
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang Fires Dig at Al-Nassr Over Controversial AFC Champions League Lifeline
Former Arsenal Striker Mocks Al-Nassr’s ‘Magic Tricks’ After Saudi Sports Arbitration Ruling Reshapes Champions League Qualification Race
The Saudi Pro League is no stranger to drama, but the latest twist in the battle for AFC Champions League Elite qualification has raised more than a few eyebrows—especially from Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang.
The ex-Arsenal and Barcelona striker, now plying his trade with Al Qadsiah, took to social media with a thinly veiled dig at Al-Nassr following a controversial decision that handed Cristiano Ronaldo’s side an unexpected boost in their race to secure a spot in next season’s continental showpiece. And judging by his reaction, he’s not the only one who sees something strange in the sudden turn of events.
A Shocking U-Turn in the Race for Asia’s Elite
Just two weeks ago, Al-Nassr’s hopes of qualifying for the newly restructured AFC Champions League Elite appeared dead in the water. A 1-1 draw with Al-Taawoun left them seven points behind second-placed Al-Hilal with only two matches remaining—effectively eliminating them from the race. It was a result that appeared to end a turbulent campaign on a disappointing note for Ronaldo and company.
But football, particularly in Saudi Arabia these days, has a way of keeping the unexpected in play.
Enter the Saudi Sports Arbitration Centre (SSC). In a stunning ruling, the SSC overturned the result of Al-Nassr’s 2-1 loss to Al-Orouba back in March. The grounds? Al-Orouba’s goalkeeper, Rafi Al-Ruwaili, was deemed ineligible to play because he wasn’t registered as a full-time professional. The punishment: an automatic 3-0 win for Al-Nassr and three points added to their tally.
Just like that, what seemed like a lost cause was reignited. Al-Nassr leapfrogged several rivals in the standings and now sit just two points behind Al-Hilal heading into the final day of the season. They’re firmly back in contention for an AFC Champions League Elite berth—and that hasn’t gone down well with everyone.
Aubameyang “Magic Tricks” Remark Sparks Online Buzz

Aubameyang “Magic Tricks” Remark Sparks Online Buzz
One man who clearly wasn’t impressed with the SSC’s decision is Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang. The Gabonese international has enjoyed a strong individual season with Al Qadsiah and had ambitions of qualifying for Asia’s top-tier competition with his current side.
But those hopes took a major hit after the updated league table pushed Al Qadsiah down the pecking order, with Al-Nassr jumping ahead thanks to their newly awarded points.
Reacting to the league’s announcement on social media, Aubameyang replied to the Saudi Pro League’s official post on X (formerly Twitter) with a laughing emoji and the words: “Magic tricks happened yesterday night.” It was a short post, but one that spoke volumes.
The former Premier League star didn’t elaborate further, but the implication was clear—he believes the ruling has unfairly shifted the playing field in Al-Nassr’s favour. His post quickly gained traction, with fans from across the footballing world chiming in, some agreeing with the sentiment, others defending the legality of the decision.
A Controversial Call or Just Justice Served?
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Cristiano Ronaldo Al Nassr 2025
To be fair to the authorities, rules are rules. If Al-Orouba fielded an ineligible player, a forfeit is the standard penalty under most football governing bodies. Still, the timing and impact of the ruling have led to questions about consistency and transparency within the Saudi football system.
Why did it take this long to address the issue? And why has the ruling come just days before the final matchday, effectively turning the league standings upside down when everything seemed settled?
For clubs like Al Qadsiah, who’ve worked hard all season to earn their place, it’s understandably frustrating to see their position compromised by an off-field technicality. For Al-Nassr, though, it’s a lifeline—and one they’ll be desperate to grab with both hands.
Final Day Drama: Ronaldo’s Al-Nassr Still Need a Favour
Despite the dramatic point swing, Al-Nassr’s fate is still not entirely in their own hands. Heading into the final matchday, they trail Al-Hilal by two points. To qualify for the AFC Champions League Elite, they’ll need to beat Al-Fateh and hope that Aubameyang’s Al Qadsiah can do them a huge favour by beating or holding Al-Hilal.
It’s a scenario loaded with tension and irony. After publicly mocking Al-Nassr’s sudden rise, Aubameyang could now inadvertently play a crucial role in helping them seal a place in the tournament they were once ruled out of. Whether he’ll be motivated to put on a show or would prefer to let his boots do the talking remains to be seen.
One thing is certain: all eyes will be on that final round of fixtures.
What’s at Stake in the AFC Champions League Elite?
With the restructured AFC Champions League Elite promising greater financial rewards and increased global exposure, qualifying for the competition has become a major goal for the top Saudi clubs.
For Al-Nassr, participation would be a much-needed boost after a season of ups and downs. It would also be a chance for Cristiano Ronaldo to add another chapter to his already legendary career by competing on another international stage with a Saudi club.
For players like Aubameyang, it’s about pride, performance, and building a legacy in a new league. While his remark may have been laced with humour, it speaks to a larger sentiment—one of fairness and the desire for footballing merit to prevail.
The Final Word
As the dust settles on this latest Saudi Pro League controversy, one thing is clear: the tension is far from over. With just 90 minutes left in the season, the race for AFC Champions League Elite qualification promises fireworks, drama, and maybe even more “magic tricks.”
Whether you’re in Al-Nassr’s camp or side with Aubameyang’s thinly veiled frustrations, the closing act of this season is shaping up to be one of the most compelling finales in recent memory. And in a league that now boasts some of the biggest names in world football, that’s saying something.
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