Ronaldo scores four to pass 500 league goals
Cristiano Ronaldo scored all of Al Nassr’s goals in a 4-0 rout of Al Wehda in the Saudi league on Thursday as he passed the 500 league goal mark in his club career.
The Portuguese star, who is now 38 years old, has scored 503 goals for five teams in five leagues.
In his early career, he scored three times for Sporting Lisbon, 103 times for Manchester United over two seasons, 311 times for Real Madrid, and 81 times for Juventus.
Following his bitter divorce from United, Ronaldo joined Al Nassr after the World Cup, where he now has five.
He scored with his left foot in the 21st minute of Thursday’s game to surpass 500 goals.
He scored his hat trick from the spot eight minutes into the second half, making it 2-0 with his right foot just before the break.
It was his 61st hat trick in his career.
When he was first to a rebound, just after the hour mark, he scored a fourth.
In a 2-2 home draw against Al Fateh, Ronaldo had made his debut for his new team with a penalty kick in the final minute.
According to people close to Al Nassr, the five-time Ballon d’Or winner, who also holds the all-time record for goals in the Champions League and international matches, is planning a surprise move to Saudi Arabia for more than 400 million euros.
The enormous sum also includes 200 million euros for the promotion of Saudi Arabia’s anticipated joint bid to host the World Cup in 2030.
Ronaldo has emerged as a central figure in the conservative kingdom’s efforts to boost its sporting image, which has led to accusations of “sportswashing,” or attempting to hide its human rights record.
