Match story
- Portugal fired more attempts (25 vs 9 shots).
- Portugal was more accurate in front of goal (48% on target vs 33%).
- Portugal held more of the ball (58% possession).
Portugal defeated Slovakia 3-2 in Euro Championship - Qualification. The fixture is part of the Qualifying Round - 7 stage in the 2023 season. The match was played at Estádio Do Dragão in Porto. A. Sidiropoulos officiated the match. The full-time result capped a Portugal vs Slovakia meeting in Euro Championship - Qualification with detailed post-match statistics available on Sportra. This match centre covers lineups, live events, player ratings, team statistics, xG, head-to-head history, and related news for Portugal and Slovakia. On Sportra you can view xG, lineups, match statistics, events, player ratings, predictions, head-to-head history, and related news for this fixture.
Euro Championship - QualificationRecorded meetings: 0 (available previous meetings, not necessarily all-time).
Portugal defeated Slovakia 3-2 in Euro Championship - Qualification. The fixture is part of the Qualifying Round - 7 stage in the 2023 season. The match was played at Estádio Do Dragão in Porto. A. Sidiropoulos officiated the match. The full-time result capped a Portugal vs Slovakia meeting in Euro Championship - Qualification with detailed post-match statistics available on Sportra. This match centre covers lineups, live events, player ratings, team statistics, xG, head-to-head history, and related news for Portugal and Slovakia. On Sportra you can view xG, lineups, match statistics, events, player ratings, predictions, head-to-head history, and related news for this fixture.
Euro Championship - QualificationRecorded meetings: 0 (available previous meetings, not necessarily all-time).
⚽ Live updates on the 12.30pm (BST) kick-off at the MKM Stadium⚽ Live scores | Sign up for Football Daily | Mail TimHull, naturally, are in orange too, with black stripes. United are in ivory as Bruno Fernandes gathers them for a pep talk.The teams come out, and so do the fireworks. The MKM Stadium is a happy swirl of orange smoke. Continue reading...
Michael Carrick believes skipper Bruno Fernandes will continue to have a major impact for Manchester United. Galatasaray were ready to lodge a €50m (£42.8m) offer for Fernandes and pay him €21m (£18m)-a-year net, to try and entice him to Turkey. United officials have made it clear they would reject any bid for the 31-year-old, even though they told Fernandes it was his decision whether he accepted a higher offer from Saudi Pro-League side Al Hilal in the summer of 2025.
The 41-year-old superstar marked his season debut with a mysterious, late strike that secured a 4-0 victory over Al-Riyadh. This triumphant performance proves that Al-Nassr remains a dominant force in domestic competition. The legendary Cristiano Ronaldo has officially scored his 977th career goal to put Al-Nassr at the Saudi Pro League top. The 41-year-old superstar marked his season debut with a mysterious, late strike that secured a 4-0 victory over Al-Riyadh. This triumphant performance proves that Al-Nassr remains a dominant force in domestic competition. The defending champion, Al-Nassr, controlled the match from the very beginning under the guidance of manager Ange Postecoglou. Abdulelah Al-Amri opened the scoring in the 18th minute with a commanding header from a corner. Just before halftime, Brazilian midfielder Angelo doubled the lead to firmly establish control at the Prince Faisal bin Fahd Stadium. Shortly after the break, Portuguese star Joao Felix made it three by firing a low shot past goalkeeper Milan Borjan. According to Sofascore, Al-Nassr completely dictated the tempo against an overwhelmed opponent. This sustained pressure set the perfect stage for a heavily anticipated substitution. Entering the game around the 61st minute, Ronaldo immediately began searching for his moment of magic. In the 83rd minute, he collected a precise low cross from Ayman Yahya and executed a sharp turn inside the box. He then sealed the comprehensive victory with a composed, left-footed finish that rattled the back of the net. 23…⏳️I'm already there… pic.twitter.com/rSOYeChzr8— The Nassr Tribune™️ (@AlNassrTribune) August 21, 2026 Chasing historic milestone At an age where most professional athletes step away, Ronaldo is steadily marching toward the unprecedented 1,000-goal mark. He has previously hinted that this could be his final season, openly expressing his profound desire to leave “a spectacular legacy.” With this resounding win, Al-Nassr leaps above rival Al-Hilal on goal difference to claim the top spot. WHAT A FINISH FROM RONALDO 🐐🟡 pic.twitter.com/WjMYKRkTsK— All About SPL 🔔 🇸🇦 (@Saudifutbol) August 21, 2026 The crushing defeat leaves Al-Riyadh sitting at the very bottom of the table following their second consecutive loss. Meanwhile, the integration of global stars alongside local talent makes Al-Nassr look incredibly formidable right out of the gate. For Ronaldo, returning from the sidelines with a goal and a massive victory is the ultimate statement of intent.
