It may not have been marked on the official football calendar, but Cristiano Ronaldo gave fans plenty to cheer about on the 12th anniversary of his iconic ‘Siu’ celebration.
And how did he mark the occasion? With a vintage hat-trick performance that reminded everyone that—even at 40—he’s not slowing down.
Al-Nassr Crush Rio Ave 4-0 in Dominant Display
Ronaldo led the charge in Al-Nassr’s emphatic 4-0 win over Portuguese side Rio Ave, lighting up the night with a performance worthy of a man half his age.
He had a helping hand from a new face, too—Joao Felix, who made an immediate impact after joining the Saudi club last month in a £26 million move.
Felix set up two of Ronaldo’s three goals and had three assists in total during the match.
The pair’s chemistry clicked early, with the first goal coming just 15 minutes in after Felix’s clever header into Ronaldo’s path.
First of Many: Ronaldo Strikes Before the Break
Ronaldo didn’t waste that early opportunity.
After linking up with Felix near the edge of the box, he drilled the ball low past the near post to open his account.
It was a classic Ronaldo finish—precise, powerful, and impossible to stop.
But the fireworks didn’t end there.
Mane Misses but Ronaldo Saves the Day
In the second half, Al-Nassr were awarded a penalty after a handball by Rio Ave’s Nelson Abbey.
But instead of stepping up for his second goal, Ronaldo passed the spotlight to teammate Sadio Mane.
Unfortunately, Mane’s effort was comfortably saved by goalkeeper Cezary Miszta.
Just 16 seconds later, though, Ronaldo made up for it—again.
He was in the right place at the right time to head in Al-Nassr’s second goal, putting any doubts to rest.
Completing the Hat-Trick from the Spot
Five minutes later, the third goal arrived. Felix was fouled in the box, and this time Ronaldo took responsibility.
He calmly converted the penalty, completing his hat-trick and sealing a memorable night for both him and the club.
Jorge Jesus Begins New Era at Al-Nassr
This blistering performance also marked a strong start for Jorge Jesus, who recently replaced Stefano Pioli as head coach.
The Portuguese manager was brought in with one clear goal—ending Al-Nassr’s drought in the Saudi Pro League.
Since Ronaldo’s high-profile move to the club in 2022, silverware has been elusive.
But with additions like Felix and Ronaldo’s continued brilliance, the mood is shifting.
More Transfers on the Horizon
It doesn’t look like Al-Nassr’s summer spending is over either.
Following the arrival of Felix, the club is reportedly eyeing Brentford’s Yoane Wissa—who scored 19 Premier League goals last season.
Newcastle, Tottenham, and Nottingham Forest are also watching him closely, so it could turn into a transfer battle.
Meanwhile, striker Jhon Duran, who arrived at Al-Nassr just months ago from Aston Villa, has already left on loan, opening up space for another forward.
Ronaldo Stays Put with Massive New Deal
Despite whispers of a potential exit after Al-Nassr failed again to win the league title, Ronaldo put an end to speculation by signing a new two-year contract in June.
That deal will keep him at the club past his 42nd birthday—and reportedly earns him an astonishing £488,000 every day.
Still Hungry for More
If anyone thought Ronaldo was just riding out the final years of his career in Saudi Arabia, his performance against Rio Ave says otherwise.
The fire, the goals, and the relentless drive are all still there.
Whether it’s week one or year twelve of the ‘Siu’ era, CR7 continues to write his own story—one hat-trick at a time.
