Cristiano Ronaldo gave Al Nassr the lead in their Saudi Pro League clash against Damac on Saturday with a free-kick out of the very top draw.
The 38-year-old forward, who has now scored 41 goals in 44 games in 2023, put Luis Castro’s side ahead, just minutes after Talisca’s second-half equaliser.
After standing over a free-kick with his trademark stance, the five-time Ballon d’Or winner curled the ball around the Damac wall to give the home side a deserved 2-1 lead.
Fans inside Al-Awwal Park made some serious noise as Ronaldo celebrated in style. In fact, they revealed a huge tifo in Riyadh that read ‘GOAT’ inside the 25,000 capacity stadium.
Check out Ronaldo’s goal for Al Nassr below.
Former Spurs winger Georges-Kevin N’Koudou opened the scoring for Damac but hosts Al Nassr came out fighting in the second half, with Brazilian forward Talisca netting to make it 1-1.
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Ronaldo then stepped up to score one of his best goals of the season.
So why does he stand over his free-kicks, feet wide apart and slightly positioned to the side? Before the run-up, the former Real Madrid forward lets out a deep sigh before his shoulders go up and down.
Former Manchester United assistant manager Mike Phelan revealed back in 2018 why Ronaldo does his trademark stance before free-kicks.
“People used to put the ball down, walk away, run up and hit it. He brought in a more dynamic showmanship,” explained Phelan.
“He places the ball down, the concentration level is high, he takes his certain amount of steps back so that his standing foot is in the perfect place to hit the ball in the sweet spot.
“When he pulls those shorts up and shows his thighs, he is saying ‘All eyes on me’ and this is going in. He understands the marketing side of it. The way he struts up and places it; the world is watching him.”
In other news, Cristiano Ronaldo has informed Al Nassr and Portugal of his retirement plans, it has been claimed.
According to Spanish publication Cadena COPE Ronaldo has told Al Nassr that he would like to sign a contract extension through to 2027, when he will be in his early 40’s.
That deal would allow him to figure for his country at another World Cup, which will be co-hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico in 2026.
Ronaldo had previously indicated that he would retire from international football after next summer’s European Championship. He has already earned 201 caps for Portugal, claiming 123 goals in that time.
Thoughts on Ronaldo’s free-kick against Damac? Is it one of the best of his career to date? Let us know in the comments.
