Video: Ronaldo scores 977th career goal as substitute in Al-Nassr’s 4-0 season opener

Abdullateef Fowewe

Cristiano Ronaldo marked his return to competitive action by scoring his 977th career goal as Al-Nassr routed Al-Riyadh 4-0 in the Saudi Pro League on Friday, August 21, 2026.

The 41-year-old Portugal captain was introduced in the 62nd minute and sealed the dominant win with a composed finish in the 83rd.

Receiving a low cross, Ronaldo executed a sharp turn and slotted a left-footed shot past the goalkeeper to net Al-Nassr’s fourth.

The strike is his first competitive goal since the 2026 World Cup and moves him closer to the much‑talked‑about 1,000-goal milestone.

Al-Nassr had taken control earlier in the match.

Abdulrahman Al-Amri opened the scoring in the 18th minute, and Angelo doubled the lead immediately after halftime in the 46th.

João Félix added a third in the 58th minute before Ronaldo’s late finish wrapped up a convincing season-opening victory.

Ronaldo had not started Al-Nassr’s previous match and was absent from the lineup for the club’s earlier win over Al-Fateh, watching from the stands.

The goal provides an early morale boost for Al-Nassr as they begin wd 2026/27 campaign and gives Ronaldo momentum in his chase toward 1,000 career