Riyadh, Saudi Arabia – Cristiano Ronaldo continues to defy expectations, reaching a career milestone of 965 goals as Al Nassr dominated Al Najma 5-0 in a Saudi Pro League fixture on Wednesday. The victory solidifies Al Nassr’s position at the top of the league standings, although further extending Ronaldo’s lead in the all-time goalscoring charts.
The Portuguese superstar opened the scoring from the penalty spot in the 7th minute, adding to his already impressive tally. Kingsley Coman and Iñigo Martínez likewise found the net in the first half, giving Al Nassr a comfortable 3-0 lead at the break. Sadio Mané added another goal in the second half before Martínez completed his brace, sealing a comprehensive win for Jorge Jesus’s side.
Ronaldo’s Milestone and the Pursuit of 1,000 Goals
Ronaldo’s goal against Al Najma marks his 965th career goal, placing him 35 goals away from the historic milestone of 1,000 goals – a feat no other footballer has yet achieved. The goal also underscores his continued dominance in the sport, even at 39 years old. The forward now has 20 league goals this season, trailing only Al Ahli’s Ivan Toney in the race for the Saudi Golden Boot.
Adding a touch of novelty to his celebration, Ronaldo debuted a new gesture, replacing his signature “Siiiuuu” with a series of small jumps while raising his right arm and bending his hand. The meaning behind the new celebration remains unknown, sparking curiosity among fans.
The All-Time Leading Goalscorers
The race to develop into the all-time leading goalscorer has been a captivating narrative in football for years, and Ronaldo currently holds a significant advantage. Here’s a look at the top 15:
- Cristiano Ronaldo – 965 goals*
- Lionel Messi – 896 goals*
- Josef Bican – 805 goals
- Pelé – 770 goals
- Romário – 761 goals
- Ferenc Puskás – 760 goals
- Robert Lewandowski – 711 goals*
- Erwin Helmchen – 702 goals
- Jimmy Jones – 659 goals
- Abe Lenstra – 645 goals
- Gerd Müller – 640 goals
- Joe Bambrick – 634 goals
- Fernando Peyroteo – 610 goals
- Max Morlock – 609 goals
- Luis Suárez – 600 goals*
* = currently active players.
The gap between Ronaldo and his closest competitor, Lionel Messi, is now 69 goals. Messi currently plays for Inter Miami in Major League Soccer, and continues to add to his impressive tally, but Ronaldo’s consistent scoring rate in the Saudi Pro League keeps him firmly in the lead.
Al Nassr’s Dominance in the Saudi Pro League
This win for Al Nassr was their SPL-leading 19th of the season, bringing their point total to 58 from 23 games. They lead second-placed Al Ahli by two points. Al Nassr has lost only one game in the league this season, demonstrating their strength and consistency. The team’s success is also a testament to the management of Jorge Jesus, who has built a formidable squad.
The match also highlighted the growing competitiveness of the Saudi Pro League, which has attracted several high-profile players in recent years, including Ronaldo, Neymar, and Karim Benzema. Al Hilal, where Benzema plays, currently sits in third place with 56 points.
Ronaldo’s recent return from a brief boycott, stemming from dissatisfaction with the club’s transfer activity, appears to have galvanized the team. He had reportedly been unhappy with the Saudi Arabia Public Investment Fund (PIF) for not investing in the team to the same extent as rivals Al Hilal, who signed Benzema.
What’s Next for Cristiano Ronaldo and Al Nassr?
Al Nassr will look to maintain their lead in the Saudi Pro League as they face Damac FC on February 29th. The match will be a crucial test for Ronaldo and his teammates as they aim to secure the league title. Fans can follow updates on the Al Nassr official website (https://alnassr.sa) and through official league channels.
As Ronaldo continues his pursuit of 1,000 career goals, all eyes will be on his performances in the Saudi Pro League and beyond. His dedication and relentless pursuit of excellence continue to inspire fans around the world.
