Cristiano Ronaldo ended his first full Saudi Pro League season in spectacular fashion, breaking the record for the most goals scored in a single campaign. The 39-year-old Portuguese star scored twice in Al Nassr’s 4-2 victory over Al Ittihad on the final matchday, bringing his league tally to 35 goals. This surpasses the previous record of 34 goals set by former Al Nassr forward Abderrazak Hamdallah in the 2018-19 season.
Ronaldo, who joined Al Nassr in January 2023 after stints at Sporting, Manchester United, Real Madrid, and Juventus, made his mark early in the game. In the final seconds of the first half, he chested down a long pass from Mohammed Al-Fatil and fired a low shot from the left side of the area to open the scoring. With 21 minutes remaining, Ronaldo headed in a corner from Marcelo Brozovic, celebrating wildly before being substituted to a standing ovation from the home fans.
The season saw Ronaldo score four hat-tricks and collect a red card, while also serving a suspension in February for an obscene gesture directed at Al Shabab fans who were chanting the name of his rival, Lionel Messi.
Despite Ronaldo’s individual success, it was a disappointing season for Al Nassr, who finished second to Al Hilal in the league and failed to win the Saudi Cup or the Asian Champions League. Al Hilal, even without Neymar due to a season-ending ACL injury, dominated the league. Aleksandar Mitrovic, who joined from Fulham, scored 27 league goals, second only to Ronaldo. Al Hilal set a new world record with a 34-game winning streak in all competitions.
Coach Jorge Jesus praised his team’s exceptional season, highlighting their immense talent and unity. “This season has been truly exceptional for the team, arguably our best ever,” he said.
