Cristiano Ronaldo scored his 979th career goal as Al Nassr defeated Abha 2-1 in the Saudi Pro League on Wednesday.
The Portuguese forward helped his side recover from their recent defeat to Al-Ittihad at Al-Awwal Park in Riyadh.
The result gave Al Nassr a strong response after suffering their first defeat of the season four days earlier.
Ronaldo Opens Scoring for Al Nassr
Ronaldo broke the deadlock in the 22nd minute with a powerful header.
The 41-year-old rose above his marker inside the box to meet Ângelo’s corner. He directed a firm downward header beyond Abha goalkeeper Donovan Léon and into the far corner.
The goal marked Ronaldo’s third league goal of the 2026-27 season. It also became his 132nd goal since he joined Al Nassr.
More importantly, the strike moved his official career tally to 979 goals.
That leaves Ronaldo just 21 goals away from reaching the remarkable 1,000-goal milestone.
No player has reached 1,000 competitive senior career goals in football history.
Al Nassr Double Their Advantage
Al Nassr continued to control proceedings after Ronaldo’s opener.
The home side enjoyed about 67 per cent possession and created several chances against newly promoted Abha.
Abdullah Al-Hamdan eventually extended their advantage in the 58th minute.
The forward found space inside the box before firing a right-footed effort from the centre of the area.
Al Nassr appeared to be heading towards a comfortable victory before Abha mounted a late challenge.
Abha Threaten Late Comeback
Nabil Fekir pulled one goal back for Abha in the 75th minute.
The French midfielder found the net from a free-kick to give the visitors hope of earning a point.
Al Nassr, however, defended their advantage during the closing stages.
The hosts held on until the final whistle around the 93rd minute to secure all three points.
The victory also strengthens Al Nassr’s position near the top of the Saudi Pro League table.
Ronaldo Closes in on 1,000 Goals
Ronaldo’s pursuit of 1,000 career goals remains one of the biggest individual storylines in world football.
The milestone has gained more attention after the veteran recently suggested that the current campaign could be his final season as a professional.
He still has several opportunities to add to his tally.
Al Nassr will compete in the Saudi Pro League, King’s Cup and AFC Champions League Elite during the campaign.
Ronaldo could also receive further opportunities with Portugal during the UEFA Nations League.
His current scoring form means the 1,000-goal target remains within reach.
Al Nassr Move Second in the Table
The victory takes Al Nassr to 15 points from six league matches.
They have recorded five wins and one defeat, with a goal difference of plus nine.
That record puts them second in the Saudi Pro League standings.
Abha, meanwhile, remain close to the bottom of the table with only one point from six matches.
Ronaldo completed the entire 90 minutes and remained central to Al Nassr’s attacking effort under Ange Postecoglou.
The Portuguese star will now turn his attention to the club’s next league fixture.
Ronaldo’s Next Test
Al Nassr will travel to face Al-Khaleej on September 12.
The club will aim to maintain its challenge near the top of the Saudi Pro League.
Ronaldo will also have another opportunity to reduce the gap to his 1,000-goal target.
The victory against Abha gives Al Nassr momentum after their setback against Al-Ittihad.
Meanwhile, Nigerian football continues to face its own major developments. FIFA and CAF have delayed their decision on the NFF crisis and plan to visit Nigeria.
Beyond football, other major stories are also developing across Nigeria. Oyo State Police recently rescued 17 children and arrested seven people over an alleged child-stealing network.
For now, however, the spotlight remains firmly on Ronaldo as he moves closer to one of football’s most extraordinary career milestones.
