Cristiano Ronaldo showed no signs of slowing down at 40, firing a stunning hat-trick in Al-Nassr’s 4-0 friendly victory over Portuguese side Rio Ave on Wednesday.
The veteran forward delivered a masterclass in finishing — opening the scoring with a clinical strike, adding a towering header, and capping off his treble with a composed finish late in the game. His performance set the tone for Al-Nassr’s dominant display, with the fourth goal coming from a teammate to seal the emphatic win.
The hat-trick comes just days after Ronaldo’s exclusion from the 2025 Ballon d’Or nominees, a decision that sparked debate among fans and pundits. The omission followed an impressive season in which the Portuguese legend registered 48 goal contributions in 50 appearances across all competitions.
Ronaldo did not address the Ballon d’Or snub directly but his display on the pitch sent a clear message: his hunger for goals — and silverware — remains undiminished.
Al-Nassr’s manager praised the captain’s relentless professionalism, noting that his influence extends beyond scoring, inspiring younger teammates with his work ethic and leadership.
Ronaldo and Al-Nassr will now turn their focus to the upcoming Saudi Pro League season, with Wednesday’s performance offering a timely reminder that, even at 40, the five-time Ballon d’Or winner is still rewriting the rules of football longevity.
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