Cristiano Ronaldo Scores First Goal Since Marrying Georgina, Reaches 977 Career Goals: Video

· YEN.com.gh News · Join
  • Cristiano Ronaldo netted his first goal since marrying Georgina Rodriguez in Al-Nassr's 4-0 win over Al Riyadh on August 21
  • The 41-year-old had not played a competitive match since Portugal's elimination from the 2026 FIFA World Cup
  • Ronaldo's strike was his 977th career goal, moving him closer to the 1,000-goal milestone he has long targeted

PAY ATTENTION: Mark YEN.com.gh as a preferred source, and our content will appear higher in your Google feed!

Cristiano Ronaldo marked his return to competitive football in style, scoring as Al-Nassr cruised to a 4-0 victory over Al Riyadh in the Saudi Pro League.

The 41-year-old's goal was his first since marrying longtime partner Georgina Rodriguez in a private ceremony in Portugal earlier this month.

It also took his career tally to 977 goals, moving him closer to the 1,000-goal milestone he has openly targeted.

Cristiano Ronaldo celebrates after scoring his first goal for Al-Nassr in the 2026/27 Saudi Pro League campaign. Photo by Fayez Nureldine.
Source: Getty Images

Ronaldo inches closer to 1000-goal mark

Ronaldo had not played competitively since Portugal's 2026 FIFA World Cup exit against Spain and missed Al-Nassr's entire pre-season campaign.

Thomas Partey: Black Stars Deputy Captain Arrives in Saudi Arabia Ahead of Al Shabab MoveThomas Partey has arrived in Riyadh as he nears a transfer to Al Shabab, potentially boosting Ghana's hopes for the 2027 AFCON qualifying campaign.21 Aug 2026

PAY ATTENTION: Follow us on Instagram - get the most important news directly in your favourite app!

He gradually found his rhythm against Al Riyadh before producing the moment fans had been waiting for.

After a sharp exchange and a couple of stepovers, Ronaldo first tested goalkeeper Milan Borjan with a low left-footed effort.

He would not have to wait long for another chance. Substitute Ayman Yahya picked him out inside the box, allowing Ronaldo to swivel quickly before firing into the bottom corner to make it 4-0, according to Sofascore.

Watch Ronaldo's goal, as shared on X:

He nearly added another in stoppage time, but Borjan made the save. The effort was also ruled offside.

Ronaldo's strike was his first of the 2026/27 Saudi Pro League season and his 977th professional goal.

His previous competitive goal came from the penalty spot against Croatia during Portugal's World Cup Round of 32 clash.

Cristiano Ronaldo's goal against Al Riyadh means he has scored at least a goal in 25 consecutive seasons. Photo by Fayez Nureldine.
Source: Getty Images

According to the "Thmanyah" channels, as corroborated by Goal, that strike made CR7 Al-Nassr's all-time top scorer in the Saudi League in the professional era, level with the legend Mohammed Al-Sahlawi. Both have 103 goals.

Al-Nassr cruise to top of Saudi League

Al-Nassr had already taken control before Ronaldo's contribution, with Abdulelah Al Amri and Angelo scoring in the first half before Joao Felix added a third.

The victory moved Al-Nassr to the top of the Saudi Pro League table with two wins from two matches.

They return to action against Al Ettifaq on August 25 before facing Al Taawoun three days later.

Cristiano Ronaldo hints at retirement

Earlier, YEN.com.gh reported that Cristiano Ronaldo has disclosed that the 2026/27 season could be his final campaign as a professional footballer.

The 41-year-old Portugal captain said he wants to leave a lasting legacy after 25 years at the highest level.

Don't miss out! Get your daily dose of sports news straight to your phone. Join YEN's Sports News channel on WhatsApp now!

Source: YEN.com.gh