Coming out to of the 3-0 FA Community Shield defeat that Manchester City suffered against Arsenal last Sunday, there were two major injury concerns to arise. Jeremy Doku and Matheus Nunes both sustain...
After the final whistle, Ronaldo appeared to have little need for a lengthy explanation about how much the return meant to him. Cristiano Ronaldo made his long-awaited return for Al-Nassr on Friday night, and the timing could hardly have been better. The 41-year-old came off the bench during a 4-0 Saudi Pro League victory over Al-Riyadh and immediately added another memorable moment to a career already filled with historic achievements. Ronaldo had been absent from Al-Nassr’s opening matches of the campaign, leaving plenty of anticipation around his eventual comeback. When the moment finally arrived, he needed only 21 minutes on the pitch to score his first goal of the 2026-27 season and take his career tally to 977. Ronaldo began the match on the bench as new head coach Ange Postecoglou opted to manage his minutes following his extended break. He entered in the 62nd minute with his side already leading 3-0, and the stadium erupted as the Portuguese superstar returned to competitive action. Abdulelah Al-Amri, Angelo, and Joao Felix had already put the Knight of Najd firmly in control before Ronaldo was introduced. The captain’s armband was handed to him, and the forward quickly settled into the contest as Al-Nassr continued to dominate. Abdullah Al-Hamdan and Cristiano Ronaldo of team Al Nassr FC Ronaldo had already gone close before finally finding the net in the 83rd minute. Ayman Yahya burst forward on the right and sent a low ball across the area, allowing the 41-year-old veteran to take a touch before calmly finishing with his left foot to complete the 4-0 victory. The goal was Ronaldo’s 977th career strike and his 130th for Al-Nassr in all competitions since joining the club in December 2022. Long-awaited comeback after 2026 World Cup Ronaldo’s absence at the beginning of the season came after Portugal’s run at the 2026 World Cup and his recent wedding. His extended break meant he missed Al-Nassr’s 3-0 league victory over Al-Fateh and the club’s 4-1 King’s Cup win over Al-Diriyah. The decision to ease him back into action therefore came as little surprise. Postecoglou waited until Al-Nassr had established a commanding advantage before turning to his captain, giving Ronaldo enough time to make an impact without immediately placing a full-match workload on him. The approach worked perfectly. Ronaldo entered with Al-Nassr three goals ahead and left having scored the fourth, providing the ideal return for both the player and his new coach. The goal against Al-Riyadh also carried a significance that went beyond his comeback. It extended Ronaldo’s extraordinary scoring run to 25 consecutive professional seasons, making him the first soccer player in history to achieve the feat. The message Ronaldo chose after his return After the final whistle, Ronaldo appeared to have little need for a lengthy explanation about how much the return meant to him. Instead, he shared a photograph of himself smiling alongside his Al-Nassr teammates and accompanied it with three simple words: “Good to be back.” View this post on Instagram The short message perfectly captured the mood surrounding his comeback. After weeks away from the pitch, the five-time Ballon d’Or winner was back in the Al-Nassr shirt, wearing the captain’s armband and scoring within minutes of his return. The photograph showed the Portuguese surrounded by teammates in Al-Nassr’s yellow shirts, visibly enjoying the moment. For a player who has spent much of his career turning milestones into routine, the simple celebration offered a glimpse of how significant this particular return was.
