Ronaldo scores 982nd career goal in Al-Nassr’s 3-1 win

Cristiano Ronaldo scored for Al-Nassr against Al-Faisaly on Friday, with his second-half header reportedly taking his career tally to 982 goals

The Portuguese forward found the net in the 49th minute of the Saudi Pro League encounter, heading home a free-kick delivery from compatriot João Félix. The goal was initially subjected to a video review amid protests from Al-Nassr players, before the referee ruled that Ronaldo was onside and allowed it to stand.

The goal sparked debate among some supporters on social media, with claims that the ball may have gone in off an Al-Faisaly defender. However, the Saudi Pro League’s official records credited the goal to Ronaldo.

The strike came after Abdullah Al-Hamdan had put Al-Nassr ahead in the fourth minute, assisted by Sadio Mané. Theo Bongonda pulled one back for the opposition in the 66th minute to reduce the deficit to 2-1 and revive his side’s hopes of a comeback. However, Angelo Gabriel scored in the 79th minute to seal the victory for Al-Nassr.

The goal reportedly took Ronaldo’s career tally to 982, leaving him 18 short of becoming the first player to reach 1,000 career goals. It also made Al-Faisaly the 25th different team Ronaldo has scored against in the Saudi Pro League, according to statistics cited by Goal.

The milestone moved him past former Al-Hilal forward Nasser Al-Shamrani, who scored against 24 different teams in the competition. Ronaldo’s Al-Nassr side travelled to Al-Majma’ah Sports City Stadium for the league fixture as they continued their Saudi Pro League campaign.