Football

Cristiano Ronaldo, the legendary Portuguese forward, has reignited his free-kick prowess with a stunning goal for Al-Nassr in the Saudi Pro League. The 39-year-old's free-kick against Al-Feiha marked his 899th career goal, bringing him tantalizingly close to the historic 900-mark.Ronaldo's free-kick goal was a testament to his enduring brilliance. After a period of inconsistency from dead-ball situations, the Portuguese maestro showcased his trademark precision and placement. Instead of his usual powerful approach, Ronaldo opted for a more measured technique, beating the goalkeeper with sheer accuracy.The goal was Ronaldo's 64th career free-kick goal, putting him just one behind his arch-rival Lionel Messi in club football. When it comes to international free-kicks, both Messi and Ronaldo have scored 11 goals each.Ronaldo's free-kick goal was also significant in the context of his pursuit of the 1,000-goal milestone. With 899 goals to his name, Ronaldo is just one goal away from becoming the first player in history to reach the coveted landmark.In a recent interview, Ronaldo expressed his determination to reach the 1,000-goal milestone. "It's going to be pretty tough, but it's about seeing how I am mentally, my motivation," he said. "If, physically, my legs treat me as well as I treat them? We'll see, they are small stages. Until I get to 1,000, first I have to get to 900. I think I'll get there."Ronaldo's free-kick goal against Al-Feiha was a timely reminder of his enduring quality. As he approaches the twilight of his career, the Portuguese forward continues to defy expectations and set new records.

Cristiano Ronaldo's arrival in Saudi Arabia has sparked a surge of excitement in the Saudi Pro League, with Al-Nassr aiming to dethrone reigning champions Al-Hilal. Ronaldo, who joined Al-Nassr in December 2022, has yet to lift a domestic trophy with the club.Al-Hilal dominated last season, winning the title with an impressive record of 31 wins and three draws, finishing 14 points clear of Al-Nassr. The Riyadh rivals faced off in the Saudi Super Cup final last weekend, with Al-Hilal emerging victorious 4-1.Despite the setback, Ronaldo remains determined to help Al-Nassr end Al-Hilal's dominance. "New season, same goal," he wrote in a social media post.Al-Hilal defender Kalidou Koulibaly acknowledges the challenge ahead. "This season is going to be very difficult," he said. "Last year, it was a tough championship, but we managed to come out on top. This year, all the teams will be gunning to beat Al Hilal."Last summer, Saudi Arabia witnessed an influx of high-profile players from Europe's top leagues, including Ronaldo. This summer has been quieter, but the transfer window remains open until September 2.For Al-Hilal, the return of Neymar from injury will be a major boost. The Brazilian superstar made only five appearances before sustaining a knee injury in October. "Neymar's return is highly anticipated by our players," said Koulibaly. "He still has this motivation when we see him in training."Al-Nassr has also made significant signings, including Brazilian goalkeeper Bento and Senegalese star Sadio Mane. Other challengers include Al-Ahli, led by Riyad Mahrez, and Al-Ittihad, which has acquired French winger Moussa Diaby.The Saudi Pro League kicks off on Thursday, with all four clubs aiming to improve the average attendance of just over 8,000 per game last season. Al-Hilal also has international ambitions, representing Asia in the FIFA Club World Cup in June.

Cristiano Ronaldo's move to the Saudi Pro League has made him the highest-paid footballer in the world, earning double the salary of Neymar. The Portuguese superstar's astronomical wages have set a new benchmark in the league, which has emerged as a lucrative destination for global stars.Ronaldo's salary dwarfs that of his fellow top earners, Karim Benzema and Neymar. The former Real Madrid captain Benzema earns a significant sum, but it pales in comparison to Ronaldo's earnings. Neymar, despite making only five appearances for Al-Hilal in the 2023-24 season due to injury, still managed to pocket a staggering €20 million per game.The Saudi Pro League's top 10 salaries list reveals a significant disparity between the wages of the global superstars and the rest of the league. Riyad Mahrez, Sadio Mane, Kalidou Koulibaly, Aleksandar Mitrovic, Sergej Milinkovic-Savic, N'Golo Kante, and Aymeric Laporte round out the top 10, but their salaries are considerably lower than the top three earners.The influx of global stars to the Saudi Pro League has raised eyebrows, with reports suggesting that English Premier League stars Casemiro, Ederson, Alisson Becker, and Kevin De Bruyne could also make the switch. This influx of talent has transformed the league into a competitive and exciting destination for football fans.Ronaldo's move to Saudi Arabia has sparked debate about the future of the sport. Some argue that the financial incentives offered by the league could lure top players away from Europe's elite leagues, while others believe that the move could help develop the game in the Middle East.

Cristiano Ronaldo has etched his name into the history books of Saudi Arabian football by becoming the league's all-time top scorer in a single season. The Portuguese superstar capped off his first full campaign with Al Nassr in style, scoring a brace in their 4-2 victory over Al Ittihad on the final matchday.Ronaldo's tally of 35 goals in the Saudi Pro League surpasses the previous record of 34 goals set by former Al Nassr forward Abderrazak Hamdallah in the 2018-19 season. The 39-year-old has been in scintillating form since joining the Saudi Arabian club in January 2023, scoring at an astonishing rate of over a goal per game.Ronaldo's goalscoring exploits have played a pivotal role in Al Nassr's success this season. The club secured the Saudi Super Cup in January and are currently in contention for the league title, sitting just one point behind leaders Al Shabab with one game remaining.The Portuguese forward's arrival in Saudi Arabia has not only boosted the league's profile but has also inspired a new generation of young players. Ronaldo's dedication, professionalism, and unwavering pursuit of excellence have set an example for aspiring footballers across the country.Ronaldo's record-breaking season is a testament to his enduring quality and his ability to adapt to different leagues and challenges. Having previously played for Sporting, Manchester United, Real Madrid, and Juventus, the Portuguese icon has now conquered another league, proving that he remains one of the greatest goalscorers of all time.

Al Hilal Clinches Fourth Saudi Pro League Title in Five Years, Extends Ronaldo's Silverware DroughtSaudi Arabian powerhouse Al Hilal has secured its fourth Saudi Pro League title in the past five years, extending Cristiano Ronaldo's wait for silverware in the lucrative competition. The Riyadh-based club sealed the championship with a resounding 4-1 victory over bottom-placed Al Hazm on Saturday, putting them an unassailable 12 points clear of Ronaldo's Al Nassr with just three matches remaining.Al Hilal's triumph marks a remarkable campaign, as they remain unbeaten in 31 league matches and have amassed a record-breaking 34 consecutive wins in all competitions for a top-flight team. The title victory solidifies Al Hilal's dominance in Saudi football, further cementing their status as the most successful club in the country.The title race had been highly anticipated due to the arrival of global superstar Cristiano Ronaldo to Al Nassr in January 2023. However, Al Hilal's consistent performances and unwavering determination proved too much for Ronaldo and his team.Al Hilal's success is a testament to the club's astute management and the brilliance of their Portuguese manager, Jorge Jesus. The club has assembled a formidable squad, boasting a blend of experienced veterans and promising young talents.The Saudi Pro League has witnessed an influx of high-profile players in recent years, including Neymar, Karim Benzema, Sadio Mane, N'Golo Kante, and Riyad Mahrez. These players have been lured by lucrative contracts offered by the Saudi clubs, which are owned by the Public Investment Fund, the sovereign wealth vehicle driving Saudi Arabia's economic diversification.Despite the star power at Al Nassr, Al Hilal's unwavering focus and collective spirit have propelled them to the title. The club will now look to maintain their dominance and add to their trophy cabinet in the years to come.