The Portuguese forward needed only 20 minutes to find the net, but the significance of the goal went far beyond the scoreline. Cristiano Ronaldo has opened the new campaign with another milestone that adds to an already extraordinary career, scoring in Al-Nassr’s convincing 4-0 victory over Al-Riyadh on Friday. The Portuguese forward needed only 20 minutes to find the net, but the significance of the goal went far beyond the scoreline. At 41, Ronaldo continues to produce numbers that would be remarkable for a player in his prime. His latest strike moved his career tally to 977 goals and added another extraordinary chapter to a run that began more than two decades ago. The superstar veteran made his first competitive appearance of the 2026-27 season against Al-Riyadh and quickly reminded everyone why he remains one of soccer’s most prolific scorers. Coming off the bench, the Portuguese needed just 20 minutes to get on the scoresheet as Al-Nassr secured its second consecutive Saudi Pro League victory. The goal came during a dominant performance from Ange Postecoglou‘s players, who eventually completed a 4-0 victory. For Ronaldo, however, the personal significance of the strike was arguably even greater than the result, as it continued a scoring run that has stretched across an astonishing portion of his career. WHAT A FINISH FROM RONALDO 🐐🟡 pic.twitter.com/WjMYKRkTsK— All About SPL 🔔 🇸🇦 (@Saudifutbol) August 21, 2026 L’Équipe highlighted that Ronaldo had scored for the 25th consecutive season, while ESPN also confirmed that the 2026-27 campaign represents his 25th professional season since his breakthrough at Sporting CP. L’Équipe also reported that the goal was Ronaldo’s 977th career strike. The historic record finally revealed That latest goal means Ronaldo has become the first player in history to score in 25 consecutive seasons. His remarkable streak began during the 2002-03 season with Sporting CP, when he scored his first professional goals, and it has continued through every chapter of his career. The achievement moves Ronaldo beyond another legendary goalscorer, Zlatan Ibrahimovic. The Swedish legend had previously held the record after scoring in 24 consecutive seasons, from 1999-2000 through 2022-23. AC Milan Senior Advisor Zlatan Ibrahimovic looks on before the Serie A match. Ronaldo’s sequence has survived several major changes in his career, from Sporting CP to Manchester United, Real Madrid and Juventus before his move to Al-Nassr. The fact that the streak has remained intact across different leagues, clubs and generations is what makes the milestone particularly remarkable. His first professional goal came for Sporting CP on October 7, 2002, and more than 24 years later, he is still adding to the sequence. AS recalled how that first strike helped begin what would eventually become one of the most decorated and prolific careers soccer has ever seen. Another milestone as Ronaldo chases 1,000 goals The timing of the record is also significant because Ronaldo is approaching another potentially historic landmark. His goal against Al-Riyadh took his career total to 977, leaving him only 23 goals short of 1,000. Cristiano Ronaldo of team Al Nassr FC celebrates scoring Ronaldo has previously suggested that the 2026-27 season could be his final campaign, meaning the pursuit of four figures has taken on even greater importance. The Portuguese captain has repeatedly spoken about his desire to reach the milestone, and every goal now brings him closer.
Sports Mole rounds up all of the latest transfer news and rumours today, as Aston Villa suffer a setback in their search for Ezri Konsa's replacement while Joao Palhinha agrees a £12m return to Portugal.
After a strong start without its captain, the club now heads into Friday’s Riyadh derby with a major question hanging over the team, and the answer could shape the way Ange Postecoglou approaches the contest. Cristiano Ronaldo will once again have to wait for his first competitive appearance of the 2026-27 Saudi Pro League season, with Al-Nassr facing Al-Riyadh in a Riyadh derby on Matchday 2. The Portugal captain had been expected to make his long-awaited return, but the latest team news has provided a different answer. The decision is especially significant because Ronaldo has already missed Al-Nassr‘s opening league match and the club’s King’s Cup victory. His continued absence has therefore become one of the biggest talking points surrounding Al-Nassr at the beginning of the new campaign, particularly after the club enjoyed an impressive start without its captain. Al-Nassr has still given supporters plenty of reasons for optimism. The club opened the Saudi Pro League season with a 3-0 victory over Al-Fateh before following it with a 4-1 win over Al-Diriyah in the King’s Cup, giving Ange Postecoglou a perfect competitive start. The biggest development ahead of the Riyadh derby is that Ronaldo has been named among the substitutes rather than in Al-Nassr’s starting XI. That means the 41-year-old remains available to Postecoglou, but the manager has opted against throwing him straight into the starting lineup. The work is done. Tomorrow, we play 💛 pic.twitter.com/Gn2fb4HtDV— AlNassr FC (@AlNassrFC_EN) August 20, 2026 The decision will inevitably raise questions about when the Portugal international will finally make his first competitive start of the season. For now, though, Al-Nassr appear to be taking a cautious approach rather than rushing their biggest attacking star back into action. The reason behind Ronaldo’s absence The explanation for Ronaldo’s continued absence goes back to the unusual circumstances surrounding his preseason preparation. The veteran forward returned from his post-World Cup break later than many of his teammates, while his wedding celebrations also contributed to the limited amount of preparation time available to him. More recently, reports indicated that Ronaldo had been dealing with discomfort involving a pelvic muscle issue. That problem reportedly resulted in the striker training separately from his teammates while Al-Nassr’s medical staff monitored his condition. Cristiano