Cristiano Ronaldo Honors Saudi Arabia with Scarf After 981st Career Goal in AFC Champions League Victory

Cristiano Ronaldo Shows Loyalty to Saudi Arabia After Scoring 981st Goal

In a heartfelt moment, Cristiano Ronaldo celebrated his 981st career goal by draping himself in a Saudi Arabian scarf following Al-Nassr's 3-1 win against Neftchi Fergana in the AFC Champions League Elite. The match took place in Riyadh on Monday night, where the 41-year-old striker’s emotional tribute stood out amid heightened security concerns that caused a one-hour delay before kickoff.

Tribute to Host Nation Amid Tension

Ronaldo kissed the club crest on his shirt before leading the fans in a Viking clap after the game, marking a memorable evening. The scoring opened with Angelo Gabriel, followed by an own goal from the Uzbek team that secured the win for Al-Nassr. His public displays of affection carried extra significance given recent missile strikes in Riyadh, offering a rare moment of solidarity during a tense time.

Social Media Reflects Ronaldo's Commitment

Al-Nassr quickly shared Ronaldo’s gesture online, echoing a statement he made when renewing his contract through 2027. The Portuguese forward told the club’s media team, "I am Portuguese, but I belong to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia." The club’s English-language account posted an image of Ronaldo wrapped in the national colors, captioning it: "A piece of Saudi, carried close to the heart."

Security Alert Overshadows Match

The game unfolded under uneasy circumstances after missile strikes targeted Riyadh’s international airport earlier that day. Despite the unsettling situation and delayed start, Al-Nassr remained focused and earned three vital points in continental competition. This victory also offered Ronaldo some positive focus amid uncertainty about his international career following recent tensions with Portugal’s manager Jorge Jesus.

Al-Nassr Eyes Domestic Success After Continental Win

The win moves Al-Nassr up to eighth place in Group B, with three points from two games. Now, Ronaldo and the team must turn their attention back to the Saudi Pro League ahead of a key match against Al-Ahli on Thursday. Keeping Ronaldo in form is crucial, especially as he stands just 19 goals short of reaching the 1,000-career-goal milestone.

• Upcoming Matches:
• Saudi Pro League: Al-Ahli vs. Al-Nassr on 15 Oct 2026 at 21:00
• Uzbek League: Kokand 1912 vs. Neftchi Fergana on 16 Oct 2026 at 17:00