Cristiano Ronaldo turned 40 on February 5, 2025, yet he showed few signs of slowing down as he marked the occasion with a stunning performance, leading Al-Nassr to victory over Al-Wasl with a commanding 4-0 win during the AFC Champions League Elite.
The Portuguese superstar, who joined Al-Nassr in December 2022, continues to dominate the scoresheet, having racked up 22 goals across 25 games this season. Against Al-Wasl, Ronaldo showcased his prowess yet again, scoring two goals—one from the penalty spot and another with his signature towering header.
“The best birthday gift for Ronaldo is to achieve victory against Al-Wasl,” said Al-Nassr coach Stefano Pioli before the matchup. Ronaldo did not disappoint, kicking off the festivities with remarkable flair. His first goal doubled the team’s advantage just before halftime after Sadio Mane’s header was handled by Al-Wasl’s defender, earning Ronaldo the chance to convert from the spot.
The match began at full pace, with Al-Nassr quickly taking control. The home side's momentum was fueled by Ali Alhassan, who broke the deadlock with a remarkable long-range strike from 25 yards out. The team’s determination continued to pay off as they entered the locker room with momentum and confidence bolstered by Ronaldo's goal.
After the break, Al-Wasl attempted to regroup and push for their own goal. Still, the veteran forward had other plans, finding the back of the net once more with another signature header at the 78th minute, following Mane’s perfect cross.
Ronaldo's celebration featured hints of joy and surprise as he introduced new elements to his iconic goal celebrations. Known for his famous “Siuuu” celebration, Ronaldo reveled in this moment on the pitch, embodying the spirit of resilience and passion even at 40 years of age. Mohammed Al Fatil sealed the match with another goal for Al-Nassr at the 88th minute, bringing the final score to 4-0, marking another milestone moment for the team.
While individual accolades crisscrossed the sporting world, Ronaldo achieved another impressive stat as his goal tally reached 923 worldwide across club and international matches. His relentless knack for scoring means he remains firmly on course to achieve his personal target of 1,000 career goals.
The Al-Nassr squad looks to capitalize on this victory to strengthen their Asian title ambitions following the recent signing of Jhon Duran from Aston Villa, who made his debut shortly before the match. “Duran is in good shape,” Pioli confirmed, hinting at the team's readiness as they focus on upcoming challenges. Al-Nassr currently sits third behind competitive rivals; Al-Hilal, who has four continental titles, and Al-Ahli, showcasing top-tier talent.
The Asian Football Confederation Champions League is heating up, with Al-Nassr’s performance against Al-Wasl providing the boost needed as the knockout stages approach. The atmosphere was electric, exemplifying not just the spirit of competition but also the camaraderie among teammates rallying behind their captain on this special day.
Ronaldo's commitment to excellence continues to inspire fans globally, drawing excitement around the potential for him to feature prominently at the FIFA World Cup 2026, where his world-class skill may thrive once again. The football community eagerly anticipates the upcoming chapters of his illustrious career, especially as fervent supporters wonder just how much longer this living legend can perform at such astounding heights.
With the clock ticking to their next match, Al-Nassr's ambitions seem brighter than ever, fueled not just by the memory of Ronaldo's birthday but also by the collective drive to uplift the club on both local and international fronts.