Coach Stefano Pioli and several teammates reacted to the "rocket" the Portuguese star scored to complete a comeback against Al Riyadh.
After Cristiano Ronaldo led Al Nassr to a dramatic comeback victory over Al Riyadh (2-1) on Matchday 27 of the Saudi League, the football world once again turned its attention to the Portuguese icon.
The five-time Ballon d'Or winner delivered a vintage performance, scoring twice in the space of eight minutes first in the 56th minute and then again in the 64th to overturn a 1-0 deficit and secure all three points for his side. The second goal, a thunderous long-range strike from well outside the box, left fans and pundits speechless, reigniting the conversation around Ronaldo’s enduring brilliance at the age of 39.
The victory was crucial not only because of the comeback itself, but also because of its implications in the league standings. With this result, Al Nassr closed the gap to just one point behind Al Hilal, managed by fellow Portuguese coach Jorge Jesus. The title race in Saudi Arabia is now wide open, and Ronaldo’s influence in keeping his team in the hunt is undeniable. Despite his age, the former Real Madrid and Manchester United star continues to be the driving force behind Al Nassr’s campaign, both on and off the pitch.
Speaking after the match, Al Nassr head coach Stefano Pioli who recently took charge of the club was quick to praise Ronaldo, not just for his goals but for his leadership and presence within the squad. “Cristiano Ronaldo helped us build this team as its leader,” Pioli said. “I don’t need to comment on his performance on the pitch what you saw today was his best answer to the critics.” The Italian coach was visibly emotional as he spoke about Ronaldo’s contribution, highlighting how the veteran forward has embraced his role in Saudi Arabia with the same professionalism and hunger that made him a legend in Europe.
Off the pitch, the reaction was just as intense. Ronaldo posted a message on social media shortly after the final whistle, writing: “This is how we do it!” a phrase that captured the spirit of both his performance and the team’s determination. The comments quickly flooded with praise from teammates and fans alike. Nawaf Boushal kept it simple but meaningful: “It’s not normal,” he wrote, clearly referring to the incredible quality of Ronaldo’s second goal. Ângelo, another teammate, showed his amazement more explicitly: “What did you do, man! That was insane! Incredible!”
But the most powerful tribute came from Colombian striker Jhon Durán, who summed up the sentiment shared by millions: “There will never be another like him.” That phrase, now echoed across fan forums and football pages worldwide, underlines Ronaldo’s unique place in the sport’s history. Even among those who have played with or against him, the respect he commands remains unmatched.
Ronaldo’s brace not only marked another personal milestone increasing his goal tally for the season but also served as a reminder that his impact is still very much alive. With Al Nassr now within touching distance of the top of the table, his leadership could prove decisive in the remaining rounds of the Saudi Pro League.
For Ronaldo, the challenge of proving doubters wrong seems to fuel his passion even more. Despite having conquered Europe and cemented his legacy as one of the greatest players of all time, he continues to set new standards wherever he goes. His commitment, fitness, and hunger to win have not wavered, and performances like this only strengthen the narrative that age is just a number for the Portuguese superstar.
With the season entering its decisive stretch and the title within reach, Al Nassr will be counting on Ronaldo to lead by example, as he has done throughout his legendary career. Whether it’s in Riyadh, Madrid, Manchester, or Turin one thing remains the same: when the pressure is on, Cristiano Ronaldo delivers.
