Watch: Cristiano Ronaldo scores 980th goal amid Portugal dispute
Cristiano Ronaldo scored his 980th career goal for Al-Nassr while embroiled in a public dispute with his national team manager, Jorge Jesus. Ronaldo left the Portugal training camp after being benched, promising to reveal the full truth behind his departure later.
Why it matters
The incident highlights the high-stakes personal and professional tensions between aging superstar athletes and national team management.
Despite a dispute with his national team , Cristiano Ronaldo is continuing to do what Cristiano Ronaldo does: score.
The soccer superstar, 41, scored a goal for Al-Nassr in the 23rd minute of their match on Friday, Oct. 9. His teammate attempted a shot and the ball bounced off goalkeeper Waleed Abdullah. Ronaldo took the rebound and struck the ball into the upper left corner of the net. He ran to the corner of the pitch and did his signature celebration with a strong skip.
The goal, which opened scoring for the Saudi Pro League club, is Ronaldo's 980th goal all-time. This includes those he has netted in club play and internationally with Portugal. He's chasing a historic milestone of 1,000 goals.
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