Cristiano Ronaldo, the iconic forward, has made history by becoming the first player to score 100 competitive goals for four distinct clubs. This remarkable achievement occurred during the Saudi Super Cup final held at Hong Kong Stadium, where his current team, Al Nassr, faced off against Al-Ahli. Despite Ronaldo’s milestone goal and Al Nassr’s early lead, the match concluded in a dramatic 2-2 tie, leading to a penalty shootout that ultimately saw Al-Ahli emerge victorious.
The 40-year-old Cristiano Ronaldo reached this significant personal milestone with his first-half penalty kick. His prolific scoring for Al Nassr adds to an already impressive tally that includes 450 goals for Real Madrid, 145 for Manchester United, and 101 for Juventus. With this record, Ronaldo surpassed legendary players Isidro Langara, Romario, and Neymar, who all scored 100 goals for only three clubs during their careers.
Although Ronaldo has not yet secured a major trophy in Saudi Arabia since joining the league in December 2022, he remains a highly influential figure both at club and international levels. He holds the record as the leading international goalscorer, having netted an impressive 138 goals for Portugal.
The match showcased an exciting contest filled with intense moments. Al Nassr took an early lead through Ronaldo’s penalty, only for Franck Kessie of Al-Ahli to equalize shortly thereafter. The dynamic of the match shifted once again when Marcelo Brozovic restored Al Nassr’s lead with a well-placed goal. However, in a dramatic turn, Brazilian defender Ibanez managed to score from a corner, taking the game into penalties.
In the final shootout, while Ronaldo scored once more from the spot, his teammate Abdullah al-Khaibari unfortunately missed his attempt. This miss proved costly, as Al-Ahli triumphed with a 5-3 victory in the shootout, securing the first trophy of the Saudi football season and continuing the league’s recent rise in competitiveness and global interest.
Ronaldo’s continued success on the field not only highlights his skills but also how the Saudi Pro League is evolving, drawing attention to the rising profile of football in the region. His tenure in the league is expected to further enhance the popularity of the sport, both locally and internationally.
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