Cristiano Ronaldo made history on Saturday by becoming the first player to score 100 competitive goals for four different clubs, but the personal milestone was bittersweet as Al-Nassr suffered a heartbreaking defeat to Al-Ahli in the Saudi Super Cup final. The match ended 2-2 after normal time, with Al-Ahli clinching the trophy 5-3 in a tense penalty shootout.
The 40-year-old superstar's first-half penalty was his 100th goal for Al-Nassr since joining the club in December 2022. This incredible feat adds to his stunning tallies of 450 goals for Real Madrid, 145 for Manchester United, and 101 for Juventus. The achievement moves him ahead of legends like Romario and Neymar, who had scored a century of goals for three different clubs. Ronaldo also holds the record for the most international goals, with 138 for Portugal.
Al-Nassr took the lead in the 41st minute when Ronaldo converted from the penalty spot. However, Al-Ahli hit back quickly, with Franck Kessie leveling the score just before halftime. The match seemed destined for a winner in the final minutes when Marcelo Brozovic fired Al-Nassr 2-1 ahead. But in a dramatic twist, Brazilian defender Roger Ibanez scored a powerful header from a corner to send the game to a penalty shootout.
In the shootout, Ronaldo coolly dispatched his penalty, but it wasn't enough. Al-Ahli's goalkeeper, Edouard Mendy, emerged as the hero, saving the crucial spot-kick from Al-Nassr's Abdullah Al-Khaibari. The miss proved decisive as Al-Ahli converted all their penalties to lift the first trophy of the Saudi Arabian season. For Ronaldo, it marked his third domestic final loss since moving to Saudi Arabia.
Despite his historic goal, the night ended in bitter disappointment for Ronaldo. The five-time Ballon d'Or winner was reportedly distraught after the final whistle, reflecting on another missed opportunity to secure a major domestic title with his club. While his personal records continue to tumble, his quest for silverware in Saudi Arabia remains unfinished, and the agonizing wait goes on.