Cristiano Ronaldo scored a late winner for Al Nassr in their 2-1 victory over Al Rayyan in the AFC Champions League Elite on Monday, dedicating the goal to his late father, Jose Dinis Aveiro.
The Portugal captain’s 86th-minute strike came on what would have been his father’s 71st birthday, making the victory even more poignant.
Ronaldo’s emotional celebration, lifting both arms and gazing up at the sky, was a heartfelt tribute to his father, who passed away in 2005 due to liver failure.
Jose Dinis Aveiro did not live to witness Ronaldo’s numerous achievements, including five Champions League titles, five Ballon d’Or awards, and Euro 2016 glory as Portugal’s captain.
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“Today’s goal had a different flavour, I would love for my father to be alive because today is his birthday,”
Now 39, Ronaldo has become the first men’s player in history to score 900 goals, cementing his status as one of the greatest footballers of all time.
“I still love playing football and I know I don’t have much time left on the pitch.”
“Records are part of me and I’m used to breaking them.
The most important thing is not to be considered the best player or win prizes.
The important thing is to enjoy and be useful to the club and the national team.
“I’ve felt pressure since the first day and I think I will feel it until the last.”
Ronaldo joined Al-Nassr in December 2022, securing the Arab Club Champions Cup as his first title with the club.
With his contract extending through June 2025, Ronaldo aims to lead Al Nassr to greater success in the Saudi Pro League, where they currently sit fourth after five games.
