Cristiano Ronaldo reacts on social media after starring for Al-Nassr in 3-1 win over Al-Akhdoud
Cristiano Ronaldo shared a post on social media after scoring his first goal of the year in Al-Nassr's Saudi Pro League clash against Al-Akhdoud. The match ended in a 3-1 win for the Knights of Najd on Thursday (January 9) at Al-Awwal Park.
Saviour Godwin netted Al-Akhdoud's first and only goal of the match in the sixth minute. Al-Nassr's equalizer came with Sadio Mané's right-footed shot from close range in the 29th minute. The Senegalese left-winger also won a penalty for the hosts after Damion Lowe committed a foul on him. Cristiano Ronaldo successfully converted the spot kick in the 42nd minute to put his side ahead.
Mané took the score to three for the Knights of Najd with a header after being assisted by Sultan Al-Ghannam with a cross in the 88th minute.
Along with scoring a goal against Al-Akhdoud, Ronaldo had 40 touches and two shots on target while recording one key pass. After scoring his 917th career goal in Al-Nassr's first victory in 2025, the Portuguese icon shared pictures from the clash on his official social media account and wrote:
"Best way to start the year."
With his goal against Al-Akhdoud, Cristiano Ronaldo has now registered 17 goals and three assists in 20 appearances across competitions for the Knights of Najd this season. Since his arrival at the Saudi club in 2023, the five-time Ballon d'Or winner has recorded 75 goals and 18 assists in 84 matches across competitions for Al-Nassr.
Al-Nassr boss on Cristiano Ronaldo's teammate amid exit rumors
Al-Nassr head coach Stefano Pioli weighed in on Talisca's absence during their Saudi Pro League clash against Al-Akhdoud, amid exit rumors. According to multiple reports, the Knights of Najd are looking to part ways with the Brazilian star, who has been heavily linked with a move to Fenerbahçe.
Talisca arrived at the Saudi club from Chinese outfit Guangzhou FC in 2021 for a reported transfer fee of €8 million. With his contract expiring in the summer of 2026, Cristiano Ronaldo's side are reportedly keen on selling the 30-year-old this year rather than letting him go for free in the next. The midfielder has registered eight goals in 19 appearances across competitions this season.
While speaking in the post-match press conference, Stefano Pioli was asked about Talisca's absence from the squad against Al-Akhdoud amid uncertainties about his future at Al-Nassr. To this, the Italian manager replied (via @TheNassrZone on X):
"Today, I only called up the players who are ready to participate in the match. We cannot talk about Talisca because we are still in the transfer period."
“I am very happy with the team I have, and we are ready for the second stage of the league and are prepared with this team to compete for the Asian Elite Championship. I am not authorized to talk about deals, and we are not currently thinking of bringing in a local player,” Pioli added.
Overall in his ongoing four-season tenure, Talisca has recorded 76 goals and 10 assists in 104 appearances across competitions for the Knights of Najd.
