If you’re wondering when last did Al Nassr win the Saudi Pro League, the answer is: in the 2018–19 season. At the end of that campaign, Al Nassr claimed the title after defeating Al-Batin 2-1 on the final day, edging past Al Hilal by a single point.
In this article, 2hanBall will take you beyond that headline — diving into the history of Al Nassr’s Pro League titles, the context of their last, the club’s title drought since then, and what it means for their future ambitions.
A look back: Al Nassr’s Saudi Pro League pedigree
Al Nassr is one of Saudi Arabia’s most decorated clubs, with a rich history in the top flight. They’ve lifted the Saudi Pro League (and its predecessor the Saudi Premier League) multiple times, with championship seasons stretching back decades.
Here are some key Pro League title years for Al Nassr:
- 1979–80 and 1980–81 — early league triumphs that marked Al Nassr’s rise.
- 1988–89 — reaffirming their status at the top of Saudi football.
- 1993–94 and 1994–95 — consecutive titles in a strong era for the club.
- 2013–14 and 2014–15 — the modern resurgence before their most recent title.
- 2018–19 — the last time they claimed the crown, in dramatic fashion.
By my count, that makes nine top-tier league titles for Al Nassr over the course of their history.
The 2018–19 title — how Al Nassr clinched it
The 2018–19 Saudi Pro League campaign was a tight, high-stakes affair. Going into the final rounds, Al Nassr and Al Hilal were neck and neck, and it all came down to the wire.
- Al Nassr sealed the title on May 16, 2019, with a 2-1 victory over Al-Batin.
- That result gave them a one-point advantage over Al Hilal, enough to lift the trophy.
- The title was their ninth overall, and it marked the last time the club topped the Saudi league table.
This season also showcased Al Nassr’s resilience under pressure — they managed to stay ahead of Al Hilal in what turned into a season-long title race.
The drought since 2019 — what’s gone wrong?
Since that 2018–19 victory, Al Nassr have not managed to reclaim the Saudi Pro League crown. Several factors have contributed to this title drought:
- Strong competition: Al Hilal and Al Ittihad have both gone on to dominate the league in recent seasons, making Al Nassr’s path back to the top more difficult.
- Inconsistent league campaigns: Though Al Nassr have fielded star players — including Cristiano Ronaldo — their league form has had ups and downs, with managerial changes and squad instability. min.com)
- Near misses: They’ve come close on occasion, finishing as runners-up, but haven’t been able to translate that into another championship.
Looking at recent seasons:
- In 2022–23, Al Nassr finished second behind Al Ittihad.
- In 2023–24, they were again in the mix, but Al Hilal reclaimed the title.
Despite heavy investment and global names, Al Nassr’s league title remains stubbornly elusive — a reminder that star power alone doesn’t win domestic crowns.
What a return to winning the Pro League would mean for Al Nassr
A comeback to the top of the Saudi Pro League would have major implications for Al Nassr, both on and off the pitch:
- Reasserting dominance: It would reestablish Al Nassr as genuine league heavyweights, challenging the recent stranglehold of Al Hilal and Al Ittihad.
- Validating big-name signings: For Cristiano Ronaldo, Sadio Mané, and others, another league triumph would justify their signings and vindicate the team’s global ambitions.
- Boosting continental ambitions: A league win would strengthen Al Nassr’s positioning in the AFC Champions League and cement Saudi football’s growing global profile.
- Fan morale and commercial impact: Winning would reinvigorate the fan base, drive merchandising, and bolster Al Nassr’s status as a brand, locally and internationally.
Comparison: Al Nassr vs Al Hilal in league success
To understand just how big the challenge has been, it’s useful to compare Al Nassr’s league success to that of their Riyadh rivals, Al Hilal:
- Al Nassr: 9 Saudi top-tier league titles, most recently in 2018–19.
- Al Hilal: Dominant across decades, they have lifted the Pro League many more times, including 2023–24.
Al Hilal’s consistency means they’ve been the team to beat for many seasons — a benchmark Al Nassr have been trying, and failing, to overtake in recent league campaigns.
How fans remember the 2019 title
The 2018–19 title will linger in the memory of Al Nassr supporters for several reasons:
- Drama and timing: Winning on the final matchday added tension and drama, especially given the tight margin over Al Hilal.
- Historical weight: It was the club’s ninth championship, and at the time it felt like a return to the top for a team reclaiming its place among Saudi football’s elite.
- Legacy moment: For many fans, 2019 still represents the point at which Al Nassr could realistically challenge the traditional powers — a launching pad they hoped would lead to more titles. But the years following have tested that optimism.
Looking ahead: Can Al Nassr break the drought?
Despite a multi-year gap sinceir last Saudi Pro League win, Al Nassr appear determined to break their title drought. Several factors could influence their chances:
- Strategic leadership: Stability in coaching and management will be key. Fluctuations in managerial roles have disrupted continuity in the past.
- Squad building: Continuing to strengthen with top-tier talent — while also building depth — could set them up for more consistent league runs.
- Handling pressure: Being able to perform under pressure in title races and clutch moments will be vital. The addition of global stars is helpful, but league success demands consistency and cohesion over an entire season.
- Rival performance: Ultimately, Al Nassr’s success is tied to how rivals — especially Al Hilal and Al Ittihad — perform. If those clubs slip, Al Nassr could seize the margin.
Only a full-season push — not just individual matchdays — will decide whether Al Nassr can return to league glory.
Conclusion
When last did Al Nassr win the Saudi Pro League? That moment came in the 2018–19 season, when Al Nassr edged out Al Hilal in a dramatic finale to claim their ninth top-flight title. But since then, the league crown has escaped their grasp, leaving fans waiting for a return to the summit.
If you want more deep dives into Saudi football history, title races, player transfers, or Al Nassr’s strategy on the pitch, stay tuned — 2hanBall has your back.
