A year ago
When Cristiano Ronaldo scored all four goals for Al Nassr versus Al Wehda in their Saudi Pro League match, he asked referee Al-Harbi to sign his hat trick match ball.
The 38-year-old proved his ability in front of goal on Thursday night with a magnificent display of finishing. When he joined the Saudi club, he became the highest paid athlete in the world. He scored his first goal at the King Abdulaziz Stadium in the 21st minute with a strong effort before scoring his second goal just before halftime.
The five-time winner of the Ballon d'Or then converted from the spot to clinch his 61st career hat-trick after referee Al-Harbi called Al Nassr for handball. When Ronaldo scored the game's fourth and final goal shortly after the hour mark, the 38,000-seat stadium's crowd let out their loudest SUI of the evening.
The former Manchester United and Real Madrid attacker, who also hit the milestone of 500 career league goals, had a special night. The Al Nassr captain also requested that his autograph be added to the game ball by the referee after the final whistle to mark the occasion. Soon after agreeing to a £175 million contract with Al Nassr, Ronaldo gave the captaincy a permanent assignment.
In contrast to his 60th hat-trick ball, which belongs to his former Manchester United colleague Alejandro Garnacho, he will probably keep this one. In reality, the 38-year-old has carried the armband throughout each of his three club outings since defender Abdullah Madu lost the right to serve as captain. Jaloliddin Masharipov, a midfielder for Al Nassr, recently discussed the team's reaction to Ronaldo being appointed captain right away.
The Uzbekistan international told Sports.ru that it would be "a little unusual" if the other players choose to lead the team instead of Ronaldo.
"We anticipated it. Cristiano Ronaldo accepted the armband from our former captain without any issues. This, in my opinion, is the ideal answer. It can't be any other way."
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