Ronaldo scores 100th goal for Al-Nassr but loses Saudi Super Cup final on penalties

Cristiano Ronaldo was visibly distraught as Al-Nassr suffered a gut-wrenching defeat to Al-Ahli in the Saudi Super Cup final, losing 5-3 on penalties after an enthralling 2-2 draw at Hong Kong Stadium on Saturday.

The 40-year-old Portuguese forward marked a historic milestone by scoring his 100th goal for Al-Nassr, becoming the first player in football history to net 100 goals in four different countries. Yet what should have been a night of celebration quickly turned into one of heartbreak, as Ronaldo's side fell short in a tense shootout.

Ronaldo opened the scoring from the penalty spot five minutes before the break after Ali Majrashi was penalised for handball. His strike added yet another chapter to an already staggering career record—which includes 450 goals for Real Madrid, 145 for Manchester United, 101 for Juventus, and 138 for Portugal.

But Al-Nassr's advantage was short-lived. Al-Ahli responded in first-half stoppage time through Franck Kessi, who slotted past goalkeeper Bento following a well-weighted pass from Enzo Millot. Both sides pushed for a winner in the second half, with Ronaldo testing Edouard Mendy from distance and Firas Al-Buraikan striking the woodwork.

Marcelo Brozovic restored Al-Nassr's lead in the 82nd minute, capitalising on a defensive error to fire home from close range. However, the Jeddah-based side refused to give in, and Roger Ibaez headed in a Riyad Mahrez corner just before full-time after Bento misjudged the flight of the ball.

With the score locked at 2-2 after 90 minutes, the match went straight to penalties. Al-Ahli were clinical from the spot, converting all five of their attempts. While Ronaldo coolly dispatched his effort, a miss by an Al-Nassr teammate proved decisive, handing Al-Ahli their second Saudi Super Cup title.

The final, held outside the Middle East for the first time, attracted thousands of fans to Hong Kong, most eager to witness Ronaldo in action. The stadium buzzed throughout, with Al-Ahli supporters creating a vibrant atmosphere that matched the intensity on the pitch.

Despite playing a key role in Al-Nassr's semi-final victory over Al Ittihad - providing a vital assist to fellow countryman Joo Flix - the final ended in heartbreak for the veteran forward. Cameras captured a poignant moment at full-time: Ronaldo, visibly shaken, murmuring to himself with a distant look, the weight of the defeat clearly etched on his face.

Reactions from supporters quickly flooded social media. "That's why he's the GOAT," one fan wrote. Another added, "He keeps breaking his own records - unbelievable." A third said, "Even at 40, this man's hunger to win is unmatched."

Having joined Al-Nassr in 2023 following his second stint at Manchester United, Ronaldo has continued to defy age and expectation. But this latest setback serves as a painful reminder that, in football, even legends are not immune to heartbreak.

For Ronaldo, the pursuit of silverware with Al-Nassr continues. But his emotional response in Hong Kong was a powerful testament to his enduring passion - a fierce desire to win that remains undiminished, even after two decades at the very top.