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Portuguese forward, Cristiano Ronaldo, scored a hat-trick as Al-Nassr defeated Al Kholood 5-3 in the Saudi Pro League on Thursday.
The 41-year-old’s three goals took his career tally to 985, leaving him 15 goals away from reaching the 1,000-goal milestone.
Ronaldo scored all three goals in the second half after Al-Nassr and Al Kholood went into the break level at 2-2.
The visitors took the lead through Julien Domingues before Angelo equalised for Al-Nassr. Sadio Mane then put the home side ahead, but Loic Essomba restored parity before half-time.
Ronaldo put Al-Nassr ahead in the 66th minute following an assist from compatriot Joao Felix.
He doubled his tally six minutes later, again benefiting from Felix’s contribution, before completing his hat-trick in the 81st minute to seal the victory.
Domingues scored another goal for Al Kholood late in the game, but Al-Nassr held on to secure all three points.
The victory took Al-Nassr to 28 points, level with Al-Qadsiah at the top of the Saudi Pro League table, with Al-Nassr having played one game fewer.
Ronaldo’s hat-trick came a day after he was voted the greatest Ballon d’Or winner of all time in a fan poll known as the B.O.A.T. award.
The Portuguese international finished ahead of his long-time rival, Lionel Messi, whose 2012 Ballon d’Or-winning season placed second in the poll.
Ronaldo, a five-time Ballon d’Or winner, continues to pursue the 1,000-goal mark as he extends his scoring record for club and country.
