Cristiano Ronaldo Shines in Al Nassr Victory, Scores 50th Goal of 2023

 

*February 5 2025

Cristiano Ronaldo, the 38-year-old Portuguese soccer star, made headlines again on Tuesday after leading his Saudi Arabian club, Al Nassr, to a thrilling 3-1 win against Al Fateh in the Saudi Pro League. The match, held at Al Nassr’s home stadium in Riyadh, saw Ronaldo score his 49th and 50th goals of 2023, proving age is just a number for the legendary forward.  

Ronaldo’s Stellar Performance  

Ronaldo opened the scoring in the 18th minute with a powerful header from a corner kick. Fans cheered wildly as he sprinted to the corner flag, performing his iconic “Siu” celebration. Just 12 minutes later, he struck again, this time with a precise left-footed shot from inside the penalty box. Al Fateh managed a goal before halftime, but Ronaldo’s early strikes set the tone for Al Nassr’s dominance.  

This victory pushed Al Nassr to second place in the league standings, just three points behind leaders Al Hilal. Ronaldo, who joined the club in January 2023 after a controversial exit from Manchester United, has now scored 34 goals in 40 matches for Al Nassr. His latest performance silenced critics who doubted his move to Saudi Arabia.  

A Record-Breaking Career  

Ronaldo’s two goals on Tuesday added to his ever-growing list of records. He is now the first player to score 50 goals in a calendar year after turning 38. Earlier this year, he also became the highest-scoring male player in international soccer, with 128 goals for Portugal.  

Fans and analysts praised Ronaldo’s fitness and dedication. “He trains like he’s 25,” said Al Nassr coach Luis Castro in a post-match interview. “His work ethic inspires the entire team.” Teammate Anderson Talisca, who scored the third goal, called Ronaldo a “living legend” and thanked him for “making everyone better.”  

From Manchester to Riyadh: A New Chapter  

Ronaldo’s move to Saudi Arabia shocked the soccer world last year. Many wondered why a five-time Ballon d’Or winner would leave Europe’s top leagues. However, Ronaldo insisted the transfer was about “new challenges.” In his first press conference with Al Nassr, he said, “I want to help grow Saudi soccer and inspire young players here.”  

His impact is undeniable. Since his arrival, ticket sales for Saudi Pro League matches have skyrocketed. Global broadcasters like DAZN and ESPN now air games, and stars like Karim Benzema and Neymar have followed Ronaldo to the league. “He changed everything,” said Saudi sports minister Prince Abdulaziz bin Turki Al-Faisal. “People worldwide are watching us now.”  

Balancing Club and Country  

Ronaldo’s form isn’t limited to club matches. Last month, he scored a hat-trick for Portugal in a 5-0 win against Bosnia and Herzegovina in Euro 2024 qualifying. Coach Roberto Martinez called him “irreplaceable” and hinted he’ll play a key role in next year’s European Championship.  

Despite his success, Ronaldo faces tough competition. Younger stars like Kylian Mbappé and Erling Haaland are chasing his records. Yet, Ronaldo remains focused. “I don’t compete with others; I compete with myself,” he said in a recent interview.  

Off the Field: Business and Charity  

Away from soccer, Ronaldo stays busy. His Instagram account, with 610 million followers, is the most-followed in the world. He promotes brands like Nike and Herbalife, earning over $100 million annually from endorsements. In September, he launched a new fitness app, “CR7 Fitness,” offering workout plans and diet tips.  

Ronaldo is also active in charity. In July, he donated $1.5 million to help earthquake victims in Morocco. His foundation, CR7 Foundation, builds schools and hospitals in poor countries. “Giving back is my duty,” he said during a charity event in Lisbon.  

What’s Next for Ronaldo?  

Ronaldo shows no signs of slowing down. He aims to play in the 2026 World Cup, which would make him 41 during the tournament. Portugal’s qualification campaign starts next month, and fans eagerly await his next goals.  

For now, his focus is on Al Nassr. The club faces Al Hilal in a top-of-the-table clash on November 5. A win could push them closer to their first league title since 2019. “We’re working hard every day,” Ronaldo told reporters. “The fans deserve trophies.”