WATCH: Ronaldo celebrates 500 goals after 30 in Saudi Arabia
Cristiano Ronaldo becomes the first player to score 500 goals after turning 30 as Al Nassr return to the top of the Saudi Pro League.
DUBAI – Cristiano Ronaldo turned Saturday night in Riyadh into a moment of football history.
The 41-year-old scored twice in Al Nassr’s 4-0 win over Al Hazem to become the first player ever to reach 500 career goals after turning 30.
Ronaldo entered the match on 499 post-30 goals and reached the landmark in the 13th minute with a composed finish from a Kingsley Coman assist. He added another in the 79th minute to take his tally to 501 since his 30th birthday. He has now scored more goals after 30 than before it, having netted 463 in his younger years.
His overall official career total now stands at 964 goals, leaving him 36 short of the 1,000 mark.
The victory lifted Al Nassr back to the top of the Saudi Pro League with 55 points after 23 matches. Al Hilal are one point behind, while Al Ahli remain two points off the lead in a tightly contested title race.
At full time, Ronaldo celebrated wearing a traditional bisht in honour of Saudi Arabia’s Founding Day. Speaking afterwards, he reaffirmed his commitment to the Kingdom, saying he is happy and wants to continue his journey in Saudi Arabia as the title battle intensifies.