Ronaldo hits 15-minute hat-trick for Al Nassr, moves 15 shy of 1,000 goals

Riyadh — Cristiano Ronaldo marked his 41st birthday with a remarkable second-half hat-trick as Al Nassr emerged victorious in a tense 5-3 encounter against Al Kholood in the Saudi Pro League on Thursday, Oct. 29. The Portuguese star scored three times within 15 minutes to turn an exciting match into a decisive home win, bringing his career goal tally to 985 and bringing him within 15 goals of the remarkable 1,000-goal milestone.

Al Kholood took the lead in the 16th minute through Julien Domingues, but Al Nassr equalized in the 24th minute via Ângelo. Sadio Mané put the hosts ahead in the 38th minute, another product of João Félix's playmaking. However, Al Kholood fought back to level the score at 2-2 in stoppage time just before halftime. In the second half, Ronaldo broke the deadlock in the 66th minute, followed by another goal six minutes later, extending Al Nassr's advantage.

He sealed his hat-trick in the 81st minute, capitalizing on a move set up by Mané to put Al Nassr firmly in control at 5-2. Domingues added a late consolation for Al Kholood in the 94th minute, but the victory strengthened Al Nassr's title challenge and extended their winning streak, while Al Kholood were left searching for a response after another tough defeat.