Cristiano Ronaldo has resumed his pursuit of the historic 1,000-goal milestone after scoring on his return to action for Al-Nassr.
The Portuguese superstar came off the bench during Al-Nassr’s Saudi Pro League meeting with Al Riyadh on Friday and needed only 21 minutes to make his mark.
Ronaldo entered the game in the second half and found the net in the 83rd minute, completing Al-Nassr’s 4-0 victory.
The strike took his career tally to 977 goals, leaving the veteran forward just 23 goals short of reaching 1,000.
Ronaldo closes in on historic milestone
Ronaldo’s return had been highly anticipated after he was given additional time away from competitive action following the 2026 World Cup.
At 41, the five-time Ballon d’Or winner remains one of the most prolific goalscorers in football history and has made no secret of his ambition to reach the 1,000-goal landmark before ending his professional career.
His latest goal immediately renewed attention around that pursuit.
With 977 goals now on his record, Ronaldo needs another 23 strikes to reach the unprecedented figure.
Al-Nassr begin strongly
Ronaldo’s return also adds further attacking firepower to an Al-Nassr side that had already shown strong form without him.
The club’s younger attacking players had impressed during his absence, with João Félix and Ângelo Gabriel among those making significant contributions.
Ronaldo’s return now gives coach Al-Nassr another major attacking option as the Saudi Pro League season develops.
The Portuguese forward’s goal against Al Riyadh means the race towards 1,000 has entered another stage.
With only 23 goals separating Ronaldo from the landmark, every appearance will now attract greater attention as the veteran continues his pursuit of one of football’s most extraordinary individual records.