Five-time Ballon d'Or winner Cristiano Ronaldo called his first goal of 2025 “the best way to end the year” after Al Nassr beat Saudi Pro League strugglers Al Aqdud at home.
The visitors took the lead at Riyadh's Al-Awwal Park through winger Savior Godwin in both teams' first game since the winter break in Saudi Arabia. Ronaldo scored the penalty. Sadio Mane's double.
“I'm very happy to start the new year with a win and a goal,” Ronaldo told his millions of followers on social media, who responded with photos of himself during the event. They won 3-1.. “Let's go. What a great way to start the new year.”
#1️⃣ in 2️⃣0️⃣2️⃣5️⃣ for CR7️⃣ ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️#RoshnSaudiLeague pic.twitter.com/IKA1v0ZY4B
— Roshn Saudi League (@SPL_EN) January 9 2025
Al-Nassr vs Al-Akhdoud: Ronaldo returns in 2025.
Al-Nassr's first 28 minutes of the restart were forgettable as the relegation-threatened rivals used poor defending to take the lead on six minutes.
The video assistant referee called for an equalizer in the 16th minute, but he converted from close range in the 29th minute with his first goal in eight appearances for Senegal and his country.
Portugal captain Paulo Vitor was quickly denied a second by Ronaldo after a foul on Mane 3 minutes before half-time, but the game was clear at the start.
Former Bayern Munich and Liverpool striker Mane expertly headed home Al-Ghannam's cross from the right to seal the winner two minutes from time in the second half, forcing the bottom teams to equalise.
First SIUUU of 2025 🐐#RoshnSaudiLeague pic.twitter.com/JKWcQvXJMM
— Roshn Saudi League (@SPL_EN) January 9 2025
Ronaldo 2024/25 stats
Al-Nassr captain Ronaldo has nine goals and one assist in his last six club appearances in all competitions and internationals.
The 39-year-old has 11 goals in the 2024/25 Saudi Pro League, one behind Al-Hilal's rival top scorer Aleksandar Mitrovic.
#1️⃣ in 2️⃣0️⃣2️⃣5️⃣ for CR7️⃣ ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️#RoshnSaudiLeague pic.twitter.com/IKA1v0ZY4B
— Roshn Saudi League (@SPL_EN) January 9 2025
The result ended Al-Nassr's two-match unbeaten run in all competitions and moved them into third place, eight points behind leaders Al-Ittihad, six behind Al-Hilal, both of whom still have a game to play.
Al-Hilal away to 13th-placed Al-Orobah and Al-Ittihad, with second-bottom Al-Feiha visiting on Saturday. Al-Nassr have little chance of finishing in the top two this week – but they can't afford to drop again. Points if they have any chance of a late surge for the title.
Al-Nassr will next play at Al-Taawoun on January 17 (5pm GMT) where they will continue their ninth game after five wins and five losses in their first 13 league matches.