Ronaldo and Ighalo open the year with goals in Saudi League

Jan 10, 2025 - 17:12

An impeccable start to 2025 for Cristiano Ronaldo, who marked his first match of the year in style. The Portuguese star scored his 917th career goal from the penalty spot, turning the game around and securing a victory against Al Okhdood, who had taken an early lead. Al Nassr and Ronaldo have kicked off the new year on the right foot.

Ronaldo’s final game of 2024 with Al Nassr ended in a loss to Al Ittihad, led by an in-form Karim Benzema. Benzema has been pivotal, driving his team’s success in the Saudi Pro League and eliminating Al Hilal in the quarterfinals of the King Cup of Champions. In this latest duel between the Portuguese and French stars, both found the back of the net, rekindling memories of their legendary rivalry.

As Cristiano Ronaldo approaches his 40th birthday on February 5, age has proven no obstacle to his relentless hunger for goals. With his first match of 2025 behind him, he continues his march toward the monumental milestone of 1,000 career goals.

This latest strike makes Ronaldo the only footballer in history to score in 24 consecutive years, solidifying his status as the all-time leading scorer in the sport. He closed 2024 with 43 goals to his name and finished 2023 as the top scorer of the calendar year, netting 54 goals in total.

Since 2002, Ronaldo has scored in every calendar year – a streak unmatched in the professional game. True to form, 2025 was no exception, as it took just 42 minutes into his first match of the year for Ronaldo to celebrate his first goal, orchestrating yet another victory for Al Nassr.

Also, Odion Ighalo was among the goal scorers as Al Wehda defeated Al Fateh 2-1 in a Saudi Pro League encounter on Thursday night.

It was Ighalo’s second goal in as many consecutive league games for Al Wehda.

Craig Goodwin opened the scoring for Al Wehda in the 14th minute, while Sofiane Bendebka pulled a goal back for Al Fateh a few minutes later.