Ronaldo scores stunner, misses pen in Al Nassr win
Cristiano Ronaldo played a pivotal role in Al Nassr’s commanding 5-1 victory over Al Fateh in the Saudi Pro League on October 18, 2025, despite missing a penalty earlier in the match. The 40-year-old striker redeemed the miss with a spectacular long-range goal, helping maintain his club’s unbeaten start to the season.
Ronaldo’s penalty attempt was saved by Al Fateh goalkeeper Ameen Al-Bukhari midway through the second half, failing to capitalize on an early handball call in Al Nassr’s favor. Undeterred, Ronaldo quickly made amends with a powerful strike from the right edge of the penalty box, rocketing the ball past the goalkeeper and sparking celebrations that earned him a yellow card for removing his shirt. This goal was part of an emphatic team performance, with João Félix scoring a second-half hat-trick and Kingsley Coman adding a fourth for Al Nassr.
The addition of Ronaldo earlier this season has significantly bolstered Al Nassr’s attacking options. His capacity for precision finishing, combined with his experience and tactical intelligence, aligns well with manager Jorge Jesus’s offensive setup, which emphasizes fluid attacking play and high pressing. Félix’s prolific performance, combined with Ronaldo’s technical prowess and composure, showcases Al Nassr’s depth in forward positions.
This victory underlines Al Nassr’s intention to dominate the Saudi Pro League this season, remaining at the summit with a perfect record after five matches. Ronaldo’s influence extends beyond his scoring threats, providing a leadership presence crucial to navigating a challenging campaign ahead. As he continues to adapt and deliver in Saudi football, the signing represents a strategic move for Al Nassr, aiming to meld veteran experience with youthful exuberance to sustain long-term success.
Ronaldo’s performance in this match is a reminder of his enduring quality at the highest level, indicating his commitment to maintaining elite standards well into the latter stages of his career. For Al Nassr, this blend of seasoned excellence and emerging talent marks a clear statement of intent to contend vigorously domestically and beyond.