Cristiano Ronaldo has edged closer to his historic target of 1,000 career goals, sitting just 18 strikes away after finding the net during Al-Nassr’s triumph over Al-Faisaly on Friday.
The Portuguese captain found the net in the 49th minute of the Saudi Pro League encounter, heading home a free-kick delivery from compatriot João Félix to take his career tally to 982 goals.
According to Goal, the goal was initially subjected to a video review following protests from Al-Nassr players before the referee ruled that Ronaldo was onside and allowed the strike to stand.
The decision sparked debate among supporters on social media, with some suggesting that the ball may have gone into the net off an Al-Faisaly defender. However, the Saudi Pro League’s official records credited the goal to Ronaldo.
Al-Nassr had taken the lead in the fourth minute through Abdullah Al-Hamdan, who was assisted by Sadio Mané, before Ronaldo doubled the advantage early in the second half.
Theo Bongonda reduced the deficit for Al-Faisaly in the 66th minute, raising hopes of a comeback, but Angelo Gabriel restored Al-Nassr’s two-goal cushion in the 79th minute to seal the victory.
The latest strike reportedly made Al-Faisaly the 25th different team Ronaldo has scored against in the Saudi Pro League, according to statistics cited by Goal.
The achievement also moved him past former Al-Hilal forward Nasser Al-Shamrani, who scored against 24 different opponents in the competition.
Ronaldo’s latest goal came after he scored his 981st career goal in Al-Nassr’s 3-1 victory over Uzbekistan’s Neftchi Fergana in the AFC Champions League Elite.
The 40-year-old continues his pursuit of 1,000 career goals as Al-Nassr push on with their Saudi Pro League campaign.
What You Should Know
Football icon Cristiano Ronaldo continues his remarkable pursuit of reaching 1,000 career goals after netting his 982nd strike in Al-Nassr’s latest Saudi Pro League win. The milestone achievement highlights his enduring longevity and competitive drive at the age of 40.
- Positive Impact: Fans and supporters get to witness history in the making as one of the game’s greatest players edges closer to an unprecedented scoring record.
- Potential Concerns: Heavy reliance on aging stars can sometimes spark tactical debates, but his consistent goalscoring output continues to drive commercial and competitive interest in the league.
