Cristiano Ronaldo is arguably the GOAT of football. Sure, there is debate between Messi vs. Ronaldo that goes back years – even decades. But one thing that football fans can’t argue with is the longevity of Ronaldo, his athleticism, goal scoring ability, and intensity when it comes to fitness, training, and giving everything he has to the game.
That is why he continues to dominate at such a high level, even after getting older and playing ‘past his prime’. Well, if breaking the Saudi Pro League goal-scoring record is ‘past his prime’, then his veteran years are still better than 99% of the other professional players in the world.
Ronaldo Breaks Goal-Scoring Record in Saudi League
I don’t follow the records, the records follow me. 🇸🇦 pic.twitter.com/rqywmmTfZD
— Cristiano Ronaldo (@Cristiano) May 27, 2024
Ronaldo made a huge switch to Al-Nassr last year to the shock of English Premier League fans and the Red Devils’ army that hoped to see him stick around for longer. But, tensions between teh players, coaching staff, and lack of playing time at United meant that Ronaldo wanted to go somewhere that he could shine – and that he did.
Many scoffed at him for ‘taking the money’ and going to the Saudi Pro League, but he has enjoyed his time here, scoring goals, making the most money out of any footballer in the world, and playing in an ‘easier’ league than the English Premier League.
Just Monday, he set the goal-scoring record for a single season with his incredible 35th goal of the year. He scored twice in the game against Al-Ittihad, lifting his team to a 4-2 victory and securing the record previously set forth in 2019 by Hamdallah.
Ronaldo would have had even more goals this game if he could have just stayed a hair onside for a bit longer. Ronaldo had two offside goals called against him before finally letting one stand. He made a dashing run, perfectly controlled a bullet pass with his chest, and then struck the ball low and hard into the left-hand side netting before halftime.
Then, in the second half, he didn’t let up. He continued creating passes and chances for his teammates before netting his second in the 70th minute. He leaped higher than the rest and headed home a pin-point accurate corner from Brozovic to get his second on the night.
Al-Nassr and Ronaldo in the League
This season, everything started to turn around and look up for Ronaldo. Despite some challenging times and hard beginnings at his new club, he has now meshed in well with the team and the style of play. Al-Nassr finished second in the Saudi Pro League, 14 points behind Al-Hilal, the team’s rivals and unbeaten team that won the championship the same day Ronaldo broke the goal-scoring record.
Al-Hilal looked to bolster their ranks in the off-season by recruiting Neymar, the Brazilian sensation who struggled after moving to PSG. But, injury woes set in once again, leaving Al-Hilal without the star striker. Even without this gifted player, they still managed to go unbeaten in the league and prevent Ronaldo from capturing yet another trophy.
Al-Nassr capped off their season with record-breaking goals and a stinging defeat to Al-Ittihad. Al-Ittihad signed Benzema in the off-season, one of the best players in the world, when he was on the squad for Real Madrid. But, injuries and struggles adapting to the new country and style of play seemed to have hampered his confidence and fitness going into the season. The team also signed N’golo Kante and Fabinho, but a lack of fitness and consistency led to a disappointing result for the star-studded squad.
About the Author
Emma is an athlete and sports fan who currently plays professional soccer. Growing up, she reached a high level in track and field, distance running, and soccer on both club and university teams.
