Cristiano Ronaldo rolled back the years on Wednesday night, netting a stunning hat-trick in Al-Nassr’s 4–0 demolition of Rio Ave in a pre-season friendly at the Estadio do Algarve.
The 40-year-old Portuguese forward opened his tally late in the first half, smashing home at the near post from a João Félix assist. He added a second after the break with a precise finish inside the box and sealed the treble from the penalty spot, moments after Sadio Mané missed from 12 yards.
Mohamed Simakan had given Al-Nassr an early lead in the 15th minute, but Ronaldo’s dominant display stole the show, complete with his trademark “Siuuu” celebrations that sent fans into raptures.
Commentators praised his sharpness and movement, with FotMob describing him as “still redefining the limits of longevity in elite football.” NDTV Sports noted that the match also showcased a promising attacking partnership between Ronaldo and Félix, who combined fluidly throughout.
The emphatic win boosts Al-Nassr’s confidence ahead of the Saudi Super Cup semi-final against rivals Al-Ittihad and an upcoming friendly with Almería.
Ronaldo’s latest treble takes his career hat-trick tally to over 65 and leaves him just one goal shy of 100 goal contributions for the Arabian club. On social media after the match, he wrote: “Keep pushing, there’s more to do.”