Cristiano Ronaldo scored his 981st career goal for Al-Nassr on Monday, October 12, as the Saudi club defeated Uzbekistan’s Neftchi Fergana 3–1 in the AFC Champions League Elite in Riyadh. After the match, the Portuguese forward’s display of support for Saudi Arabia attracted attention beyond the result, with the club sharing images of him wearing Saudi colours.
Ronaldo’s gestures came during a tense period for the Saudi capital. The match at Al-Awwal Park was delayed by a security alert issued by Saudi Arabia’s Civil Defense, following reported missile threats towards Riyadh. The fixture eventually went ahead, and Al-Nassr secured their first victory of this season’s competition phase. Associated Press
Ronaldo’s Saudi gesture draws attention
Images shared by Al-Nassr showed Ronaldo displaying his connection with the country where he has played since joining the club in January 2023. His actions included acknowledging the Saudi emblem on his shirt, while photographs and club posts circulated showing him in Saudi-themed colours after the game.
The gestures resonated because they came amid heightened security concerns in Saudi Arabia. However, Ronaldo’s actions should be distinguished from an official political statement: the available reporting establishes his public display of support, but does not establish that he made a new political announcement during the match.
The phrase “I’m Portuguese, but I belong to Saudi Arabia”, widely associated with Ronaldo in coverage of the incident, was not a new declaration. According to Gulf News, he used those words in June 2025 during an interview with Al-Nassr’s official media after extending his contract with the club until 2027.
That earlier statement expressed his attachment to the Kingdom and his intention to contribute to its development. Its renewed circulation after Monday’s game has given the latest images additional significance.
Ronaldo scores as Al-Nassr win 3–1
On the pitch, Al-Nassr overcame Neftchi Fergana with goals from Angelo Gabriel, Ronaldo and an own goal by Anvarjon Gofurov.
Angelo opened the scoring in the 33rd minute. Ronaldo doubled the advantage shortly before half-time, finishing a move involving Ayman Yahya and Sadio Mane. Neftchi’s Alisher Odilov reduced the deficit in the second half before the visitors conceded an own goal that confirmed the Saudi side’s 3–1 win.
The strike took Ronaldo’s reported career tally to 981 goals, leaving him 19 short of the 1,000-goal milestone. Career totals can vary according to the competitions and matches included, so the figure should be understood in the context of the tally reported by the club and sports media.
The result also gave Al-Nassr a valuable response in the AFC Champions League Elite after their campaign had begun with a defeat, according to regional sports coverage.
Security alert delays the Riyadh fixture
Football was not the only focus before kick-off. The Associated Press reported that Saudi Arabia’s Civil Defense issued a security alert and that the match was delayed by an hour. The Saudi-led coalition said it had intercepted and destroyed ballistic missiles launched towards Riyadh, while Civil Defense later indicated that the immediate danger had passed.
The incident illustrates how regional security developments can affect major sporting events, including preparations, kick-off schedules and the experience of spectators. The match nevertheless proceeded at Al-Awwal Park.
For football followers in the UAE, the fixture is another example of Saudi Arabia’s growing prominence in regional and international sport. It does not, by itself, indicate any change to UAE travel arrangements or local security guidance. Travellers should rely on current announcements from the relevant official authorities rather than infer practical consequences from a sporting event.
Ronaldo’s night in Riyadh therefore carried two distinct stories: a decisive contribution to Al-Nassr’s win and a public gesture towards the country that has become his club home. His pursuit of 1,000 career goals continues, while the circumstances surrounding the match have placed his latest appearance in a wider regional context.
Q1. How many career goals has Cristiano Ronaldo scored?
Ronaldo scored his 981st reported career goal against Neftchi Fergana on October 12, 2026, leaving him 19 goals short of 1,000.
Q2. What was the score between Al-Nassr and Neftchi Fergana?
Al-Nassr won 3–1 in their AFC Champions League Elite fixture in Riyadh.
Q3. When did Ronaldo score his 981st goal?
He scored on Monday, October 12, 2026, shortly before half-time.
Q4. Why was the Al-Nassr match delayed?
The match was delayed following a security alert issued by Saudi Arabia’s Civil Defense amid reported ballistic missile threats towards Riyadh. The fixture subsequently went ahead.
Q5. Why did Cristiano Ronaldo wear Saudi colours?
Ronaldo was photographed displaying Saudi-themed colours after the match. His gestures were widely interpreted as an expression of his connection with Saudi Arabia, where he plays for Al-Nassr.
Q6. Did Ronaldo first say he belonged to Saudi Arabia during this match?
No. Gulf News reported that he made the statement in June 2025 during an interview with Al-Nassr’s official media. It was not a new statement made during the October 2026 fixture.
Q7. Is Cristiano Ronaldo close to scoring 1,000 career goals?
Yes. Based on the reported total of 981, he needs 19 more goals to reach the milestone.
Q8. Does the Riyadh security alert affect UAE residents?
The match delay does not establish any direct impact on the UAE. Residents travelling to Saudi Arabia should check current official travel and safety advisories before departure.
