Ronaldo becomes first player in the Football history to achieve unprecedented feat
Cristiano Ronaldo has become the first professional footballer to score in 25 consecutive league seasons after netting a goal for Al-Nassr. The 41-year-old now has 977 career goals and is approaching the 1,000-goal milestone before his expected retirement.
Why it matters
Ronaldo's longevity and scoring records are significant milestones in the history of professional football.
Cristiano Ronaldo has added another remarkable milestone to his extraordinary career, becoming the first professional footballer to score in 25 consecutive league seasons. The 41-year-old Portuguese superstar achieved the feat on Friday, August 21, during Al-Nassr's Saudi Pro League clash against Al-Riyadh.Ronaldo extends historic scoring streakRonaldo began his senior scoring run during the 2002-03 season, when he found the net for Sporting CP as a teenager. More than two decades later, that streak remains unbroken. His latest goal came after he was introduced as a substitute in the 62nd minute. Ronaldo eventually found the net in the 83rd minute, converting a low cross from Ayman Yahya with a composed left-footed finish from inside the area.The goal saw Ronaldo surpass Swedish great Zlatan Ibrahimović, who had previously held the record with goals in 24 consecutive league seasons.977 career goals and countingThe landmark strike took Ronaldo's official senior career tally to 977 goals for club and country. His goals have come across five clubs and the Portugal national team:Team/ClubGoalsReal Madrid450Portugal146Manchester United145Al-Nassr130Juventus101Sporting CP5Total977Ronaldo's latest effort also helped Al-Nassr secure a 4-0 away victory over Al-Riyadh, giving the defending Saudi Pro League champions a perfect start to their 2026-27 campaign.Ronaldo's race to 1,000 goalsThe historic achievement comes as Ronaldo continues his pursuit of the extraordinary 1,000-goal milestone. The Portuguese forward is now just 23 goals short of reaching four figures in official senior football.However, the next chapter of his career could also be his final one. Ronaldo recently indicated that the 2026-27 season could probably be his last in professional football, while his current Al-Nassr contract runs until June 2027.Get the latest Sports News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.
Standard sports reporting on record-breaking achievements.
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