Ronaldo of Al Nassr lifts the Saudi Pro League Trophy That context helps explain why Postecoglou has resisted immediately putting Ronaldo into the starting lineup. With a long season ahead, Al-Nassr have little reason to take unnecessary risks with a player they will need for the biggest domestic and continental matches. Ronaldo had already missed the 3-0 league victory against Al-Fateh, while he was also absent from the 4-1 King’s Cup win over Al-Diriyah. His return to the matchday squad against Al-Riyadh therefore represents progress, even if he has not yet been trusted from the opening whistle. Al-Nassr have coped impressively without its captain Ronaldo’s absence would normally represent a major attacking setback for any team, but Al-Nassr have managed to produce convincing results without him. The club has scored seven goals across its first two competitive matches, conceding only one in the process. Postecoglou has also benefited from the attacking quality around Ronaldo. Joao Felix, Angelo and Sadio Mane provide the team with different ways of creating chances, while the summer additions have helped ensure that the attack does not depend entirely on the Portuguese striker. Cristiano Ronaldo of Al-Nassr celebrates with teammates Joao Felix and Kingsley Coman after scoring. That could make Ronaldo’s eventual return even more interesting. Rather than having to immediately carry the attack, he should be joining a team that has already developed some rhythm and confidence under its new manager. Al-Riyadh vs Al-Nassr: Confirm
After Jose Mourinho, Bernardo Silva, and Ibrahima Konate, today Real Madrid held the official presentation for summer signing Denzel Dumfries.The 30-year-old right-back has been presented as a new Rea...
Two upcoming opponents have received important news that could strengthen their squads at exactly the wrong time for the Riyadh giants, adding another layer of intrigue to the early weeks of the title race. Al-Nassr has made a strong start to the new Saudi Pro League campaign, but the road ahead for Cristiano Ronaldo has suddenly become more complicated. Two upcoming opponents have received important news that could strengthen their squads at exactly the wrong time for the Riyadh giants, adding another layer of intrigue to the early weeks of the title race. The developments come as the Saudi Pro League continues to tighten its financial controls while clubs attempt to complete their summer recruitment. For Ronaldo and Al-Nassr, the timing is particularly significant with Al-Riyadh waiting on Friday and Al-Ettifaq scheduled to face the defending champions next week. The first major development concerns Al-Riyadh, which has received approval to register Ivorian midfielder Kader Keita. The defensive midfielder is set to take the place of Senegalese striker Mamadou Sylla in the club’s registered squad after the necessary financial approval was granted. According to Al-Riyadh newspaper, the league has given the green light for Keita’s registration, allowing the midfielder to become available for selection. Keita, who was born in November 2000 and has a French-Ivorian background, arrives after a spell with Romanian club Rapid București. His arrival gives Al-Riyadh another physical and defensive option in midfield ahead of its meeting with Al-Nassr. 🚨🚨🚨🚨🚨🚨🚨🚨🚨🚨🚨🚨🚨عاااااااااااااااااااااااااااجل — الرياضية:تلقت إدارة نادي #الرياض موافقة الرابطة على تسجيل لاعب الوسط "قادر كيتا" بدلًا من المهاجم السنغالي "مامادو سيلا"!!✅🔴⚫️ pic.twitter.com/FlRpuFBNew— الرياض نيوز | Riyadh NEWS (@RFC_NEWS1) August 21, 2026 The timing could hardly be more interesting. Al-Riyadh suffered a 4-2 defeat to Al-Ettifaq in its opening league match, but it responded by beating Al-Zulfi 2-0 in the King’s Cup, meaning the club will enter Friday’s clash with renewed confidence. Al-Ettifaq also gets green light for Larsson The second boost involves Al-Ettifaq and Swedish forward Jordan Larsson, whose move to the club had been held up by financial restrictions. The club has now received approval from the Financial Control Committee to proceed with the signing from Copenhagen. Larsson had reportedly agreed to join Al-Ettifaq in a deal worth around $1.5 million, with the proposed contract running until June 2029. The 28-year-old had already completed his medical and arrived in Saudi Arabia earlier this month, leaving the registration process as the major obstacle. The approval means Al-Ettifaq can now move closer to having another attacking option available. That could prove especially important ahead of its meeting with Al-Nassr on August 25, just four days after Ronaldo’s side faces Al-Riyadh. Why the registrations were delayed The two developments are linked to the Saudi Pro League’s increasingly strict financial regulations. The Financial Control Committee has introduced spending controls that limit first-team expenditure to 75% of a club’s revenue, with the remaining funds directed toward areas such as youth development and infrastructure. Those restrictions have already created complications for several clubs attempting to complete their transfer business. Al-Ettifaq’s inability to finalize Larsson’s registration is one example, while Al-Riyadh also needed approval before officially adding Keïta to its squad. Ronaldo’s Al-Nassr faces tougher challenges For Al-Nassr, the news represents a double headache at the beginning of a campaign in which the club is expected to challenge for every major domestic trophy. Ange Postecoglou’s side began the league season impressively with a 3-0 victory over Al-Fateh and subsequently defeated Al-Diriyah 4-1 in the King’s Cup. Cristiano Ronaldo of team Al-Nassr FC competes for the ball with Ahmed Al-Julaydan of team Al-Ittihad FC Ron
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⚽ Live updates on the 12.30pm (BST) kick-off at the MKM Stadium⚽ Live scores | Sign up for Football Daily | Mail TimHull, naturally, are in orange too, with black stripes. United are in ivory as Bruno Fernandes gathers them for a pep talk.The teams come out, and so do the fireworks. The MKM Stadium is a happy swirl of orange smoke. Continue reading...
