(VIDEO) Already 961 goals in his career! Cristiano Ronaldo made his mark in Al Nassr’s rout
The Portuguese striker played a key role in his team’s 3–0 victory over Al-Kholood in the Saudi Pro League.
In modern football, records are made to be broken, but Cristiano Ronaldo seems to be writing an entirely new rulebook. On a vibrant night at the King Abdullah Sport City Stadium in Buraydah, the Portuguese captain once again took center stage in Al Nassr’s commanding 3-0 victory over Al Kholood on matchday 18 of the Saudi Pro League. With this result, the Riyadh-based club solidifies its second-place position and sends a clear message to the league leaders.
The Eternal CR7: One Step Closer to the Mythical Milestone
Just weeks away from blowing out 41 candles on his birthday cake—this coming February 5th—"CR7" continues to prove that age is merely a number on a passport. With today’s goal, the Portuguese superstar reached the stratospheric figure of 961 official career goals. The question in the football world is no longer if he can reach 1,000 goals, but rather when. Every match has turned into a countdown toward a feat that once seemed impossible for any human being.
The deadlock was broken early in the second half. In the 47th minute, the "Portuguese connection" bore fruit: João Félix elegantly beat his marker on the left wing and delivered a surgical pass into the heart of the box. There, with his trademark predatory instinct, Ronaldo appeared unmarked to tap the ball into the back of the net, beating the desperate dive of Argentine goalkeeper Juan Pablo Cozzani.
Absolute Dominance by Al Nassr
Ronaldo’s goal was the spark the team needed. Only six minutes later, French defender Mohamed Simakan capitalized on a defensive lapse to make it 2-0. The match was effectively settled when Hatan Bahbri received his second yellow card in the 72nd minute, leaving Al Kholood a man down.
With the game under control, the manager decided to give his star player some rest. Cristiano subbed off to a deafening standing ovation, replaced by Aiman Yahya. Even without the Portuguese icon on the pitch, Al Nassr didn't let up. Frenchman Kingsley Coman closed the scoring from the penalty spot in the 87th minute, sealing the final 3-0 scoreline.
The Title Race and the Golden Boot
This victory is vital for Al Nassr’s championship aspirations. The team has managed to chain together four consecutive wins, successfully moving past a recent slump of negative results. They currently sit at 43 points, overtaking Al Ahli on goal difference and moving just three points behind the solitary leader, Al Hilal.
On an individual level, Cristiano Ronaldo has another score to settle: reclaiming his throne as the league's top scorer. Currently, the scoring charts are led by Ivan Toney with 18 goals, followed closely by Colombian-Mexican striker Julián Quiñones with 17. With today’s strike, Cristiano remains hot on their heels, proving that his competitive ambition remains as sharp as ever.
