Ronaldo Scores Disputed 982nd Goal in Al Nassr Win
Cristiano Ronaldo celebrated the 982nd goal of his career as Al Nassr defeated Al Faisaly 3-1 in the Saudi Pro League on Friday — although the strike may ultimately be recorded as an own goal rather than the Portuguese star’s.
The 41-year-old rose highest to meet a free kick from Joao Felix at the King Salman Sport City Stadium in Riyadh, but it remained unclear whether he made clean contact with his header before the ball deflected into the net off Al Faisaly defender Andrei Girotto.
Ronaldo immediately celebrated with his trademark ‘siu’ celebration. The Saudi Pro League credited him with the goal, leaving him 18 short of the landmark 1,000-goal milestone. After the match he shared a photograph of the celebration on Instagram with the caption: “Let’s go!”
Ronaldo 982nd goal doubles Al Nassr’s lead
The disputed effort doubled Al Nassr’s advantage in the 49th minute. Abdullah Al-Hamdan had opened the scoring early in the match before Theo Bongonda pulled one back for the hosts. Angelo Gabriel scored late on to seal the victory for the visitors.
Whether the goal stays with Ronaldo or is officially reassigned as a Girotto own goal, the race towards 1,000 career goals continues to grip football. No player in the history of the men’s game has reached four figures, and every strike now carries the weight of that chase.
The result marked Al Nassr’s eighth league win of the campaign, keeping them in contention alongside Al Qadsiah and Al Hilal in the Saudi Pro League title race.
Return after suspension
The goal marked Ronaldo’s return to scoring action after a turbulent spell. Earlier this week he was handed a 30-day suspension and fined €255 (about $286) following his walkout on Portugal’s national team earlier this month amid a dispute with head coach Jorge Jesus, as Feature Pakistan reported.
Despite the controversy around his latest effort, the forward helped his side secure another important victory in their pursuit of the league title. Portugal hailed Ronaldo just days after suspending him, showing how quickly the mood around him can swing.
The 1,000-goal chase
Ronaldo’s pursuit of 1,000 career goals has become one of football’s defining storylines. His tally spans Manchester United, Real Madrid, Juventus, Al Nassr and the Portugal national team, built across more than two decades at the top of the game.
At 41, he continues to defy the usual timelines of a football career. Each disputed goal — like Friday’s deflection — now matters doubly, since statisticians and the league may disagree on the final count. If the Girotto deflection is ruled an own goal, the wait for 982 will go on.
For context on how remarkable the chase is, the next-closest active players sit hundreds of goals behind. The 1,000 mark, once treated as fantasy, is now a genuine target within a single strong season’s reach. Saudi football keeps growing in profile, with the kingdom also preparing to host the 2027 Asian Cup. European football, meanwhile, served up its own drama as Como thrashed Manchester United in the Champions League.
FAQs
How many career goals does Ronaldo have now?
The Saudi Pro League credits Ronaldo with 982 career goals after Friday’s strike against Al Faisaly, leaving him 18 short of 1,000. The goal is disputed and may be recorded as an own goal.
Why is Ronaldo’s 982nd goal disputed?
His header from a Joao Felix free kick deflected off Al Faisaly defender Andrei Girotto before crossing the line, so it remains unclear whether he made clean contact. It could be reassigned as an own goal.
What was the Al Nassr vs Al Faisaly score?
Al Nassr won 3-1 in the Saudi Pro League on October 23, 2026, with goals from Abdullah Al-Hamdan, Ronaldo (disputed) and Angelo Gabriel. Theo Bongonda scored for Al Faisaly.
Why was Ronaldo suspended?
Ronaldo received a 30-day suspension and a €255 fine earlier this week after walking out on Portugal’s national team amid a dispute with head coach Jorge Jesus.
