RIYADH: Cristiano Ronaldo celebrated what could be the 982nd goal of his professional career as Al Nassr defeated Al Faisaly 3-1 in a Saudi Pro League clash at King Salman Sport City Stadium on Friday, although uncertainty remains over whether the goal will ultimately be credited to the Portuguese superstar or recorded as an own goal.
Ronaldo appeared to double Al Nassr’s advantage in the 49th minute after rising to meet a free kick delivered by Joao Felix. However, it was unclear whether the 41-year-old made decisive contact with his head before the ball deflected into the net off Al Faisaly defender Andrei Girotto.
The Saudi Pro League initially credited Ronaldo with the goal, prompting the forward to celebrate with his trademark ‘Siu’ celebration. The strike, if officially confirmed as his, would take him to 982 career goals, leaving him just 18 short of the remarkable 1,000-goal milestone.
Following the match, Ronaldo shared a photograph of himself celebrating on Instagram with the caption, “Let’s go!”
Abdullah Al-Hamdan had given Al Nassr an early lead before Ronaldo’s disputed effort extended their advantage. Theo Bongonda reduced the deficit for Al Faisaly, but Angelo Gabriel scored late in the match to seal a 3-1 victory for the visitors.
The win strengthened Al Nassr’s position in the Saudi Pro League title race, with the club continuing to compete alongside Al Qadsiah and Al Hilal for domestic supremacy. It was their eighth league victory of the campaign.
Ronaldo’s return to action also came amid reports of disciplinary action following a dispute involving Portugal’s national team and head coach Jorge Jesus. The forward had reportedly been handed a 30-day suspension and fined €255 ($286) earlier in the week.
Despite the uncertainty surrounding the goal, Ronaldo once again found himself at the centre of attention as his pursuit of 1,000 career goals continued to generate global interest.
Whether the strike remains on his personal tally or is eventually classified as an own goal, the race towards the historic milestone remains one of the most closely followed stories in world football.