Michael Carrick believes skipper Bruno Fernandes will continue to have a major impact for Manchester United. Galatasaray were ready to lodge a €50m (£42.8m) offer for Fernandes and pay him €21m (£18m)-a-year net, to try and entice him to Turkey. United officials have made it clear they would reject any bid for the 31-year-old, even though they told Fernandes it was his decision whether he accepted a higher offer from Saudi Pro-League side Al Hilal in the summer of 2025.
The 41-year-old superstar marked his season debut with a mysterious, late strike that secured a 4-0 victory over Al-Riyadh. This triumphant performance proves that Al-Nassr remains a dominant force in domestic competition. The legendary Cristiano Ronaldo has officially scored his 977th career goal to put Al-Nassr at the Saudi Pro League top. The 41-year-old superstar marked his season debut with a mysterious, late strike that secured a 4-0 victory over Al-Riyadh. This triumphant performance proves that Al-Nassr remains a dominant force in domestic competition. The defending champion, Al-Nassr, controlled the match from the very beginning under the guidance of manager Ange Postecoglou. Abdulelah Al-Amri opened the scoring in the 18th minute with a commanding header from a corner. Just before halftime, Brazilian midfielder Angelo doubled the lead to firmly establish control at the Prince Faisal bin Fahd Stadium. Shortly after the break, Portuguese star Joao Felix made it three by firing a low shot past goalkeeper Milan Borjan. According to Sofascore, Al-Nassr completely dictated the tempo against an overwhelmed opponent. This sustained pressure set the perfect stage for a heavily anticipated substitution. Entering the game around the 61st minute, Ronaldo immediately began searching for his moment of magic. In the 83rd minute, he collected a precise low cross from Ayman Yahya and executed a sharp turn inside the box. He then sealed the comprehensive victory with a composed, left-footed finish that rattled the back of the net. 23…⏳️I'm already there… pic.twitter.com/rSOYeChzr8— The Nassr Tribune™️ (@AlNassrTribune) August 21, 2026 Chasing historic milestone At an age where most professional athletes step away, Ronaldo is steadily marching toward the unprecedented 1,000-goal mark. He has previously hinted that this could be his final season, openly expressing his profound desire to leave “a spectacular legacy.” With this resounding win, Al-Nassr leaps above rival Al-Hilal on goal difference to claim the top spot. WHAT A FINISH FROM RONALDO 🐐🟡 pic.twitter.com/WjMYKRkTsK— All About SPL 🔔 🇸🇦 (@Saudifutbol) August 21, 2026 The crushing defeat leaves Al-Riyadh sitting at the very bottom of the table following their second consecutive loss. Meanwhile, the integration of global stars alongside local talent makes Al-Nassr look incredibly formidable right out of the gate. For Ronaldo, returning from the sidelines with a goal and a massive victory is the ultimate statement of intent.
Coming out to of the 3-0 FA Community Shield defeat that Manchester City suffered against Arsenal last Sunday, there were two major injury concerns to arise. Jeremy Doku and Matheus Nunes both sustain...
