ronaldo has become the first-ever player in football history to emerge as the league's top scorer in four different countries. His exploits in the final third were not enough to bring the Pro League title back to Al-Nassr, however, as Al-Hilal ended up finishing 14 points ahead of Luis Castro's side.

Ronaldo will be eager to put his best foot forward on Friday against Al-Hilalin the final of the King Cup to end the campaign with another trophy in his bag. He has already won the Arab Club Champions Cup with Al-Nassr beating Al-Hilal in August 2023.