Cristiano Ronaldo moved a step closer to the elusive 1,000-goal milestone after delivering a stunning hat-trick in Al Nassr’s thrilling 5-3 victory over Al Kholood in the Saudi Pro League.
Cristiano Ronaldo is closing in on a historic 1,000th career goal after helping Al Nassr seal a smashing 5-3 win over Al Kholood on Thursday, taking his total goal-scoring count to 985.
The veteran striker, currently serving a suspension imposed by the Portuguese Football Federation (FPF), is back in action in the Saudi Pro League and was in top form at Alawwal Park in Riyadh.
Ronaldo just 15 goals shy of a historic feat
Ronaldo worked his magic like a charm by netting a brilliant hat-trick in just 15 minutes for Al Nassr.
After the score was tied 2-2, the Portuguese footballer scored in the 66th, 72nd and 81st minutes, with Al Nassr scoring five goals to seal a huge win.
Once considered a rare and unlikely achievement, the 1,000 career-goal milestone is now within touching distance for Ronaldo, who is just 15 goals away from reaching the landmark.
Following the match, Ronaldo reacted to the win, saying, “Great win, great team performance. Happy to help with a hat-trick!”
Notably, Ronaldo is already the leading goalscorer in football history with 985 goals, while Argentine icon Lionel Messi is positioned second with 936.
More from Football NewsAl Nassr seal smashing win
Al Kholood netted the opening score, with French forward Julien Domingues scoring in the 16th minute before Al Nassr’s Angelo Gabriel secured an equaliser just six minutes later.
Sadio Mané kept the momentum in their favour with a goal in the 38th minute, but Antoin Essomba scored right before the half-time whistle was called.
In the second half, Ronaldo went into beast mode and scored two close-range strikes and nailed a header home, picking up his seventh career hat-trick for Al Nassr, taking his overall career hat-trick count to 67.
Ronaldo’s contributions help Al Nassr stay in second place with 28 points in the Saudi Pro League standings.