Brazilian goalkeeper Bento, signed by Al-Nassr for 18 million euros in September 2024, faces an uncertain future in Saudi Arabia after a critical mistake in the Saudi Super Cup final against Al-Ahli on August 23, 2025. The error, which allowed Roger Ibañez’s equalizing goal in the 44th minute of the second half, forced the match into penalties, where Al-Nassr lost 5-3, extending the club’s title drought. Bento’s performance has drawn heavy criticism, with pressure mounting from coach Jorge Jesus and star Cristiano Ronaldo, who is reportedly dissatisfied with the goalkeeper. The situation fuels speculation about Bento’s potential departure before the transfer window closes, with rumors pointing to a return to Brazil or talks with European clubs. The case highlights weaknesses in the squad and reignites debates about Bento’s adaptation to Saudi football.
The Super Cup defeat was a pivotal moment for Al-Nassr, which controlled 62% of possession and created more chances but failed to hold the lead. Cristiano Ronaldo, who scored his 100th goal for the club in the match, openly expressed frustration with the result, adding to the scrutiny on Bento. Meanwhile, the 26-year-old goalkeeper is focusing on his call-up to the Brazilian national team, where he competes with Alisson and Hugo Souza. Al-Nassr, under Jorge Jesus, now prepares for its Saudi Pro League debut against Al-Taawon on August 29, amid a period of squad restructuring.
- Key moments of the match:
- Cristiano Ronaldo’s penalty goal in the 41st minute of the first half.
- Franck Kessié’s equalizer for Al-Ahli in first-half stoppage time.
- Marcelo Brozovic’s goal, putting Al-Nassr ahead in the 36th minute of the second half.
- Bento’s mistake, allowing Ibañez’s equalizer in the 44th minute.
- Penalty shootout loss, with Al-Khaibari missing the decisive kick.
Crisis in Al-Nassr’s goal
Bento’s situation at Al-Nassr was already precarious before the Super Cup final. Signed for 18 million euros (about R$107 million at the time), the Athletico Paranaense product arrived with high expectations to solidify the club’s goal. However, his performances have not fully convinced the coaching staff or fans. Jorge Jesus, who took over in 2025 after a successful stint at Flamengo, is pushing for a robust defensive system, but he believes Bento doesn’t fully fit his tactical vision. The Portuguese coach favors Nawaf Al-Aqidi, a local goalkeeper and Saudi national team starter, as a more reliable option for the 2025/26 season.
Cristiano Ronaldo’s dissatisfaction further complicates matters. The Portuguese star, with 939 career goals and significant influence within the club, has reportedly voiced concerns about Bento, particularly after the Super Cup error. The mistake, a misjudged exit on a corner kick, was seen as pivotal in costing Al-Nassr the title, which would have been Ronaldo’s first official trophy with the club since the 2023 Arab Club Champions Cup.
- Factors complicating Bento’s stay:
- Critical error in the Super Cup’s equalizing goal.
- Competition with Nawaf Al-Aqidi, a fan and club favorite.
- Cristiano Ronaldo’s dissatisfaction with the goalkeeper’s performance.
- Jorge Jesus’s strategy to free up a foreign player slot.
Bento’s trajectory and market challenges
Bento rose to prominence at Athletico Paranaense, becoming a starter in 2021 and winning the Copa Sudamericana that year. His performances earned him a call-up to the Brazilian national team in 2024. Before joining Al-Nassr, he attracted interest from European clubs like Inter Milan, which offered 15 million euros, but the deal fell through. The move to Saudi Arabia, for 18 million euros, set a record as the highest transfer fee for a Brazilian goalkeeper, surpassing Alisson’s move from Internacional to Roma.
Adapting to Saudi football, however, has proven challenging. Bento has played 49 matches for Al-Nassr up to August 2025, but his performances have been inconsistent. His high salary, estimated at R$2.9 million per month, poses a hurdle for potential transfers, especially to Brazilian clubs. Flamengo, Corinthians, and Palmeiras have been mentioned as possible destinations, but the financial demands are a barrier. Flamengo, for instance, is seeking a goalkeeper to compete with Agustín Rossi, but Bento’s cost is considered steep.
Impact on the Brazilian national team
Despite his club struggles, Bento remains in contention for Brazil’s national team. Called up by Carlo Ancelotti for the 2026 World Cup qualifiers against Chile and Bolivia in September 2025, he faces stiff competition from Alisson (Liverpool) and Hugo Souza (Corinthians). The match against Chile on September 4 at Maracanã will be a chance for Bento to prove himself, while the game in Bolivia’s high-altitude El Alto on September 9 presents a physical and technical challenge.
Ancelotti’s faith in Bento persists despite his recent dip in form at Al-Nassr. However, a potential exit from the Saudi club could affect his visibility with the national team. Bento needs consistent performances to secure his spot, especially after the Super Cup mistake, which sparked widespread criticism on social media and raised doubts about his club starting role.
- Brazil’s September matches:
- Brazil vs. Chile, September 4, Maracanã, Rio de Janeiro.
- Bolivia vs. Brazil, September 9, El Alto, Bolivia.
- Goalkeepers called up: Alisson, Hugo Souza, and Bento.
Al-Nassr’s squad overhaul and season outlook
Al-Nassr enters the 2025/26 season aiming to overcome its third-place finish in the last Saudi Pro League and reclaim dominance in Saudi football. Under Jorge Jesus, the club is adopting a style focused on possession and quick transitions. The Saudi Pro League debut against Al-Taawon on August 29 marks the start of a campaign that includes the AFC Champions League, with matches against Al Wehda and Al Kholood in September.
The Super Cup loss highlighted the need for squad adjustments. Beyond Bento, other players may depart to make room for reinforcements that align with Jesus’s vision. High-profile signings like João Félix, Kingsley Coman, and Aymeric Laporte aim to elevate the team’s quality, while Cristiano Ronaldo, with 99 goals in 111 games for the club, remains the leader. The lack of titles since 2023 intensifies the pressure for immediate results.
- Al-Nassr’s upcoming matches:
- Al-Taawon vs. Al-Nassr, August 29, Saudi Pro League.
- Al-Nassr vs. Al Akhdoud, August 30, Saudi Pro League.
- Al-Nassr vs. Al Wehda, September 15, AFC Champions League.
- Al Kholood vs. Al-Nassr, September 20, AFC Champions League.
Social media backlash and next steps
Bento’s Super Cup error sparked significant backlash on social media, with Saudi fans questioning his ability to remain the starter. Comments like “Bento handed them the title” and “We can’t trust him” reflect the fanbase’s frustration. The combined pressure from Ronaldo, Jorge Jesus, and the fanbase makes Bento’s departure increasingly likely. Al-Nassr is expected to decide his future before the transfer window closes in September.
Bento, meanwhile, is focusing on the Brazilian national team and exploring market options. Brazilian clubs like Flamengo are monitoring his situation, but his high salary remains a challenge. European clubs from smaller leagues could emerge as options, given his track record at Athletico and his young age. His next move will be critical for his career and Al-Nassr’s ambitions this season.
- Reactions to Bento’s performance:
- Social media criticism over the Ibañez goal error.
- Doubts about Bento’s starting role at Al-Nassr.
- Interest from Brazilian clubs like Flamengo and Corinthians.
- Potential negotiations with European teams.
