By Samuel A. August 13, 2023
Football genius and one of the greatest players to ever grace the game, Cristiano Ronaldo, made history on Saturday afternoon, as he led his side, Al Nassr to Arab Cup glory. The veteran scored twice as nine-man Al Nassr fought and earned a 2-1 win over Al Hilal.
Ronaldo’s 145th header, which won the game for Al Nassr, made him surpass late Bayern legend and football icon Gerd Muller’s record for most recorded headed goals in football’s history.
Al Hilal broke the deadlock in the 51st minute of the match, with Michael heading home from Malcom’s cross. However, Ronaldo restored parity about 20 minutes later by converting Sultan Al-Ghannam’s cross from close range.
The match ended 1-1 after 90 minutes, before Ronaldo scored a header in the 98th minute after Seko Fofana’s strike had bounced back off the woodwork.
Summer signings Sadio Mane, Marcelo Brozovic and Alex Telles featured for Al Nassr, while Kalidou Koulibaly, Ruben Neves, Malcolm and Sergej Milinkovic-Savic played for Al Hilal.
The 38 year old former Manchester United player took to X to express excitement at winning the “important trophy for the first time”.
“Extremely proud to helped the team winning this important trophy for the 1st time! Thank you to everyone in the club that was involved in this great achievement and to my family and friends for always being by my side! Fantastic support by our fans! This also belongs to you!” he wrote.
Ronaldo, who arrived in Saudi from Manchester United in 2022, failed to land a trophy last season after Al Nassr finished runners up in the Saudi Pro League, but has now won what he sees to be the “first of many” for the Arab Club.
