Cristiano Ronaldo scored two goals on Al-Nassr’s return to action in the Saudi Pro League, as they beat Al Akhdoud 3-0 to extend their lead at the top to four points
Cristiano Ronaldo has made history again by equalling a long-standing record once solely held by former Arsenal star Ronnie Rooke. Ronaldo, who turns 41 in February, bagged a brace as Al-Nassr went four points clear at the top of the Saudi Pro League on Saturday.
Jorge Jesus’ side beat Al Akhdoud 3-0 at home, with their superstar scoring twice in the first half. Ronaldo broke the deadlock on 31 minutes before notching his second goal in first-half stoppage time.
Not only did the Portugal captain’s double take him closer to reaching the 1,000-goal mark, it put him level with Rooke for the most goals scored after turning 30. Since celebrating his 30th birthday, Ronaldo has racked up 493 goals, the same as Rooke managed with the likes of Arsenal, Fulham and Crystal Palace among others, according to statistics database RSSSF.
The striker is best remembered for his time at Fulham, continuing to play during World War II while simultaneously working in the RAF as a physical training instructor. Rooke scored a stunning 212 goals in 199 wartime appearances for the Cottagers which convinced Arsenal to pay Fulham £1,000 plus two players, Cyril Grant and Dave Nelson, in exchange for his services.
That was despite the 35-year-old having never played in the top flight. Rooke’s 33 goals in the 1947-48 campaign saw him finish as the First Division top scorer and help Arsenal win their sixth English title.
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The wartime England international moved to Palace in 1949 and continued playing for 12 years, turning out for Bedford Town, Haywards Heath Town and Addlestone. Rooke eventually hung up his boots in 1961 aged 50, holding the prestigious record for 64 years.
That was until Saturday. Ronaldo has now scored 956 goals in his remarkable career, with more than half of them coming post-30.
Next year could be a significant one for the five-time Ballon d’Or winner – even by his extraordinary standards. In 2026, Ronaldo has the chance to hit the ton mark, win his first Saudi title and lift the World Cup with Portugal.
Will Cristiano Ronaldo reach 1,000 goals? Give us your prediction in the comments section.
“People, especially my family, say: ‘It’s time for you to stop. You’ve done everything. Why do you want to score a thousand goals?'” Ronaldo told Canal 11.
“But I don’t think so. I think I’m still producing good things, I’m helping my club and the national team, and why not keep going?
“I’m sure that when I finish, I’ll be fulfilled, because I gave it my all. I know I don’t have many more years, but the few I have, I try to enjoy to the fullest.”
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