Cristiano Ronaldo scores in season debut, eyes 1,000th career goal

Cristiano Ronaldo marked his return to competition with Al Nassr by scoring in their latest match, bringing his career official goal tally to 977. After missing the team's season opener, the Portuguese forward came off the bench in the 60th minute against Al Riyadh and netted the final goal in a dominant 4-0 victory. This appearance also marked his return to play following the 2026 World Cup.

The 41-year-old striker's goal is another step in his pursuit of the 1,000-goal milestone, a target that once seemed distant but now appears within reach. Ronaldo had sat out Al Nassr's Saudi Pro League debut, a 3-0 win over Al Fateh, as coach Ange Postecoglou opted to rest him after his return from his wedding to Georgina Rodríguez.

His goal against Al Riyadh, which sealed the 4-0 scoreline, underscored his continued importance to the Saudi club. This strike, his 977th in a career spanning 25 seasons, solidifies his status as one of football's all-time leading scorers. Last season, his 28 league goals were crucial in Al Nassr winning the Saudi championship, ending a title drought dating back to 2019.

This season's pursuit of 1,000 goals comes shortly after Ronaldo indicated that the 2026/27 season might be his last. "This is probably my last year of football, and I want to leave a spectacular legacy," he stated in an interview with Vogue. He also revealed that he has meticulously planned his post-retirement life, aiming to fill the void left by a decades-long professional career. With 23 goals needed to reach the 1,000 mark, Ronaldo's countdown continues, fueled by his proven ability to achieve seemingly impossible targets.