After the final whistle, Ronaldo appeared to have little need for a lengthy explanation about how much the return meant to him. Cristiano Ronaldo made his long-awaited return for Al-Nassr on Friday night, and the timing could hardly have been better. The 41-year-old came off the bench during a 4-0 Saudi Pro League victory over Al-Riyadh and immediately added another memorable moment to a career already filled with historic achievements. Ronaldo had been absent from Al-Nassr’s opening matches of the campaign, leaving plenty of anticipation around his eventual comeback. When the moment finally arrived, he needed only 21 minutes on the pitch to score his first goal of the 2026-27 season and take his career tally to 977. Ronaldo began the match on the bench as new head coach Ange Postecoglou opted to manage his minutes following his extended break. He entered in the 62nd minute with his side already leading 3-0, and the stadium erupted as the Portuguese superstar returned to competitive action. Abdulelah Al-Amri, Angelo, and Joao Felix had already put the Knight of Najd firmly in control before Ronaldo was introduced. The captain’s armband was handed to him, and the forward quickly settled into the contest as Al-Nassr continued to dominate. Abdullah Al-Hamdan and Cristiano Ronaldo of team Al Nassr FC Ronaldo had already gone close before finally finding the net in the 83rd minute. Ayman Yahya burst forward on the right and sent a low ball across the area, allowing the 41-year-old veteran to take a touch before calmly finishing with his left foot to complete the 4-0 victory. The goal was Ronaldo’s 977th career strike and his 130th for Al-Nassr in all competitions since joining the club in December 2022. Long-awaited comeback after 2026 World Cup Ronaldo’s absence at the beginning of the season came after Portugal’s run at the 2026 World Cup and his recent wedding. His extended break meant he missed Al-Nassr’s 3-0 league victory over Al-Fateh and the club’s 4-1 King’s Cup win over Al-Diriyah. The decision to ease him back into action therefore came as little surprise. Postecoglou waited until Al-Nassr had established a commanding advantage before turning to his captain, giving Ronaldo enough time to make an impact without immediately placing a full-match workload on him. The approach worked perfectly. Ronaldo entered with Al-Nassr three goals ahead and left having scored the fourth, providing the ideal return for both the player and his new coach. The goal against Al-Riyadh also carried a significance that went beyond his comeback. It extended Ronaldo’s extraordinary scoring run to 25 consecutive professional seasons, making him the first soccer player in history to achieve the feat. The message Ronaldo chose after his return After the final whistle, Ronaldo appeared to have little need for a lengthy explanation about how much the return meant to him. Instead, he shared a photograph of himself smiling alongside his Al-Nassr teammates and accompanied it with three simple words: “Good to be back.” View this post on Instagram The short message perfectly captured the mood surrounding his comeback. After weeks away from the pitch, the five-time Ballon d’Or winner was back in the Al-Nassr shirt, wearing the captain’s armband and scoring within minutes of his return. The photograph showed the Portuguese surrounded by teammates in Al-Nassr’s yellow shirts, visibly enjoying the moment. For a player who has spent much of his career turning milestones into routine, the simple celebration offered a glimpse of how significant this particular return was.
The Portuguese forward needed only 20 minutes to find the net, but the significance of the goal went far beyond the scoreline. Cristiano Ronaldo has opened the new campaign with another milestone that adds to an already extraordinary career, scoring in Al-Nassr’s convincing 4-0 victory over Al-Riyadh on Friday. The Portuguese forward needed only 20 minutes to find the net, but the significance of the goal went far beyond the scoreline. At 41, Ronaldo continues to produce numbers that would be remarkable for a player in his prime. His latest strike moved his career tally to 977 goals and added another extraordinary chapter to a run that began more than two decades ago. The superstar veteran made his first competitive appearance of the 2026-27 season against Al-Riyadh and quickly reminded everyone why he remains one of soccer’s most prolific scorers. Coming off the bench, the Portuguese needed just 20 minutes to get on the scoresheet as Al-Nassr secured its second consecutive Saudi Pro League victory. The goal came during a dominant performance from Ange Postecoglou‘s players, who eventually completed a 4-0 victory. For Ronaldo, however, the personal significance of the strike was arguably even greater than the result, as it continued a scoring run that has stretched across an astonishing portion of his career. WHAT A FINISH FROM RONALDO 🐐🟡 pic.twitter.com/WjMYKRkTsK— All About SPL 🔔 🇸🇦 (@Saudifutbol) August 21, 2026 L’Équipe highlighted that Ronaldo had scored for the 25th consecutive season, while ESPN also confirmed that the 2026-27 campaign represents his 25th professional season since his breakthrough at Sporting CP. L’Équipe also reported that the goal was Ronaldo’s 977th career strike. The historic record finally revealed That latest goal means Ronaldo has become the first player in history to score in 25 consecutive seasons. His remarkable streak began during the 2002-03 season with Sporting CP, when he scored his first professional goals, and it has continued through every chapter of his career. The achievement moves Ronaldo beyond another legendary goalscorer, Zlatan Ibrahimovic. The Swedish legend had previously held