Cristiano Ronaldo’s quest to reach 1,000 goals will get underway on Saturday when Al-Nassr take on Al-Fateh in their Saudi Pro League opener.
The defending champions go into the season under a new head coach with Ange Postecoglou at the helm but all focus will be on Ronaldo’s bid to move past four figures in goals scored in what has been a remarkable career.
The 41-year-old currently has 976 to his name and if he maintains his strike-rate since moving to Saudi in December 2022 (in three full seasons, he has scored 35, 25 and 28), he will break the landmark at some point during the 2026/27 campaign.
Ronaldo has missed the bulk of Al-Nassr’s pre-season programme after enjoying a post-World Cup break, during which he got married to long-time partner Georgina Rodriguez, but will be back for Saturday’s opener.
His return will be welcomed with his side struggling in pre-season. Postecoglou’s side have lost three of four warm-up matches but the Australian is too experienced to show any signs of panic.
“When we spoke about the challenges, we were aware that there were different circumstances and challenges, but whatever the circumstances, we have to deal with them and prepare well,” he said.
“Of course, I do not promise anything, and I have always achieved something in my first season. The matter is simply that wherever I go, I love to achieve success.”
Al-Fateh finished 11th last season but limped to the finish line, winning just three of their last 20 league games. Strikers Lukas Haraslin and Wilfried Kanga have bolstered their attacking options.
Team News for Al-Nassr v Al-Fateh
Ronaldo is likely to start with Postecoglou confirming his superstar striker is fit. The former Tottenham boss has to decide between Nawaf Al-Aqidi and Bento in goal.
New Al-Fateh boss Khaled Al Atwi has a full squad to choose from.
Expected line-ups for Al-Nassr v Al-Fateh
Al-Nassr: Bento; Al-Nasser, Simakan, Martinez, Al-Najdi; Al-Najei, Abdulkareem, Mane, Felix, Coman; Ronaldo
Al-Fateh: Al-Bukhari; Al-Jari, Philip, Saadan, Qashish; Al-Zubaidi, Al-Masoud, Delgado, Ramos; Haraslin, Kanga
Where to watch Al-Nassr v Al-Fateh
Al-Nassr versus Al-Fateh kicks off at 7pm. The match will be available to watch live in the UK on DAZN and on YouTube.
Stats for Al-Nassr v Al-Fateh
- Al-Nassr won 5-1 the last time the sides met in Riyadh, with João Félix scoring a hat-trick and Ronaldo adding a spectacular strike after missing a penalty.
- Al-Nassr go into the game as defending champions, having finished last season on 86 points.
- Al-Fateh finished 11th last season on 37 points and have lost both of their pre-season friendlies this summer
- Al-Nassr have won the last seven matches between the sides
- Al-Fateh have not beaten Al-Nassr since 2020
Prediction for Al-Nassr v Al-Fateh
Al-Nassr should put their poor pre-season form to one side and get their 2026/27 campaign off to a winning start. Expect Ronaldo to make a splash.
Prediction: Al-Nassr 2-0 Al-Fateh
Disclaimer : This story is auto aggregated by a computer programme and has not been created or edited by DOWNTHENEWS. Publisher: 101greatgoals.com
