Cristiano Ronaldo scores career goal No. 979 as Al-Nassr beat Abha 2-1
Ronaldo headed in the opener in the 22nd minute and Abdulla Al‑Ghamdi added a second before Nabil Fekir reduced the deficit late.
Cristiano Ronaldo played a decisive role as Al-Nassr defeated visitors Abha 2-1 in the sixth round of the Saudi Pro League on September 9, 2026. The result also pushed Ronaldo's professional goal tally to 979.
Ronaldo opened the scoring in the 22nd minute with a header from a corner delivered by Angelo Gabriel, steering the ball in off the right post.
Match progression
Despite controlling large portions of the first half, Al-Nassr could not extend their lead before the break; the 41-year-old striker failed to add a second goal in the early stages.
The hosts finally doubled their advantage in the 58th minute when Abdulla Al-Ghamdi made it 2-0, after which coach Ange Postecoglou's side eased their pressure on the game.
Abha made the closing stages tense when Nabil Fekir pulled a goal back about a quarter of an hour from full time, but the visitors could not find an equalizer and the match ended 2-1.
Ronaldo's 22nd-minute strike will be recorded as his 979th career goal, a milestone that gave Al-Nassr the three points in the Saudi top flight.
Photo: press material from the event
