Ronaldo closes in on 1,000th goal with hat-trick

Cristiano Ronaldo scored a hat-trick in Al-Nassr's 5-3 victory over Al-Kholood in the Saudi Pro League, bringing his career total to 985 goals. The Portugal striker netted three goals within 15 seconds of each other, turning the game around from a 2-2 stalemate after Angelo Gabriel and Sadio Mane scored for Al-Kholood. Joao Felix, Ronaldo's teammate, provided four assists, contributing to two of the Portuguese superstar's goals.

This marks Ronaldo's 67th hat-trick in his 41-year career, as he pursues yet another milestone in an illustrious record. Of his hat-tricks, seven came while playing for Al-Nassr, 44 for Real Madrid, 10 for Portugal, and three each for Manchester United and Juventus. The five-time Ballon d'Or winner has claimed league titles in England, Spain, Italy, and Saudi Arabia, and is the top goalscorer in men's international football history.

Ronaldo has spent nearly four years at Al-Nassr, with one year left on his contract. In August, he hinted at retiring after this season, but Al-Nassr remains the defending champions in the Saudi Pro League, currently sitting in second place, just one game up on leaders Al-Qadsiah.