Cristiano Ronaldo made a stunning return to action for Al Nassr, scoring the opening goal in their Saudi Pro League clash against Al Fateh on Saturday, February 14, 2026.
The Portuguese superstar, who had boycotted the club’s previous two league matches and a recent AFC Champions League Two fixture due to a dispute over unpaid salaries and insufficient investment from owner Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF), resolved the issue and was immediately reinstated as captain and starter.
Ronaldo netted in the 18th minute, converting a clinical finish—described as a sharp volley assisted by Sadio Mané—to put Al Nassr ahead 1-0 at Prince Abdullah Bin Jalawi Stadium in Matchday 22 of the 2025-26 season. The strike marked his 962nd career goal and his first since turning 41 earlier in February, showcasing his trademark timing and composure.
Al Nassr went on to secure a convincing 3-1 victory, claiming all three points and boosting their title challenge—they currently trail leaders Al Hilal by four points.
The goal not only ended Ronaldo’s brief goal drought but also underlined his enduring influence in the league, where he ranks third in the Golden Boot race with 17 goals this season (behind Al Ahli’s Ivan Toney on 20 and Al Qadsiah’s Julián Quiñones on 18). He remains around 38-39 goals short of the historic 1,000-career-goal milestone.
Fans and analysts hailed the performance as a classic Ronaldo response, with celebrations echoing his signature “Siuuu” after the clinical strike. Highlights and fan footage from the moment have circulated widely on platforms like X, Instagram, and sports sites.
Ronaldo’s swift impact on his return has once again proven why he’s regarded as one of football’s all-time greats, even amid off-field challenges. Al Nassr’s title hopes remain alive as the season heats up.