the record after scoring in 24 consecutive seasons, from 1999-2000 through 2022-23. AC Milan Senior Advisor Zlatan Ibrahimovic looks on before the Serie A match. Ronaldo’s sequence has survived several major changes in his career, from Sporting CP to Manchester United, Real Madrid and Juventus before his move to Al-Nassr. The fact that the streak has remained intact across different leagues, clubs and generations is what makes the milestone particularly remarkable. His first professional goal came for Sporting CP on October 7, 2002, and more than 24 years later, he is still adding to the sequence. AS recalled how that first strike helped begin what would eventually become one of the most decorated and prolific careers soccer has ever seen. Another milestone as Ronaldo chases 1,000 goals The timing of the record is also significant because Ronaldo is approaching another potentially historic landmark. His goal against Al-Riyadh took his career total to 977, leaving him only 23 goals short of 1,000. Cristiano Ronaldo of team Al Nassr FC celebrates scoring Ronaldo has previously suggested that the 2026-27 season could be his final campaign, meaning the pursuit of four figures has taken on even greater importance. The Portuguese captain has repeatedly spoken about his desire to reach the milestone, and every goal now brings him closer.
Sports Mole rounds up all of the latest transfer news and rumours today, as Aston Villa suffer a setback in their search for Ezri Konsa's replacement while Joao Palhinha agrees a £12m return to Portugal.
After a strong start without its captain, the club now heads into Friday’s Riyadh derby with a major question hanging over the team, and the answer could shape the way Ange Postecoglou approaches the contest. Cristiano Ronaldo will once again have to wait for his first competitive appearance of the 2026-27 Saudi Pro League season, with Al-Nassr facing Al-Riyadh in a Riyadh derby on Matchday 2. The Portugal captain had been expected to make his long-awaited return, but the latest team news has provided a different answer. The decision is especially significant because Ronaldo has already missed Al-Nassr‘s opening league match and the club’s King’s Cup victory. His continued absence has therefore become one of the biggest talking points surrounding Al-Nassr at the beginning of the new campaign, particularly after the club enjoyed an impressive start without its captain. Al-Nassr has still given supporters plenty of reasons for optimism. The club opened the Saudi Pro League season with a 3-0 victory over Al-Fateh before following it with a 4-1 win over Al-Diriyah in the King’s Cup, giving Ange Postecoglou a perfect competitive start. The biggest development ahead of the Riyadh derby is that Ronaldo has been named among the substitutes rather than in Al-Nassr’s starting XI. That means the 41-year-old remains available to Postecoglou, but the manager has opted against throwing him straight into the starting lineup. The work is done. Tomorrow, we play 💛 pic.twitter.com/Gn2fb4HtDV— AlNassr FC (@AlNassrFC_EN) August 20, 2026 The decision will inevitably raise questions about when the Portugal international will finally make his first competitive start of the season. For now, though, Al-Nassr appear to be taking a cautious approach rather than rushing their biggest attacking star back into action. The reason behind Ronaldo’s absence The explanation for Ronaldo’s continued absence goes back to the unusual circumstances surrounding his preseason preparation. The veteran forward returned from his post-World Cup break later than many of his teammates, while his wedding celebrations also contributed to the limited amount of preparation time available to him. More recently, reports indicated that Ronaldo had been dealing with discomfort involving a pelvic muscle issue. That problem reportedly resulted in the striker training separately from his teammates while Al-Nassr’s medical staff monitored his condition. Cristiano Ronaldo of Al Nassr lifts the Saudi Pro League Trophy That context helps explain why Postecoglou has resisted immediately putting Ronaldo into the starting lineup. With a long season ahead, Al-Nassr have little reason to take unnecessary risks with a player they will need for the biggest domestic and continental matches. Ronaldo had already missed the 3-0 league victory against Al-Fateh, while he was also absent from the 4-1 King’s Cup win over Al-Diriyah. His return to the matchday squad against Al-Riyadh therefore represents progress, even if he has not yet been trusted from the opening whistle. Al-Nassr have coped impressively without its captain Ronaldo’s absence would normally represent a major attacking setback for any team, but Al-Nassr have managed to produce convincing results without him. The club has scored seven goals across its first two competitive matches, conceding only one in the process. Postecoglou has also benefited from the attacking quality around Ronaldo. Joao Felix, Angelo and Sadio Mane provide the team with different ways of creating chances, while the summer additions have helped ensure that the attack does not depend entirely on the Portuguese striker. Cristiano Ronaldo of Al-Nassr celebrates with teammates Joao Felix and Kingsley Coman after scoring. That could make Ronaldo’s eventual return even more interesting. Rather than having to immediately carry the attack, he should be joining a team that has already developed some rhythm and confidence under its new manager. Al-Riyadh vs Al-Nassr: Confirm
After Jose Mourinho, Bernardo Silva, and Ibrahima Konate, today Real Madrid held the official presentation for summer signing Denzel Dumfries.The 30-year-old right-back has been presented as a new Rea...
