(VIDEO) Now 959 goals for the Portuguese star: Cristiano Ronaldo scores against Al Hilal
The 40-year-old forward netted Al Nassr’s opening goal in the Saudi Pro League clash.
Cristiano Ronaldo has once again dominated the global football headlines after finding the net in the highly anticipated Saudi Arabian "Clásico." Playing for Al-Nassr against their arch-rivals Al-Hilal, the Portuguese superstar recorded the 959th goal of his professional career. This milestone isn't just another number; it brings him significantly closer to his ultimate challenge—reaching the historic 1,000-goal mark before hanging up his boots.
The match, held at the state-of-the-art Kingdom Arena (home of Al-Hilal), was played under a mountain of pressure. Al-Nassr entered the clash sitting in second place with 33 points, trailing their rivals by four. For Ronaldo and his teammates, this wasn't just about pride; it was a mathematical necessity to stay in the title race. In typical fashion, "CR7" rose to the occasion, proving that his predatory instincts remain as sharp as ever, even at 40 years of age.
The Goal: A "European Connection" in Riyadh
The breakthrough came in the 42nd minute of the first half. The play was a testament to the high-level recruitment Al-Nassr has undertaken to support their captain. It began with João Félix, who delivered a pinpoint cross into the heart of the box. French winger Kingsley Coman managed to get a decisive touch, flicking the ball toward the penalty spot.
Waiting in the shadows was Cristiano Ronaldo. With his trademark positioning, he only needed a single touch to redirect the ball into the back of the net. The stadium erupted as the legendary forward performed his iconic "Siu" celebration, silencing the Al-Hilal faithful and putting his side ahead. The goal highlighted the tactical synergy between the three former European giants, showcasing a level of chemistry that manager Jorge Jesus has been working to perfect throughout the season.
The Countdown to 1,000: A Race Against Time
With goal number 959 officially in the books, the conversation in the football world has shifted entirely to the "1,000-goal countdown." Ronaldo has been vocal about this being his final great objective. To reach the four-digit mark, he needs 41 more goals.
At his current scoring rate, many experts believe he could achieve this feat by late 2026 or early 2027. His start to the 2026 calendar year has been flawless, with 2 goals in 2 matches. Furthermore, he now tallies 16 goals for the 2025/26 season with Al-Nassr, a figure that places him at the top of the league's scoring charts.
The Physicality of a 40-Year-Old Legend
What makes this feat even more remarkable is Ronaldo's physical condition. At 40, most players have moved into coaching or retired to less demanding leagues. However, Ronaldo remains a "reliable" asset for Jorge Jesus’s project. He isn't just a "poacher" waiting in the box; he provides a level of experience and tactical vision that stabilizes the team during high-tension moments like the Riyadh Derby.
His presence on the pitch acts as a psychological weight for opposing defenders. As we see in every Al-Nassr fixture, the world's eyes are glued to his every movement. Each goal doesn't just help his team win three points; it fuels the eternal debate regarding his place in the pantheon of football’s greatest-ever scorers.
What’s Next for Al-Nassr?
While the goal provides personal glory for Ronaldo, Al-Nassr must focus on the collective. The narrow gap at the top of the table means every match is now a "final." For Ronaldo, the mission is twofold: secure the Saudi Pro League title that has eluded him so far and continue his relentless march toward 1,000 goals.
As the 2026 season progresses, the sports world will continue to count every strike. Whether he reaches the thousand-goal milestone remains to be seen, but after his performance against Al-Hilal, nobody is betting against him.
