Cristiano Ronaldo hit another incredible milestone in his legendary career as he scored his 100th Saudi Pro League (SPL) goal in Al-Nassr’s 4-2 win over Al-Shabab on Thursday. The 41-year-old striker finished clinically from close range after linking up with a cross from Sadio Mane in the 75th minute.
The goal not only helped Al-Nassr to an important victory, but also marked the 971st goal of Ronaldo’s extraordinary career, and his 26th league strike of the current campaign. The victory left Al-Nassr five points clear at the top of the Saudi Pro League table with only a handful of games left. But title rivals Al-Hilal have games in hand and a potentially decisive Riyadh derby to come next week.
Cristiano Ronaldo Scores 100 League Goals In 3 Countries
Cristiano Ronaldo’s latest feat adds to yet another incredible milestone for him when it comes to scoring. He is now the first player in football history to score 100 league goals in three different league competitions. He had already reached the century mark in La Liga with Real Madrid (311 goals) and the Premier League with Manchester United (103 goals) before hitting the milestone in Saudi Arabia.
This “one of a kind” hat-trick of centuries in different countries is a testament to Ronaldo’s unprecedented adaptability and longevity. He was approaching a fourth century in his time at Juventus but finished his Serie A career just short with 81.
Lionel Messi Lagging Behind
Once again, comparisons with long-time rival Lionel Messi have reared their head. He scored 474 La Liga goals for Barcelona and has 58 MLS goals for Inter Miami, meaning he is still short of a second 100-goal league milestone. While the rate at which Messi scores in the USA remains impressive, he has yet to equal or better Ronaldo’s feat of having conquered three different top-flight domestic leagues.
Ronaldo’s incredible numbers since joining Saudi Arabia in December 2022 have not yet yielded a major trophy, with the five-time Ballon d’Or winner still looking for his first with Al-Nassr. With the Riyadh derby on the horizon, the stage is set for Ronaldo to turn his personal records into collective glory. For now, the world celebrates a record that not even Messi can claim — 100 goals in three distinct nations.
