Ronaldo Scores Hat-Trick, Hits 985th Career Goal in Al Nassr’s 5-3 Win

Cristiano Ronaldo scored a sensational second-half hat-trick as Al Nassr defeated Al Kholood 5-3 in the Saudi Pro League on Thursday, taking his reported career goal tally to 985.

The 41-year-old Portuguese forward struck three times in 15 minutes, scoring in the 66th, 72nd and 81st minutes to help Al Nassr secure all three points.

The victory moved Ronaldo to within 15 goals of the historic 1,000-career-goal milestone.

Al Kholood took an early lead through Julien Domingues in the 16th minute before Angelo Gabriel equalised for Al Nassr eight minutes later.

Sadio Mane put the hosts ahead in the 38th minute, but Antoine Essomba restored parity in first-half stoppage time to make it 2-2.

Ronaldo then took control of the contest after the break. João Félix set him up for his first goal in the 66th minute, before the Portuguese forward doubled his tally six minutes later with a header from another Félix delivery.

He completed his hat-trick in the 81st minute after Mane picked him out inside the penalty area, allowing him to finish from close range.

Domingues converted a stoppage-time penalty to score his second goal of the night for Al Kholood, but Al Nassr held on for a 5-3 victory.

The treble marked Ronaldo’s 67th career hat-trick across club and international football, further extending his remarkable goalscoring record.

João Félix also enjoyed an outstanding performance, providing four assists in the encounter.

The result kept Al Nassr in second place in the Saudi Pro League standings with 28 points, one point behind league leaders Al Qadsiah.

Ronaldo’s latest performance brings him closer to the 1,000-goal mark, a milestone he has repeatedly expressed his desire to achieve.