Al Nassr vs Toulouse: Cristiano Ronaldo Scores Trademark Goal in First Preseason Game
- Cristiano Ronaldo missed out Al-Nassr’s opening pre-season game against SK St. Johann in Tirol which was won 5-2
- Ronaldo notched a trademark equaliser goal in his maiden pre-season game for Al-Nassr ahead of the new campaign
- Al-Nassr will meet Spanish club Almeria on August 10 as they wrap up their preparations for the upcoming 2025/26 season
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Cristiano Ronaldo made his presence felt in style during his first pre-season outing for Al-Nassr ahead of the 2025/26 campaign.
The 40-year-old, who is set to begin his second full season with the Saudi outfit, featured in a friendly against French side Toulouse, and, true to form, he didn’t disappoint.
Source: Getty Images
Cristiano Ronaldo scores in pre-season debut
After sitting out Al-Nassr’s opening pre-season game against SK St. Johann in Tirol, a match the Saudi side comfortably won 5-2, Ronaldo returned to the starting XI for the clash against Toulouse.
Just 33 minutes into the game, the Portuguese star reminded everyone of his sharp instincts in front of goal.
He connected beautifully with a well-placed pass from teammate Wesley and rifled in a first-time finish to bring the score level.
Source: Getty Images
No goal from Cristiano would be complete without his trademark reaction. And once the ball hit the back of the net, he delivered the iconic 'Siuu' celebration. Teammates, including Sadio Mane, rushed over to congratulate him.
It was Ronaldo’s first appearance since leading Portugal to UEFA Nations League glory in June.
Watch the video:
According to Times Now, Toulouse had earlier taken the lead through French forward Yann Gboho, who found the net eight minutes before Ronaldo’s equaliser.
Ronaldo rested after halftime but Al-Nassr wins
With the match serving as a tune-up for the season ahead, new head coach Jorge Jesus made wholesale changes at half-time, bringing off Ronaldo, among others.
One of the more intriguing additions to the team, summer signing Joao Felix, also got his chance to impress.
The former Benfica sensation joined Al-Nassr for a reported £43.7 million move from Chelsea, as noted by the Sun.
Though Felix didn’t score, he gave fans a glimpse of the creativity and flair that once saw him heralded as one of Europe’s most exciting young talents.
In the second half, it was substitute Mohammed Marran who proved to be the difference.
Brought on in the 59th minute to replace Felix, Marran found the net and handed Al-Nassr a 2-1 win 17 minutes later, their second straight victory in preseason.
With Ronaldo back in rhythm, new faces blending in, and Jorge Jesus already stamping his authority, the Knights of Najd look poised for a strong campaign ahead.
Up next for Al-Nassr is a tie against Spanish club Almeria on August 10 as they wrap up their preparations for the upcoming season.
Why Man United banned Ronaldo shirt printing
A previous report by YEN.com.gh shed light on why Manchester United fans are unable to print Cristiano Ronaldo's name on replica shirts.
According to the club, the limitation stems from image rights, which are controlled by the players themselves.
Proofreading by Omoleye Omoruyi, copy editor at YEN.com.gh.
Source: YEN.com.gh
