Saudi Pro League Credits Cristiano Ronaldo for Al-Nassr Goal After Own-Goal Debate
The Saudi Roshn League has confirmed that Cristiano Ronaldo scored Al-Nassr’s second goal in their 3-1 victory over Al-Faisaly, ending online speculation that the effort should have been recorded as an own goal. The ruling preserves a milestone moment for the Al-Nassr captain, whose career tally now stands at 982 goals—just 18 away from the historic 1,000 mark.
Al-Nassr secured the win on Friday at Al-Majma’ah Sports City Stadium in the 11th round of the Roshn League. Ronaldo struck in the 49th minute, meeting a free-kick delivered by fellow Portuguese international João Félix and directing the ball into the net with a header.
Why Ronaldo’s goal was questioned
Although Ronaldo celebrated the goal, replays and social media discussion prompted a different interpretation. Some viewers argued that an Al-Faisaly defender made the final touch and inadvertently sent the ball past his own goalkeeper. If officials had accepted that reading, the goal would have been credited as an own goal rather than added to Ronaldo’s personal record.
The debate illustrates how difficult it can be to judge a crowded set-piece from a single camera angle. A defender may appear to touch the ball, but that does not automatically make the goal an own goal. The direction and nature of the attacker’s effort, the defender’s movement, and the referee’s assessment can all be relevant when deciding who should receive credit.
League decision follows the referee’s report
According to the Saudi newspaper Arriyadiyah, the Roshn League Association credited the goal to Ronaldo in accordance with the official match report filed by referee Abdullah Al-Owaidan. The report identified the Al-Nassr forward as the scorer, and the league’s records were updated on that basis.
A source cited by the newspaper said the league relies primarily on the referee’s report when determining goal scorers. That approach means the official classification is not necessarily changed simply because a clip or a statistical service presents a different interpretation. The referee’s report provides the starting point for the league’s official record.
If a club or another party believes that a report contains an error, the matter can be referred for review. The referees’ committee then considers whether a correction is warranted and has the final say. In this case, no change was made, leaving Ronaldo officially credited with the goal.
A significant step toward Ronaldo’s 1,000-goal target
The decision has particular importance because Ronaldo’s goal count remains one of the most closely followed individual records in football. The Al-Faisaly strike was reported as the 982nd goal of his senior career, bringing him within 18 goals of reaching 1,000—a landmark no player has officially achieved in the sport’s history.
Ronaldo’s total reflects goals scored across a long career with clubs and national teams, including spells at Sporting CP, Manchester United, Real Madrid, Juventus and Al-Nassr, as well as Portugal. The precise count can attract debate because records may differ according to the competitions included and the way particular goals are classified. Official league decisions therefore matter not only for match statistics but also for the broader historical record.
At 41, Ronaldo continues to draw attention through his scoring output and his pursuit of milestones. Each goal is measured against the larger story of his career, making even a brief dispute over attribution more consequential than it might be for a less prominent player. The league’s confirmation ensures that this particular strike remains part of his official tally.
What the result means for Al-Nassr
Beyond the individual record, the 3-1 result gave Al-Nassr an important victory in the Saudi Pro League campaign. Ronaldo’s second-half header helped his side extend its advantage during a match in which the captain again played a decisive role. Félix’s delivery also highlighted the value of the connection between the two Portuguese teammates, whose understanding can provide Al-Nassr with a dangerous option from set pieces.
For Al-Faisaly, the goal will be remembered as a key moment in a difficult result, but the official ruling leaves little room for further uncertainty in the league’s records. Supporters can still debate what they see in the footage, yet the competition’s official scorer designation is clear.
Prediction: Ronaldo’s record chase remains in focus
Looking ahead, Ronaldo’s pursuit of 1,000 career goals is likely to remain a major talking point whenever Al-Nassr takes the field. A prediction about when he might reach the milestone depends on his playing time, fitness, scoring form and the number of matches remaining across club and international football. Reaching the target is not guaranteed, but his current proximity ensures that every appearance will attract close attention.
For now, the Roshn League’s decision settles the immediate question: Ronaldo, not an Al-Faisaly defender, receives credit for the 49th-minute header. The goal delivered a valuable contribution to Al-Nassr’s win and moved the Portuguese star one step closer to a record that would mark an extraordinary achievement in football.
