Cristiano Ronaldo scored his 18th goal of the season as Al Nassr defeated Al Fateh 2-0 in the Saudi Pro League on Saturday, furthering his pursuit of a historic 1,000 career goals. The 41-year-old captain opened the scoring in the 18th minute at Al Nassr’s home ground, bringing his tally to 962 goals in his professional career.
This marked Ronaldo’s return to action after a brief absence. He had publicly boycotted the previous match to protest against the Saudi Pro League’s transfer policies, specifically the handling of outgoing player registrations. His presence and decisive contribution provided an immediate lift for the league leaders.
Al Nassr’s victory strengthens their position at the top of the table as they chase the domestic title. Ronaldo’s consistent scoring has been pivotal since his move to Saudi Arabia in late 2022, and his early goal against Al Fateh set the tone for a controlled performance that secured three vital points.
The match context underscores the striker’s enduring influence. Despite his age, Ronaldo remains the focal point of Al Nassr’s attack and a central figure in the league’s global profile. His ongoing quest to reach the 1,000-goal milestone is a notable subplot to the season, adding a layer of individual achievement to the team’s collective ambitions.
With this win, Al Nassr extends their lead in the championship race. The team’s next fixtures will be closely watched, both for their implications on the title race and for any further milestones from their star forward. Ronaldo’s availability and form are critical factors as Al Nassr navigates the final stretch of the campaign.
