Cristiano Ronaldo scores the 500th league goal of his career, it meant so much

Cristiano Ronaldo scored the 500th and 501st league goal of his trophy-laden career during Al Nassr's Saudi Pro League clash against Al Wehda.

The 38-year-old forward, who scored his first league goal for Al Nassr last week – a crucial penalty in the 93rd minute, showed his class in front of goal on Thursday evening.

In the 21st minute, after taking a couple of touches inside the penalty area, he fired a powerful shot past the Al Wehda goalkeeper to put Rudi Garcia's side ahead.

Ronaldo proceeded to perform his iconic SIU celebration inside the King Abdulaziz Stadium in Mecca as thousands of supporters joined in. You can see how much this meant to him.

500TH LEAGUE GOAL FOR THE GREATEST CRISTIANO RONALDO 🐐🔥pic.twitter.com/tXP5bJ3JWs

— CristianoXtra (@CristianoXtra_) February 9, 2023

The five-time Ballon d'Or was a constant headache for the Al Wehda defence throughout the first half.

And with 41 minutes played, Ronaldo scored his second of the game to make it three goals in two matches for the experienced forward, who became the highest paid athlete in the world after joining the Saudi Pro League club in December.

Here's how fans reacted to his efforts on Thursday night.

One said: "Cristiano Ronaldo still celebrates every goal like it's his first," while another commented: "The hunger, the sacrifice, the passion. Blessed to witness his greatness for over 20 years."

A third wrote: "Cristiano Ronaldo has the most goals in football history but celebrates every goal almost like it’s his first. Unreal love for this game."

GOAT Cristiano Ronaldo’s 501st league goal. 5th Goal in 4th League games in Saudi Arabia 🤩🤩🤩 pic.twitter.com/AyT9fbsChd

— 𝗔𝘀𝗶𝗳 𝗥𝗔𝟰 💎 (@ra4asif) February 9, 2023

Last month, the former Manchester United and Real Madrid forward reminded everyone that he is still one of the world's top players after he produced an impressive man-of-the-match performance against Paris Saint Germain.

After several delays, Ronaldo finally made his first appearance in Saudi Arabia as part of the Riyadh XI that took on PSG in a friendly match.

The Ligue 1 champions eventually came out 5-4 winners but it was Ronaldo who stole the show with a memorable two goal performance.

READ MORE:

• Al Nassr star Jaloliddin Masharipov explains how the squad reacted to Cristiano Ronaldo being named captain.
• Cristiano Ronaldo 'could not stand' brutal training regime.
• Al Nassr manager attaches blame to Cristiano Ronaldo for Saudi Super Cup loss after costly miss