William Troost-Ekong, the captain of Saudi Arabian club Al Kholood and a Nigerian international, recently shared his thoughts about Cristiano Ronaldo’s huge impact on Saudi Arabian football. In an interview with Flashscore.com, Troost-Ekong said that even though Ronaldo hasn’t won a trophy with his team Al Nassr yet, his influence on the sport in the country is massive.
Cristiano Ronaldo, one of the greatest players of all time, joined Al Nassr in 2023 after leaving Manchester United. His move to Saudi Arabia grabbed headlines all over the world. Fans were excited, the media paid more attention to the Saudi Pro League, and other big-name players also started coming to the league.
Even though Ronaldo hasn’t lifted a trophy with Al Nassr yet, his presence has made a big difference. Troost-Ekong said, “He’s the kind of player you want in your league. He brings out the best in everyone, and people respect him so much. Sure, not winning a trophy might frustrate him, but football is about more than just winning.”
Ronaldo’s Influence on the League
According to Troost-Ekong, Ronaldo brought global attention to the Saudi Pro League. Before Ronaldo arrived, most people around the world didn’t know much about the league. Now, many are tuning in to watch games, check scores, and follow their favorite stars.
More than just excitement, Ronaldo has helped increase the quality of the league. Other famous players like Karim Benzema, Ngolo Kante, Fabinho, and Steven Bergwijn have joined Saudi teams like Al Ittihad and Al Hilal. These clubs are also very strong and competitive, with Al Hilal winning many titles in recent years, including the AFC Champions League (Asian Cup).
Troost-Ekong pointed out that it’s hard to win the league because of all the strong teams. “One man, even someone as amazing as Ronaldo, can’t win everything by himself,” he said. “But I’m sure he’s working hard to do it before he leaves Al Nassr.”
Amazing Stats and Records
While Al Nassr hasn’t taken home the league trophy yet, Ronaldo has still been breaking records. In the 2023/24 season, he scored 35 league goals, beating the previous record held by Abderrazak Hamdallah for most goals in a single Saudi Pro League season.
He also became the first player in soccer history to score against 200 different teams. That’s an incredible soccer fact! Even if some fans focus only on trophies, these personal achievements show Ronaldo is still performing at an elite level.
And even though there are rumors about Ronaldo leaving, reports say the 40-year-old legend may be extending his contract to stay with Al Nassr until at least the 2026 FIFA World Cup. That means more exciting moments are likely on the way.
Facing Ronaldo Head-to-Head
William Troost-Ekong has had the rare chance to face Ronaldo several times during his career. He’s played against him in Italy, England, and now Saudi Arabia.
“When I was at Udinese and Ronaldo was at Juventus, we faced off,” Troost-Ekong recalled. “I also played against him while I was with Watford in the Premier League and he was at Manchester United. I managed to beat him once with Udinese and once with Watford!”
Now in the Saudi Pro League, their paths have crossed again. “He’s done so much for the league,” Troost-Ekong added. “He’s like a pioneer, just like when he joined Serie A in Italy after leaving Real Madrid.”
First Season in Saudi Arabia
Troost-Ekong also talked about his first season playing in Saudi Arabia. He joined Al Kholood after leaving Greek team PAOK, and he says it’s been a positive experience.
“Playing in Saudi Arabia is different,” he said. “But I’ve enjoyed it. It’s great to be part of a project that includes big names and experienced players.”
Al Kholood finished mid-table in the league, which is a solid result for their first season in the top flight. “We didn’t win the league, but we competed well,” Troost-Ekong said. “We played some good games, including matches where there were over 2.5 goals and exciting moments for fans.”
He also mentioned games where both teams scored (BTTS), which is always a fun part of soccer. “Those games are great for fans, especially when it ends with a surprise win or a draw,” he said.
H2H and Big Moments
Looking back at the season, Troost-Ekong scored two goals—one against Al Hilal and one against his own club, Al Kholood (possibly in a head-to-head cup match or friendly). He played 32 matches, showing his importance as a leader on the pitch.
Even though he’s a defender, scoring goals in key games adds to his value. Head-to-head (H2H) matchups like those between Al Kholood and Al Hilal were intense. “Those are the matches you really want to win,” he said.
He’s proud of his role as team captain. “I’m learning more about the football culture here, and I want to help the team grow. It’s not just about me. It’s about the club, the fans, and building something strong.”
The Bigger Picture
So even if Ronaldo hasn’t won a trophy yet with Al Nassr, players like Troost-Ekong believe his impact goes far beyond silverware. He’s brought a spotlight to Saudi Arabian football, helped raise the level of play, and inspired both teammates and opponents alike.
And with top players, close head-to-head battles, lots of over 2.5 goals games, and BTTS moments, the Saudi Pro League has become one of the most exciting leagues to watch. Whether you’re a longtime soccer fan or just getting into the game, it’s clear that this is only the beginning.
As Troost-Ekong says, “This is just the start of something big.”
