Full Breakdown
Ronaldo scores 980th career goal as Al Nassr win, while Portugal dispute looms
By Drooid · · How we work
Return to club action
On 9 October 2026 Al Nassr hosted Al Diriyah in the Saudi Pro League’s eighth round. Cristiano Ronaldo opened the scoring in the 23rd minute after Kingsley Coman’s shot was parried by goalkeeper Waleed Abdullah. The rebound gave Ronaldo goal 980 of his career (833 for clubs, 147 for Portugal). Samu Costa added a second before half-time and Coman completed the 3-0 victory. The win moved the defending champions level on points with league leaders Al-Qadsiah, keeping Al Nassr in second place.
Background: Portugal walk-out
Ronaldo’s club return came after a two-week international controversy. He was an unused substitute in Portugal’s 2-1 Nations League win over Norway on 27 September and had been told he would play about 30 minutes. After warming up at half-time, he was never introduced. Ronaldo later said coach Jorge Jesus “broke his word” on that promise and again on 1 October when Jesus announced Ronaldo would not start the upcoming match against Denmark. Feeling the agreement had been violated twice, Ronaldo left the national-team camp in Copenhagen on 30 September. In a five-page statement released on 6 October, he apologized to teammates and fans, affirmed his willingness to accept any federation sanction, and reiterated that he remains available for future call-ups.
Data & statistics
- Career goals: 980 (833 club, 147 for Portugal).
- Al Nassr league position: 2nd, 19 points after 8 matches, goal difference +9.
- Portugal Nations League record: unbeaten, four wins; next fixtures scheduled for mid-November (Denmark, then Wales).
Official statements & responses
Al Nassr head coach Ange Postecoglou described the performance as “a good performance” and praised the clean sheet and three-goal display. Portugal coach Jorge Jesus told reporters that “if he wants to, he’ll return to the national team,” leaving the decision to Ronaldo.
Verbatim quotes
- “I decided to leave the camp without waiting for any further breach of word,” — Cristiano Ronaldo.
- “If I am physically fit, playing for my club, scoring goals, I hope, that after serving whatever suspension is imposed on me, I will be available… to compete and win for our national team,” — Cristiano Ronaldo.
Conflicting reports & gaps
The Portuguese Football Federation (FPF) has opened disciplinary proceedings. Some outlets cite the federation’s code, which allows a suspension of one to six months plus a fine; other reports suggest the ban could be reduced to as little as 15 days given Ronaldo’s admission of fault. No final ruling has been announced, leaving the length of the sanction and Ronaldo’s eligibility for the mid-November Denmark match uncertain.
What’s next
The FPF disciplinary council will determine the sanction in the coming weeks. Portugal’s next Nations League games in mid-November could proceed without Ronaldo if a longer ban is imposed. Meanwhile, Al Nassr aim to maintain their title challenge, with the next league fixture scheduled shortly after the international break.