(Video) ‘Superman’ Cristiano Ronaldo, at 39, leaps in air to score a screamer against Al-Raed

Cristiano Ronaldo scored a stunning header during Al-Nassr's Saudi Pro League opener, but they were held to a 1-1 draw by Al-Raed.

(Video) ‘Superman’ Cristiano Ronaldo, at 39, leaps in air to score a screamer against Al-Raed

Al-Nassr star Cristiano Ronaldo scored a brilliant header, against Al-Raed. (via X)

Al-Nassr star Cristiano Ronaldo scored a superb header by leaping high into the air, as the club got their new Saudi Pro League campaign underway. However, despite the goal, Al-Nassr had to settle for a 1-1 draw against Al-Raed.

Cristiano Ronaldo-led Al-Nassr hosted Buraidah city side Al-Raed, in the opening game of the 2024-25 season. They stepped into the match, aiming to win the Saudi PL title after a disappointing second-placed finish last season. Moreover, it also came just days after Al-Nassr suffered a 4-1 defeat to Al-Hilal in the Saudi Super Cup final, extending Ronaldo’s wait for his first major title in the Middle East.

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The Portuguese star, who will turn 40 next year, once again displayed his incredible athleticism with a powerful header. In the 34th minute, Ronaldo outjumped the defenders to head the ball into the net from six yards out, thanks to a Sadio Mane assist. Although he had another goal disallowed for offside, the five-time Ballon d’Or winner reached the 50-goal milestone in the Saudi PL. He also edged closer to the 900-career goal mark.

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Al-Raed, however, scored the equalizer from the penalty spot, owing to an error by defender Aymeric Laporte. Meanwhile, Ronaldo’s stunning goal brought back memories of his past strikes for Madrid, Juventus, and Manchester United.

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Al-Nassr fans boycott Saudi Pro League opener despite Cristiano Ronaldo’s presence

Al Nassr’s season opener against Al-Raed drew only about 8,000 fans, with much of the stadium left empty. Although Cristiano Ronaldo’s presence usually draws crowds, the Portuguese star couldn’t fill the 25,000-seat Al-Awwal Park.

Cristiano Ronaldo Al-Nassr attendance
Al-Nassr fans decided to boycott the match against Al-Raed, despite Cristiano Ronaldo’s presence. (via X)

Many Al-Nassr supporters chose to boycott the match in protest against the club’s internal issues and recent loss in the Saudi Super Cup. Additionally, frustration over last season’s failure to win the league title and the lack of a major trophy since 2020, fueled the fan unrest.

Meanwhile, issues in the front office have worsened with the recent resignation of club president Ibrahim Al-Muhaidib. Fans, however, remain supportive of Ronaldo, who has been the club’s leading scorer for the past two seasons.

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