Islamabad, Aug 8, 2025: Cristiano Ronaldo reaffirmed that age is merely a number when he struck an outrageous hat-trick in Al-Nassr vs Rio Ave in a pre-season endeavor. On Thursday night, Estadio Do Algarve belonged to the Portuguese superstar who had just finished high up in goal-scoring charts at the Saudi Pro League in 2024-25 by scoring 25 goals.
The first goal was scored in the 15th minute after Mohamed Simakan put the ball beyond Cezary Miszta off an intelligent headed pass by Joao Felix. Ronaldo notched up his second very soon after, 1 minute before the interval, with an aggressive shot to the near post, after a fine combination with compatriot Felix in the box.
In the 63rd minute, Nelson Abbey gave Al-Nassr an opportunity to score on the spot after being gifted a handball by the handball player of Nelson Abbey. Ronaldo selflessly gave penalty responsibility to Sadio Mane but Miszta denied the Senegalese the responsibility with an easy save. Ronaldo would soon redeem himself 16 seconds later with a thundering header of his second on the night.
Abbey then took our Felix down in the box 5 minutes later and Ronaldo took the penalty this time calmly sending it into the net to equal his hat-trick.
Read more: Ronaldo’s Magic Ignites Al-Nassr Comeback Victory vs Toulouse
His contract just renewed, the 40-year-old captain still topped the table of players in terms of shots (six) and shots on target (five) with an xG of 1.34 to total 2.9 of the team. New signing Joao Felix was also good, making three chances, completing 25 final-third passes and entering 12 duels.
Following this dominant display against Al-Nassr vs Rio Ave, the Saudi powerhouse will be delighted to have its dangerman back and able to do his stuff before the new season.
