RIYADH, Saudi Arabia: Cristiano Ronaldo drew attention with an emotional display of support for Saudi Arabia after scoring his 981st career goal in Al-Nassr’s 3-1 victory over Uzbekistan’s Neftchi Fergana in the AFC Champions League Elite on Monday night.
Cristiano Ronaldo loves Saudi Arabia. 💛✨🇸🇦 https://t.co/Kh3BryLiuH
— Cristiano Ronaldo News (@CRonaldoNews) October 13, 2026
The 41-year-old forward draped himself in the Saudi national scarf after the match, reaffirming his connection with the kingdom, where he has played since early 2023. He also kissed his shirt crest and led the home crowd in a post-match Viking clap.
Ronaldo declares ‘I belong to Saudi Arabia’ in show of support after scoring 981st goal https://t.co/Cftc1qM25v
— Arab News | Sport (@ArabNewsSport) October 13, 2026
Ronaldo’s emotional tribute to Saudi Arabia
Al-Nassr celebrated the gesture on social media, recalling Ronaldo’s statement following his contract extension through 2027.
“I am Portuguese, but I belong to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia,” Ronaldo said in comments previously shared by the club’s in-house media.
Alongside an image of the forward wearing the Saudi colours, Al-Nassr’s English-language account posted: “A piece of Saudi, carried close to the heart.”
🔙 Cristiano Ronaldo:
“As I’ve said before, I now belong to Saudi Arabia.
It’s one of the countries that I hold close to my heart.” https://t.co/CPfTxJe68V
— Al Nassr Zone (@TheNassrZone) October 13, 2026
The gesture attracted additional attention amid heightened security concerns in the region. The match’s kick-off was reportedly delayed by an hour, casting a shadow over the continental fixture.
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Al-Nassr secure crucial Asian victory
Despite the pre-match disruption, Al-Nassr secured a 3-1 win, with Angelo Gabriel opening the scoring before an own goal by a Neftchi Fergana player helped the Saudi side strengthen its advantage.
Cristiano Ronaldo supporting Saudi Arabia. 🤝🇸🇦 https://t.co/imoARf9HKc
— TC (@totalcristiano) October 12, 2026
Ronaldo’s landmark strike added another milestone to his remarkable career as he continued his campaign with the Riyadh-based club.
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The victory gave Al-Nassr three valuable points in the continental competition, while Ronaldo’s post-match tribute became one of the evening’s most talked-about moments.
