'Still hasn't won anything in Saudi Arabia' dig aimed at Cristiano Ronaldo as Al-Hilal boss Jorge Jesus opens up on relationship with Al-Nassr poster boy

Five-time Ballon d’Or winner Ronaldo became a trendsetter – not for the first time in his iconic career – when completing a move to the Middle East in 2023. He has been followed to the Saudi Pro League by several familiar faces.

Jesus forms part of that group, with the former Sporting and Benfica coach returning to Al-Hilal for a second spell in July 2023. He won the Saudi Pro League title in his debut campaign and has also savoured King Cup and Super Cup triumphs.

Ronaldo has just one Arab Club Champions Cup win to his name during a goal-laden stint with Al-Nassr, and has been reminded of his lack of tangible success by a fellow countryman that remains a big fan of what the self-proclaimed GOAT of world football brings to the game.

Jesus has told Canal 11: “We don't have time to meet in Saudi Arabia. We were already friends in Portugal. I met him more times in Portugal than in Saudi Arabia. He is a reference, the pride of the Portuguese. The first time I arrived here, they knew Ronaldo, not Portugal. The billboards in the middle of the city only showed Ronaldo, and that was six years ago. In Portugal, they don't value him much for the image he brings.

“Working with him? I don't think it will be possible anymore. He is an example at 40 years old. In one of the last games we played, I said 'how does he run so much at 39, he is fast and super motivated?' He lacks nothing. He has won everything in sporting terms, the only thing he hasn't been is a World Cup winner with the national team, and he still hasn't won anything in Saudi Arabia!”

Ronaldo remains determined to get his hands on more major honours, with the evergreen frontman reportedly set to sign a contract extension with Al-Nassr at 40 years of age. He is expected to play on until at least the 2026 World Cup, while continuing to chase down 1,000 career goals.