Saudi League Title: Cristiano Ronaldo Reaches 971 Goals in Crucial Al Nassr Victory
- Cristiano Ronaldo moved to 971 career goals as Al Nassr secured a crucial victory over Al Shabab in the Saudi Pro League on Thursday night
- The 41-year-old found the net once, while João Félix stole the spotlight with a hat-trick to keep Al Nassr firmly in the hunt for their first league title since 2019
- With only two matches remaining in the season, Ronaldo and his teammates could wrap up the Saudi League crown as early as May 12
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Cristiano Ronaldo moved one step closer to another major milestone after scoring in Al Nassr’s crucial 4-2 victory over Al Shabab on May 7.
The result kept Al Nassr firmly in the hunt for their first Saudi Pro League title since the 2018/19 season.
Source: Getty Images
Al Nassr seal hard-fought win vs Shabab
Coming off a painful 3-1 defeat to Al Qadsiah, the Knights of Najd entered the game knowing anything short of victory could seriously damage their title hopes.
They responded in style.
According to ESPN, João Félix needed only three minutes to open the scoring before doubling Al Nassr’s lead seven minutes later with his second of the night.
Watch Felix's opener, as shared on X:
Just when the visitors looked fully in control, former Atlético Madrid winger Yannick Carrasco pulled one back for Al Shabab around the half-hour mark to revive the contest.
But after the break, Ronaldo, who recently experienced a huge drop in his Instagram followership, stepped up once again.
The Portuguese superstar, who 'ate' grass during his Juventus days, arrived perfectly inside the box to finish from close range after a neat cutback from Sadio Mané in the 75th minute.
Watch Ronaldo's goal, as shared on X:
The goal looked set to calm nerves, but Ali Al-Bulayhi struck five minutes later to make for a tense finale.
According to Fotmob, Felix eventually sealed the victory from the penalty spot to complete his hat-trick and wrap up all three points for Jorge Jesus’ side.
Source: Getty Images
Ronaldo closes in on 1000 career goals
Ronaldo’s strike was another historic moment in a career already filled with records.
The goal took the 41-year-old to 971 career goals, leaving him just 29 shy of the remarkable 1000-goal mark.
It was also his 100th goal for Al Nassr since joining the Saudi club.
Despite the personal milestones, Ronaldo’s focus appears fixed on silverware as Al Nassr edge closer to ending their long wait for league glory.
Victory against rivals Al Hilal in their next fixture on May 12 could effectively seal the title.
The Riyadh-based side could also complete a memorable double days later if they defeat Gamba Osaka in the AFC Champions League 2 final.
Ronaldo drops hint about retirement
Earlier, YEN.com.gh reported that Cristiano Ronaldo dropped another hint about his retirement after scoring in Al Nassr’s 2-0 win over Al Ahli Saudi.
Despite nearing the end of his illustrious career, the veteran forward insists he is still enjoying every moment on the pitch while continuing to defy age.
Source: YEN.com.gh
