Cristiano Ronaldo scored a 15-minute hat-trick in Al Nassr’s 5-3 Saudi Pro League win over Al Kholood, bringing his career goals total to 985, according to espn.com.sg. The Portuguese forward now needs just 15 more goals to reach 1,000, a milestone he is widely expected to achieve. Ronaldo posted on social media: “Great win, great team performance. Happy to help with a hat-trick!”
Cristiano Ronaldo Scores Hat-Trick to Reach 985 Career Goals
Controversial Disallowed Goals Highlight Match
Ronaldo’s night included two disallowed goals, which sparked debate. Despite the controversy, Ronaldo’s three second-half goals secured the win, with the first two coming in the 66th and 72nd minutes before a final strike in the 81st. Refereeing expert Abdullah Al-Qahtani confirmed the decisions, stating the player was offside at the moment the attack was built. The controversy was resolved after a league commission reviewed video footage, officially crediting Ronaldo’s goal against Al-Faisaly, which increased his tally to 982. This correction narrowed the gap to 18 goals before the latest match.
Ronaldo's hat-trick delivers the edge in an entertaining win for Al Nassr 🟡 pic.twitter.com/rDHGoSW0bb
— https://x.com/SPL_EN/status/2115896819473387588
Al Nassr’s Offensive Dominance Outweighs Defensive Struggles
Al Nassr dominated possession (54%) and registered nine shots on target, according to goal.com. While the defense struggled, conceding three goals, the attacking line’s effectiveness was evident. João Félix provided four assists, with his creativity pivotal in setting up Ronaldo’s hat-trick, the report noted. Goalkeeper Bento conceded three goals from five shots on target, while defender Mohamed Simakan, rated 6/10, occasionally left gaps behind him. Félix, rated 9/10, provided assists for Gabriel’s opener and Mane’s goal, and his influence was key to Ronaldo’s first two goals. Ronaldo, rated 10/10, scored in the 66th, 72nd, and 81st minutes, showcasing his finishing ability.
Ronaldo’s Historic Goal-Scoring Edge Over Messi
Ronaldo’s 985 goals place him 49 ahead of Lionel Messi’s 936, solidifying his status as the all-time top scorer. His 67 career hat-tricks across clubs and country include seven for Al Nassr since joining in 2023, espn.com.sg stated. His performance against Al Kholood marked his seventh career hat-trick for Al Nassr, with the team now second in the league on 28 points, level with Al-Qadsiah.
🏅✨ Cristiano Ronaldo, Man of the Match for Al Nassr-Al Kholood after scoring a perfect hat-trick. pic.twitter.com/vJGPR2st9s
— https://x.com/FabrizioRomano/status/2115904424149156066
Dispute Over Goal Recording Resolved
A separate controversy involving Ronaldo’s goal against Al-Faisaly was resolved after a league commission reviewed video footage. The goal was officially credited to Ronaldo, raising his career tally to 982, Zamin.uz, 29.10.2026 reported. This correction brought him closer to the 1,000-goal mark, requiring just 18 more goals. The dispute arose after FIFA initially recorded the goal as an own goal, but a special commission confirmed the trajectory of the ball and the final strike belonged to Ronaldo. The forward was personally informed of the decision, which restored his statistics to 982 goals.
Al Nassr Remains Second in Saudi Pro League
Al Nassr remains second in the Saudi Pro League with 28 points, level with Al-Qadsiah. The team’s 5-3 win over Al Kholood highlighted their offensive firepower, despite defensive vulnerabilities. Al-Nassr faces continued pressure in the title race, with Al-Hilal leading the league with 27 points. Al Nassr’s performance against Al Kholood, which included Ronaldo’s hat-trick and Félix’s four assists, proves they are a top contender.
Why Were Ronaldo’s Goals Disallowed?
Why were Ronaldo’s goals disallowed?
Two of Ronaldo’s goals were ruled offside by referees, with semi-automated technology confirming the decisions. Referee Khalid Al-Turais disallowed the first goal in the 11th minute, and the second in stoppage time, following reviews by the league commission.
How close is Ronaldo to 1,000 career goals?
Ronaldo needs 15 more goals to reach 1,000, according to espn.com.sg. A recent correction of a disputed goal increased his tally to 982, narrowing the gap to 18 goals. The dispute involved a goal against Al-Faisaly, which was officially credited to Ronaldo after a commission review.
⚽️ || GOOOOOAAAAL! 🤩🤩🤩🤩🤩🐐Cristiano Ronaldo scores the hattrick 81’ for @AlNassrFC #Nassr 5:2 #AlKholood pic.twitter.com/C78BTZvjUK
— https://x.com/AlNassrFC_EN/status/2115893577792524543
What impact has Ronaldo had on Al Nassr’s performance?
His hat-trick against Al Kholood highlighted his enduring influence, with the team now second in the league, goal.com noted. Al Nassr’s offensive output, led by Ronaldo and João Félix, has been pivotal, with Félix providing four assists in the match. The team’s 54% possession and nine shots on target underscore their attacking strength.
More on Al Nassr
⚽️ || GOOOOOAAAAL! 🤩🤩🤩🐐Cristiano Ronaldo scores the third goal 66’ for @AlNassrFC #Nassr 3:2 #AlKholood pic.twitter.com/cymNq7U4Ud
— https://x.com/AlNassrFC_EN/status/2115891010232603047
RONALDO SCORES A BRACE IN UNDER 10 MINUTES 🤯He is so close to 1,000 😳 pic.twitter.com/Ippl46Hoay
— https://x.com/ESPNFC/status/2115890664353177653
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