At 40 years old, Cristiano Ronaldo didn’t just score a goal—he rewrote the script of what’s possible in modern football. On November 23, 2025, at Al-Aal Park in Riyadh, Ronaldo launched himself into the air, twisted his body against gravity, and smashed a bicycle kick past Al-Khaleej’s goalkeeper to cap off a 4-1 win for Al-Nassr FC. It wasn’t just another goal. It was his 200th in official club competitions since turning pro in 2002—and the kind of moment that stops the world for a few seconds. The win extended Al-Nassr’s perfect start to the 2025-2026 Saudi Pro League to nine victories from nine matches, a new league record. They’ve scored 30 goals and conceded just four. No team has ever done this before.
A Perfect Start, Made History
Al-Nassr’s unbeaten run isn’t just impressive—it’s unprecedented. Before this season, the benchmark was eight straight wins, set by Al-Hilal SFC in 2023-2024. This year, under manager Jorge Jesus, Al-Nassr didn’t just match it—they shattered it. With 27 points from nine games, they lead the 18-team league by four clear points. Their 88% pass accuracy (612 completed passes) dwarfs opponents’ averages. And while the league’s defensive stats are strong overall, Al-Nassr’s backline—guided by Saudi goalkeeper Nawaf Al-Aqidi—has held firm even under pressure.
The Goals That Built the Win
The match didn’t start with fireworks. In the fourth minute, Ronaldo’s long-range effort was turned away by Anthony Moris, Al-Khaleej’s 32-year-old Belgian keeper. Six minutes later, another chance—this time a header from Mané’s cross—was again denied. But the dam broke in the 28th minute. João Félix, the 25-year-old Chelsea loanee, curled a left-footed shot into the top corner. It was his tenth goal of the season, tying Ronaldo at the top of Al-Nassr’s scoring charts.
Al-Khaleej responded in the 46th minute. Murad Al Hawsawi, a midfielder known more for work rate than finishing, pounced on a defensive lapse to slot home and make it 1-1. For a moment, the underdogs smelled an upset. But Al-Nassr didn’t panic. They controlled the tempo. Possession? 63%. Shots on target? 11 to 3. And then, in the 79th minute, Sadio Mané did what he does best: turned a defender inside out, lifted the ball over the keeper, and watched it drop into the net. The crowd roared. The lead was back to two.
Then came the moment.
The Kick That Broke the Internet
With 87 minutes on the clock, Al-Nassr launched a counterattack. A long ball from midfield, a flick-on by Félix, and Ronaldo—alone in the box, with his back to goal—saw the ball bounce toward him. He didn’t hesitate. He jumped. He twisted. He struck. The ball curved like a comet, kissing the crossbar before nestling into the net. The stadium fell silent for a half-second. Then erupted. Commentators called it “defying physics.” Social media exploded. The Saudi Pro League’s YouTube channel, which uploaded the highlight at 00:09:22 UTC that night, labeled it “an insane bicycle kick by a 40-year-old.”
It wasn’t just a highlight reel moment. It was a statement. Ronaldo has now scored 10 goals in all competitions this season. He’s 40. He’s not slowing down. He’s redefining the ceiling.
What This Means for the League
Al-Nassr’s dominance has changed the tone of the Saudi Pro League. Once seen as a retirement league for aging stars, it’s now a high-stakes, high-quality competition. With the top four teams qualifying for the AFC Champions League Elite, Al-Nassr’s form makes them serious contenders. And with Ronaldo, Mané, and Félix all firing, they’ve got firepower no other team can match.
Al-Khaleej, meanwhile, remains in sixth place. Their only away win this season came against a weaker side. Against Al-Nassr’s defensive discipline, they were outclassed. Their goalkeeper Moris was brilliant, but even heroes need support. They’ll need to regroup during the league’s two-week break before Matchday 11 returns on December 7, 2025.
What’s Next?
Al-Nassr’s next test? A home clash against Al-Hilal on December 14—a rematch of last season’s title decider. If they win, they’ll extend their streak to 10. No team in Saudi Pro League history has ever started a season with 10 wins. Ronaldo’s next goal? It might be the one that breaks that record.
For now, the football world is still replaying that bicycle kick. Because at 40, Ronaldo doesn’t just play the game—he reimagines it.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does Ronaldo’s 200th club goal compare to other legends?
Ronaldo’s 200th official club goal places him among the most prolific scorers in history. Only Lionel Messi (over 700 club goals) and Josef Bican (estimated 800+ in unofficial records) have reached higher totals. Among active players, no one else has hit 200 since the 2000s. His consistency—averaging nearly 0.6 goals per game over 23 professional seasons—is unmatched in modern football.
Why is Al-Nassr’s nine-win start such a big deal?
No team in the 49-year history of the Saudi Pro League had ever won its first nine matches. Al-Hilal’s eight-win start in 2023-2024 was the previous record. Al-Nassr’s 30 goals scored and only four conceded show not just offensive power but defensive maturity. It’s a complete team performance, not just a Ronaldo showcase.
What impact does this have on the Saudi Pro League’s global reputation?
Ronaldo’s goal went viral in over 180 countries within hours. The Saudi Pro League’s YouTube channel gained 12 million views in 48 hours. Broadcast deals with ESPN, beIN Sports, and DAZN have surged. This isn’t just about stars—it’s about quality. Fans are now tuning in not just to see Ronaldo, but to see elite football played at a high standard, with tactical depth and athleticism.
Could Al-Nassr win the league undefeated?
It’s unlikely but not impossible. Al-Nassr has 25 games left. Their next toughest tests include Al-Hilal (twice), Al-Ittihad, and Al-Ahli. While their defense is solid, fatigue and injuries could creep in. Still, with Ronaldo, Mané, and Félix all in form, and Jorge Jesus’s tactical discipline, they’re the only team with the depth and mentality to go unbeaten through the entire 34-game season.
What’s the significance of João Félix and Sadio Mané’s contributions?
Ronaldo isn’t carrying the team alone. Félix, with 10 goals, is the creative engine, often dropping deep to link play. Mané, at 33, has rediscovered his peak form with three goals in his last four games. Their presence forces defenses to spread thin, creating space for Ronaldo. This trio—aging but elite—has transformed Al-Nassr from a star-studded side into a true title contender.
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