Cristiano Ronaldo returns to club football and scores his 980th career goal as Al-Nassr beat Diriyah 3-0 in the Saudi Pro League on Friday. Ronaldo opens the scoring early in the first half, finishing from close range after a rebound involving Kingsley Coman’s effort, as Samu Costa and Coman also add goals to complete the win.
The match comes after a controversial international break with Portugal. Multiple reports say Ronaldo left Portugal’s national team camp amid a dispute with head coach Jorge Jesus over playing time and his role in Nations League matches, including a reported decision not to start a game against Denmark after he warmed up against Norway. Ronaldo’s departure is framed as involving broken assurances from the coach, though he also apologises to teammates and supporters for leaving camp and says he remains available for national duty if required.
With the focus shifting back to the Saudi league, Al-Nassr’s victory places them in contention at the top, with at least one report noting they move level on points with leaders Al-Qadsiah.