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Cristiano Ronaldo once again reminded the world of his footballing brilliance as he netted a sensational hat-trick to power Al-Nassr to a 4-0 victory over Portuguese side Rio Ave in a pre-season friendly held at Estadio do Algarve on Thursday, August 7, 2025. The match not only showcased the 40-year-old’s enduring class but also came on the heels of a major announcement regarding his future with the club.
The friendly encounter began with high tempo and immediate attacking intent from Al-Nassr. It was French defender Mohamed Simakan who broke the deadlock early on, giving Al-Nassr a 1-0 lead. But it was Cristiano Ronaldo who truly lit up the night, scoring three goals in spectacular fashion and leaving fans – both in the stadium and online – in sheer disbelief.
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Vintage Ronaldo Performance
The first of Ronaldo’s three goals came courtesy of a beautiful link-up with Portuguese compatriot Joao Felix. Showing his incredible positional awareness and chemistry with the forward line, Ronaldo received a perfectly weighted pass in the box before blasting the ball into the back of the net with a thundering strike. The crowd erupted in applause, as did social media, where clips of the goal went viral within minutes.
Not long after, Sadio Mane was handed the chance to extend Al-Nassr’s lead from the penalty spot. But the Senegalese star’s effort was denied, missing a golden opportunity to put the game beyond Rio Ave. However, Al-Nassr didn’t have to wait long. Just sixteen seconds later, Ronaldo was at the right place at the right time, heading the ball home with trademark precision to make it 3-0.
The hat-trick was completed just five minutes later. This time, Ronaldo stepped up to the penalty spot himself. Calm and composed, he slotted the ball into the bottom corner, sending the goalkeeper the wrong way and confirming his third of the night – much to the delight of the fans who were treated to a true masterclass.
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Social Media Erupts
As expected, the football world on social media was ablaze with reactions. One fan posted, “Cristiano Ronaldo hat trick today against Rio Ave #CristianoRonaldo #AlNassr” along with a clip of the goal, while another exclaimed, “CRISTIANO RONALDO WHAT A FINISH!” – sentiments echoed by millions of fans and pundits alike.
Videos of the goals began trending on X (formerly Twitter), while Ronaldo’s celebration went viral within minutes. Hashtags like #RonaldoHatTrick and #AlNassr started trending globally, a testament to the Portuguese legend’s undying star power.
Ronaldo Confirms Contract Extension Until 2027
The game and the hat-trick were only part of the headlines on Thursday. Earlier in the day, Cristiano Ronaldo made his long-awaited decision public – he has extended his contract with Al-Nassr until 2027, ending months of speculation surrounding his future.
Taking to social media, Ronaldo wrote:
The Saudi club quickly followed suit, releasing an official statement:
The announcement has massive implications for the Saudi Pro League, which has seen a meteoric rise in recent years. With Ronaldo continuing to serve as the face of the league, it’s a clear indication that Saudi Arabian football is serious about maintaining and growing its international profile.
A New Era for Al-Nassr
Ronaldo originally joined Al-Nassr in December 2022 after a dramatic and highly publicized exit from Manchester United. Since then, he has been nothing short of prolific. With 93 goals in just 105 appearances across competitions, the Portuguese maestro has been the driving force behind Al-Nassr’s transformation into a global football brand.
His presence in Saudi Arabia has not only elevated the club but also significantly boosted the visibility of the Saudi Pro League. Following Ronaldo’s move, a host of international stars have made the switch to the Middle East, turning what was once considered a fringe competition into a rapidly growing league that is attracting global audiences and investment.
Al-Nassr have since restructured their team to build around Ronaldo, pairing him with elite talent like Sadio Mane, Marcelo Brozović, Aymeric Laporte, and now Joao Felix – who was instrumental in one of Ronaldo’s goals against Rio Ave.
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More Than Just a Game
The friendly against Rio Ave, while not part of any major tournament, had the feel of a landmark event. With Ronaldo’s hat-trick and the contract announcement on the same day, it served as a statement from both player and club. It was a declaration that Al-Nassr, and Saudi football at large, is not a retirement destination – but a serious stage for world-class talent and competitive football.
Fans at the Estadio do Algarve – many of whom came just to catch a glimpse of Ronaldo in action – were treated to a masterclass from a man who continues to redefine what it means to be a modern football icon.
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Legacy in the Making
As Ronaldo enters the twilight years of his legendary career, he continues to shatter expectations. At 40, he is not only maintaining his elite fitness and goal-scoring form but also inspiring a generation of fans and young footballers across the globe.
By committing to Al-Nassr until 2027, Ronaldo is making it clear that he believes in the club’s vision and its role in shaping the future of football in the region. Whether it’s through goals, leadership, or his ever-growing global influence, Cristiano Ronaldo is still writing history – one goal at a time.
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What’s Next?
With the pre-season campaign nearing its conclusion, Al-Nassr now shifts its focus to competitive fixtures in the Saudi Pro League and Asian Champions League. All eyes will be on Ronaldo as he leads the charge in what promises to be another thrilling season.
For now, though, fans will bask in the brilliance of another Ronaldo hat-trick – a reminder that when the Portuguese superstar is on the pitch, magic is never far behind.
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