Cristiano Ronaldo has begun what could be his final season as a professional footballer in typically familiar fashion. The 41-year-old came off the bench to score his 977th career goal as Al Nassr began their campaign with a 4-0 win over Al Riyadh on Friday.
Ronaldo had recently suggested that this season could be his last as a professional footballer, adding extra significance to his return to action. The Portugal star had also recently married Georgina Rodriguez and was back in the Al Nassr squad after missing their opening Saudi Pro League win over Al Fateh and King’s Cup victory against Al Diriyah.
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Al Nassr had already built a three-goal advantage by the time Ronaldo entered in the 62nd minute. Abdulelah Al-Amri, ngelo Gabriel and Joo Flix had found the net to put the visitors firmly in control.
Ronaldo needed only 21 minutes to make his presence felt. Aiman Yahya’s low cross found him inside the box, and the forward controlled the ball before sweeping his finish into the net from close range to take his career tally to 977.
RONALDO’S 1000-GOAL AIM BEFORE RETIREMENT
The goal was Ronaldo’s 130th for Al Nassr since his move to Saudi Arabia in December 2022. It also extended his remarkable scoring run across 25 consecutive professional seasons.
Ronaldo comes into the new campaign after scoring 35 goals for club and country during the 2025-26 season. His latest strike also means he is now only 23 goals away from reaching 1,000, a landmark no player has officially achieved in senior professional football.
The timing makes the pursuit even more compelling. Ronaldo has indicated that the 2026-27 season could be his final campaign, meaning the race to four figures could unfold during the closing chapter of his career.
After returning from his recent break and celebrating a new chapter away from the pitch, Ronaldo has wasted little time creating another milestone on it. The 977th goal is in the books, and the remaining 23 could shape the final season of a career that has been defined by chasing numbers few thought possible.
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