Ronaldo scores 980th career goal as Al-Nassr thrash Diriyah 3-0

Cristiano Ronaldo, the 41-year-old Portuguese football legend, scored his 980th career goal as Al-Nassr defeated Diriyah 3-0 in the Saudi Pro League on Friday. The goal was Ronaldo's 980th career goal for club and country, bringing him closer to the 1,000-goal milestone. His strike came in the 23rd minute, following a rebound after goalkeeper Waleed Abdullah parried Kingsley Coman's powerful effort.

Ronaldo's goal marked his fourth league goal of the season, according to World Soccer Talk. Al-Nassr extended their lead in the 35th minute when Samú Costa headed home João Félix's corner, giving the hosts a two-goal lead before halftime. Diriyah added a third goal in the 77th minute, but it was too late to overturn the result. The victory came as Ronaldo returned to club action after a turbulent international break with Portugal, where he reportedly left the national team's camp.

Ronaldo later addressed the situation in a statement, reaffirming his commitment to representing Portugal. The result strengthened Al-Nassr's position in the Saudi Pro League title race, which they entered with 16 points from their opening seven matches.