Cristiano Ronaldo sets world record after scoring for Al Nassr in loss to Al Qadsiah
Cristiano Ronaldo set another world record during Al-Nassr's 2-1 defeat at the hands of Al Qadsiah in the Saudi Pro League on Friday, November 22. The Portuguese icon had sent his team ahead in the 32nd minute of the game.
In doing so, the 39-year-old became the first player to score against 200 different opponents in his career (via talkSPORT). However, Ronaldo still ended up on the losing side on the night.
Al-Qadisiyah, who earned promotion to the Saudi Pro League last season, equalized through Julian Quinones in the 37th minute. Former Barcelona forward Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang then sent the visitors ahead in the 50th minute of the game.
The defeat could be a huge setback in Al-Nassr's season. The Riyadh-based club are already six points behind leaders Al-Hilal, who also have a game in hand.
Meanwhile, Al-Qadisiyah (+7) and Al-Shabab (+8) are only behind third-placed Al-Nassr (+12) on goal difference. Interestingly, Cristiano Ronaldo has failed to win the league since arriving at the club in January 2023.
Nine-time champions Al-Nassr's last league triumph was in 2019 when the Real Madrid legend was at Juventus. The Saudi club have finished second in the last two seasons, although the five-time Ballon d'Or winner won the Arab Club Champions Cup last year, which is a preseason friendly tournament.
How many goals has Cristiano Ronaldo scored for Al-Nassr?
Cristiano Ronaldo has scored 69 goals and set up 18 more from 80 games across competitions for Al-Nassr. Last season, the Portuguese registered 44 goals and 13 assists from 45 games across competitions.
Thirty-five of those goals came in 31 league games and he finished as the top scorer in the Saudi Pro League, also breaking the top flight's single-season goalscoring record. However, it wouldn't be enough to win the league.
Ronaldo has been at it again this season, registering 11 goals and three assists from 16 games in all competitions. He is reportedly the highest-paid footballer in the world, as outlined by Forbes, roping in a whopping $220m per year from his current contract.
However, the Portuguese superstar's deal is set to expire at the end of this season and he hasn't signed a new one yet. Ronaldo has shown no signs of slowing down of late and an extension with the Saudi Arabian club cannot be ruled out.
Ronaldo has won the league with Manchester United, Real Madrid, and Juventus. As such, he will be eager to get his hands on the Saudi Pro League before he leaves the Middle East.