Cristiano Ronaldo scores hat-trick as new signing impresses on Al Nassr debut

Vishal Bhawani

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Cristiano Ronaldo scores hat-trick as new signing impresses on Al Nassr debut image

Gualter Fatia/Getty Images

Cristiano Ronaldo showed that age is just a number as he fired a hat-trick in Al Nassr’s 4-0 pre-season win over Rio Ave in Portugal.

The 40-year-old striker was the star of the night, while new recruit Joao Felix also made an instant mark on his debut.

The game started with Mohamed Simakan putting Al Nassr ahead in the 15th minute. But as has so often been the case in his career, Ronaldo stole the spotlight.

His first goal came after a slick one-two with Felix, a move that looked like they had been teammates for years rather than minutes.

The second arrived in typical Ronaldo style — a towering header — just moments after Sadio Mane had missed a penalty.

And because football scripts love a twist, Felix then won another spot kick, which Ronaldo converted to seal his hat-trick before heading to the bench.

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How Cristiano Ronaldo celebrated his hat-trick?

Ronaldo marked the occasion with his famous “Siu” celebration, reminding fans that it’s been 12 years since he first unveiled it.

The crowd inside the Estadio do Algarve roared as the veteran forward leapt, spun, and landed with the same energy he had in his twenties.

Speaking after the game, Ronaldo posted a short message on social media: “Keep pushing, there’s more to do.” It summed up the mindset that’s kept him at the top for two decades.

For Al Nassr, this match was more than just a friendly. Under new coach Jorge Jesus, the team is eyeing the Saudi Pro League title and a strong season ahead.

Felix’s debut hinted at a dangerous partnership, and the squad will now turn their attention to a friendly against UD Almería on August 10 before facing Al Ittihad in the Saudi Super Cup semifinal.

Ronaldo may be 40, but he’s still running the show. And with Felix joining the cast, Al Nassr’s attack might just be getting its sequel — one fans won’t want to miss.

Cristiano Ronaldo news and related links

Vishal Bhawani

Vishal Bhawani is a sub-editor for the Affiliate Content team and a writer and sub-editor for the Football Wires team at The Sporting News. Based in Indore, India, he holds a Diploma in Operations and Management from Maharashtra University.

Before joining TSN in May 2024, Vishal contributed to Football Express and Six Sports and ran his own blog, Anfield Home, as a passionate Liverpool fan. An avid traveler, he follows multiple sports, including cricket, soccer, and tennis.