Two upcoming opponents have received important news that could strengthen their squads at exactly the wrong time for the Riyadh giants, adding another layer of intrigue to the early weeks of the title race. Al-Nassr has made a strong start to the new Saudi Pro League campaign, but the road ahead for Cristiano Ronaldo has suddenly become more complicated. Two upcoming opponents have received important news that could strengthen their squads at exactly the wrong time for the Riyadh giants, adding another layer of intrigue to the early weeks of the title race. The developments come as the Saudi Pro League continues to tighten its financial controls while clubs attempt to complete their summer recruitment. For Ronaldo and Al-Nassr, the timing is particularly significant with Al-Riyadh waiting on Friday and Al-Ettifaq scheduled to face the defending champions next week. The first major development concerns Al-Riyadh, which has received approval to register Ivorian midfielder Kader Keita. The defensive midfielder is set to take the place of Senegalese striker Mamadou Sylla in the club’s registered squad after the necessary financial approval was granted. According to Al-Riyadh newspaper, the league has given the green light for Keita’s registration, allowing the midfielder to become available for selection. Keita, who was born in November 2000 and has a French-Ivorian background, arrives after a spell with Romanian club Rapid București. His arrival gives Al-Riyadh another physical and defensive option in midfield ahead of its meeting with Al-Nassr. 🚨🚨🚨🚨🚨🚨🚨🚨🚨🚨🚨🚨🚨عاااااااااااااااااااااااااااجل — الرياضية:تلقت إدارة نادي #الرياض موافقة الرابطة على تسجيل لاعب الوسط "قادر كيتا" بدلًا من المهاجم السنغالي "مامادو سيلا"!!✅🔴⚫️ pic.twitter.com/FlRpuFBNew— الرياض نيوز | Riyadh NEWS (@RFC_NEWS1) August 21, 2026 The timing could hardly be more interesting. Al-Riyadh suffered a 4-2 defeat to Al-Ettifaq in its opening league match, but it responded by beating Al-Zulfi 2-0 in the King’s Cup, meaning the club will enter Friday’s clash with renewed confidence. Al-Ettifaq also gets green light for Larsson The second boost involves Al-Ettifaq and Swedish forward Jordan Larsson, whose move to the club had been held up by financial restrictions. The club has now received approval from the Financial Control Committee to proceed with the signing from Copenhagen. Larsson had reportedly agreed to join Al-Ettifaq in a deal worth around $1.5 million, with the proposed contract running until June 2029. The 28-year-old had already completed his medical and arrived in Saudi Arabia earlier this month, leaving the registration process as the major obstacle. The approval means Al-Ettifaq can now move closer to having another attacking option available. That could prove especially important ahead of its meeting with Al-Nassr on August 25, just four days after Ronaldo’s side faces Al-Riyadh. Why the registrations were delayed The two developments are linked to the Saudi Pro League’s increasingly strict financial regulations. The Financial Control Committee has introduced spending controls that limit first-team expenditure to 75% of a club’s revenue, with the remaining funds directed toward areas such as youth development and infrastructure. Those restrictions have already created complications for several clubs attempting to complete their transfer business. Al-Ettifaq’s inability to finalize Larsson’s registration is one example, while Al-Riyadh also needed approval before officially adding Keïta to its squad. Ronaldo’s Al-Nassr faces tougher challenges For Al-Nassr, the news represents a double headache at the beginning of a campaign in which the club is expected to challenge for every major domestic trophy. Ange Postecoglou’s side began the league season impressively with a 3-0 victory over Al-Fateh and subsequently defeated Al-Diriyah 4-1 in the King’s Cup. Cristiano Ronaldo of team Al-Nassr FC competes for the ball with Ahmed Al-Julaydan of team Al-Ittihad FC Ron
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