'Still room for more' - Cristiano Ronaldo sends defiant message after reaching an incredible 50 goals for 2023 with his strike in Al-Nassr's win over Al-Shabab

Posted Tuesday, December 12, 2023 by Goal.com

Cristiano Ronaldo scored his 50th goal of 2023 in Monday's win over Al-Shabab in the King Cup, and he posted a message after the match on Instagram.

WHAT HAPPENED?
In the 74th minute, the 38-year-old finished a neat one-two with Otavio, another Portugal international, and scored with a low finish from 10 yards out. After previous goals by Seko Fofana, Sadio Mane, and Abdulrahman Ghareeb, it put the score 4-1 in favour of Al Nassr. After scoring his 50th goal of the season, Ronaldo was substituted off to a standing ovation in the 82nd minute as his side went on to a 5-2 win.

WHAT RONALDO SAID
The post offered a defiant message, reading: "Great victory and I'm thrilled to announce my 50th goal in 2023, all thanks to the unwavering support of my teammates, fans, and my family! There's still room for a few more this year."

THE BIGGER PICTURE
The win helped Al-Nassr qualify for the semi-final of the King's Cup for the second year running. They will be looking to do one better this season after they fell in the semis last term to Al-Wehda. Out of his fifty goals this year, Ronaldo has scored 40 for the Saudi Pro League side and 10 for Portugal.

DID YOU KNOW?
The Portuguese legend has now scored 50 or more goals in eight calendar years, a feat that has only been eclipsed by his long-time rival Lionel Messi who has done so nine times in his career.

WHAT NEXT FOR RONALDO?
The five-time Ballon d'Or winner will be in action at least three times before the end of 2023, starting with a clash against Steven Gerrard's Al-Ettifaq on Friday, December 22 in the Saudi Pro League.