Cristiano Ronaldo nets his 899th career goal and his 64th from a free-kick – just a week after he was mocked for blasting set-piece over – to move him just one behind David Beckham in the all-time standings
- Cristiano Ronaldo scored a free kick as Al-Nassr beat Al Feiha on Tuesday
- The 39-year-old has scored in both of the Saudi Pro League team’s games this season
- LISTEN NOW: It’s all about to begin!available wherever you get your podcasts. New episodes every Monday and Thursday
Cristiano Ronaldo scored the 899th goal of his career in Al-Nassr’s win over Al Feiha on Tuesday.
After Talisca put the visitors ahead at the King Abdullah Sport City Stadium, Ronaldo had the chance to double the lead after a foul on the edge of the penalty area.
The 39-year-old player preferred placement over power and curled his shot past the wall and into the top corner, to the left of the keeper.
The goal marked Ronaldo’s 64th free-kick goal, placing him just one goal behind fellow Premier League leader David Beckham, who has scored all the free-kick goals in his career.
The goal came less than two weeks after Ronaldo was mocked on social media after he fired a foul ball over the bar in the semi-final of the Saudi Super Cup.
Cristiano Ronaldo continued his storming start to the season with Al-Nassr’s victory over Al Feiha
The 39-year-old’s free kick in the first half marked the 899th goal of his illustrious career
Before going on strike, he confidently said to himself in Portuguese: “I am the best.”
His subsequent attempt, however, left much to be desired. He shot high over the gold and did not even get a reaction from the keeper.
Although the Portuguese forward’s free-kick record is level with the very best footballers, he still has some work to do if he wants to set the all-time record before hanging up his boots.
Juninho Pernambucano is fondly remembered for his eight-year spell at Lyon, and is currently the most prolific player in football history from a set piece.
The former Brazilian international scored a total of 198 goals in his career, with an impressive 77 of them coming from free kicks.
Ronaldo’s old rival Lionel Messi tops the list of active players, with 65 goals from free kicks in his illustrious career.
Marcelo Brozovic scored Al-Nassr’s third goal before Talisca added their second of the game in injury time to complete the victory.
Ronaldo has now scored in both of Al-Nassr’s Saudi Pro League games this season.
Ronaldo now trails David Beckham and Lionel Messi by one goal in the all-time best free kicks list
Speaking about his future plans, he revealed that he may stay at the club for the rest of his career: ‘I don’t know if I will retire soon, in two or three years… but I will probably do it here at Al Nassr.’
“I am very happy in this club, I feel good in this country too. I am happy to play in Saudi Arabia and I want to continue,” he added.