Cristiano Ronaldo once again proved that age is just a number, delivering a brilliant performance that powered Al-Nassr to a dramatic 2-1 comeback victory over Al-Riyadh in the 27th round of the Saudi Pro League on April 13. The Portuguese superstar, now 40, scored both goals for his team and reaffirmed his place as the league’s most dominant figure, all while showing the world that his hunger for success burns as fiercely as ever.

The match began with challenges for Al-Nassr, as they struggled to break through Al-Riyadh’s defense and went behind on the scoreboard. However, as has been the case so many times throughout his storied career, Ronaldo rose to the occasion. In the 56th minute, Sadio Mane provided a well-placed assist that allowed Ronaldo to net a crucial equalizer. Surprisingly, the five-time Ballon d’Or winner chose not to celebrate. Instead, he sprinted into the net to retrieve the ball and quickly returned it to the center circle, signaling his determination and urgency to turn the game around.

Eight minutes later, a truly iconic moment unfolded. Mane once again charged down the left wing and delivered a cross that was initially deflected by an Al-Riyadh defender. The clearance, however, floated perfectly into Ronaldo’s path just outside the penalty area. Without hesitation, Ronaldo unleashed a stunning right-footed volley. The ball rocketed toward the top corner, seeming to glance off both the crossbar and the post before crashing into the back of the net. The strike was nothing short of spectacular — a moment that left the goalkeeper frozen and several Al-Nassr players holding their heads in disbelief.

This time, Ronaldo allowed himself a proper celebration. He raced to the corner flag and performed his trademark spinning leap, much to the delight of the home crowd. In a display of admiration, teammate Mohamed Simakan ran over and mimicked wiping Ronaldo’s boots — a symbolic gesture acknowledging the sheer brilliance of the goal.

With this brace, Ronaldo extended his lead in the race for the Saudi Pro League Golden Boot. He now has 23 league goals this season, four more than Karim Benzema, who sits in second place. Across all competitions, Ronaldo has scored 44 goals in just 35 matches — a staggering tally that includes 35 in the league, 7 in the AFC Champions League, and 2 in the Arab Club Champions Cup.

But Ronaldo’s contributions in the match went far beyond just scoring. He completed 89% of his passes, made five key passes, and attempted eight shots, with four of them on target. His overall influence was undeniable, and the football analytics platform Sofascore awarded him a perfect 10/10 rating, naming him Man of the Match.

This match also added to Ronaldo’s monumental career goal tally. He has now scored 933 goals, a figure that includes 5 with Sporting Lisbon, 145 with Manchester United, 450 with Real Madrid, 101 with Juventus, 136 with the Portuguese national team, and 96 with Al-Nassr. The numbers speak for themselves, but Ronaldo’s performances continue to do the talking in the most emphatic fashion.

The victory keeps Al-Nassr’s title hopes alive in the Saudi Pro League. They currently sit third in the table with 57 points, trailing league leaders Al-Hilal and second-placed Al-Ittihad by one and eight points, respectively. While the path to the championship remains challenging, the form of Ronaldo offers a beacon of hope for the club and its supporters.

Looking ahead, Ronaldo and his teammates will travel to face Al Orubah on April 18. With the Portuguese icon leading the charge, anything seems possible for Al-Nassr. His hunger, passion, and professionalism continue to inspire both teammates and fans, proving that greatness doesn’t fade with time — it evolves.

As Ronaldo’s career progresses, his story increasingly resembles that of a fine wine — growing richer, deeper, and more appreciated with age. With every goal, every touch, and every game, he reinforces his legacy as not only one of the greatest players of all time but also one of the most enduring. The football world watches in awe as he continues to redefine what it means to be elite at 40.