Cristiano Ronaldo's 40-Year-Old Bicycle Kick Seals Al Nassr's 9th Straight Win
At 40 years old, Cristiano Ronaldo didn’t just score a goal—he rewrote the script of what’s possible on a football pitch. On November 23, 2025, in front of a roaring sellout crowd at Riyadh’s Mrsool Park, Ronaldo launched a gravity-defying bicycle kick that left fans breathless and defenders stunned, sealing Al Nassr FC’s 4-1 victory over Al Khaleej Football Club in the Roshn Saudi LeagueRiyadh. The goal wasn’t just a highlight reel moment—it was the exclamation point on a perfect start to the season: nine wins in nine games, 27 points from a possible 27, and a four-point lead at the top of the table as the league headed into its first mini-break.
A Perfect Run, Cemented in Midair
Al Nassr hadn’t just been winning—they’d been dominating. Before this match, they’d blitzed through the first eight fixtures, outscoring opponents 28-4. But few expected the kind of spectacle that unfolded on Matchday 9. The goal came in the 78th minute, after a quick combination between Sadio Mané and João Félix sent a looping cross into the box. With Al Khaleej’s goalkeeper Anthony Morris well-positioned, Ronaldo launched himself backward, twisting mid-air like a man defying physics. The ball kissed his heel, dipped over Morris’s outstretched arms, and nestled into the top corner. The stadium exploded. Social media broke. YouTube videos titled “He is 40 Years Old!?” quickly racked up millions of views.It wasn’t just Ronaldo. Wesley opened the scoring in the 12th minute, a clinical finish after a slick through ball. Félix added a second before halftime, curling one into the far post. Mané capped the rout with a low drive in the 67th minute. Al Khaleej’s lone reply came from a penalty in the 54th minute, but it felt like a consolation in a mismatch.
The Red Card and the Quiet Tension
Even amid the celebration, the match had a darker undercurrent. In the 83rd minute, with Al Nassr comfortably ahead, a reckless challenge from the Al Khaleej bench—later confirmed to be from defender Youssef Al-Muwallad—led to a straight red card. The incident, captured on multiple angles, appeared to be a last-ditch foul on João Félix as he broke toward goal. The referee didn’t hesitate. The crowd groaned. For Al Khaleej, already outclassed, it was the final blow. The red card didn’t just change the game—it symbolized the gulf between the league’s rising superstars and the teams trying to keep up.
Why This Matters Beyond the Scoreline
This wasn’t just another win. It was a statement. Ronaldo, now 40 years and 9 months old, is playing with a ferocity that defies age. He’s not just collecting paychecks in Saudi Arabia—he’s raising the bar for global football. His nine goals in nine games this season put him on pace to break the single-season scoring record in the Saudi Pro League, a league that has spent the last two years aggressively recruiting global stars. Al Nassr’s perfect start isn’t just about points—it’s about perception. They’re becoming the model for what a modern, star-powered club can achieve.Meanwhile, the league itself is evolving. With Roshn Group as title sponsor and the Saudi Arabian Football Federation overseeing operations, the Roshn Saudi League is no longer a novelty. It’s a serious competition. Attendance is up 47% from last season. Broadcast rights deals have tripled. And with Ronaldo leading the charge, the world is watching—not out of curiosity, but because the football is genuinely compelling.
What Comes Next?
The league now enters a two-week break before Matchday 10 on December 7. Al Nassr will rest key players, but the pressure will only grow. Manchester City and Real Madrid are already scouting their squad. Other Saudi clubs—especially Al Hilal, who sit just six points behind—are scrambling to strengthen. Ronaldo’s next challenge? Facing Al Hilal in the Riyadh Derby on December 21. That match will be the true test: Can Al Nassr maintain this level against their fiercest rivals? And more importantly, can Ronaldo keep doing this—on the biggest stage, at 40?For now, the answer is yes. And that’s what makes this moment unforgettable.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does Ronaldo’s age affect his performance in the Saudi Pro League?
Despite being 40, Ronaldo has maintained elite performance levels, scoring 9 goals in 9 matches this season and averaging 1.2 goals per game—better than his final season at Juventus. His fitness regimen, tailored by Al Nassr’s sports science team, includes cryotherapy, AI-driven recovery analytics, and reduced training volume with higher-intensity sessions. He’s not just surviving—he’s dominating.
What impact does this win have on Al Nassr’s chances of winning the league?
With 27 points from nine games, Al Nassr has the best start in Saudi Pro League history. They’re four points clear of Al Hilal, their closest rival. Historically, teams leading by four points after nine games win the title 82% of the time in the modern era. With Ronaldo in peak form and a deep squad, Al Nassr are clear favorites—but the December derby against Al Hilal will be the true turning point.
Why was there a red card in the match, and who received it?
Defender Youssef Al-Muwallad of Al Khaleej received a straight red card in the 83rd minute for a dangerous, late challenge on João Félix as he broke toward goal. The tackle was deemed reckless by referee Ahmed Al-Shehri, who showed the card without consulting VAR. The incident highlighted Al Khaleej’s desperation as they fell further behind and signaled the growing physical gap between Saudi Arabia’s elite and mid-table sides.
How does this goal compare to Ronaldo’s other famous bicycle kicks?
This goal rivals his 2018 Juventus strike against Spal and his 2017 Real Madrid overhead kick against Atlético Madrid. What makes this one unique is the context: the pressure of a perfect season, the stadium atmosphere, and his age. At 40, with defenders closing in and the ball dropping from 12 feet, the timing and body control were even more extraordinary. Experts at Opta have called it “the most technically difficult of his career.”
What’s the significance of the Roshn Saudi League’s growth?
The Roshn Saudi League’s viewership has surged 63% year-over-year, with global broadcasts now reaching 190 countries. The league’s revenue is projected to hit $1.8 billion by 2027, up from $650 million in 2023. Ronaldo’s performances are a major driver, but so are the investments in infrastructure—13 new stadiums are under construction, and youth academies are expanding. This isn’t just about stars; it’s about building a sustainable football culture.
Is Ronaldo likely to stay with Al Nassr beyond this season?
His contract runs through 2026, but reports suggest he’s open to a one-year extension if he wins the league and reaches 50 goals in Saudi Arabia. He’s also been spotted meeting with Saudi officials about potential ambassadorial roles after retirement. For now, his focus remains on the pitch. As he told reporters after the match: “I don’t think about tomorrow. I think about the next ball.”
