Cristiano Ronaldo honoured his late father with the goal that lifted Al Nassr to a 2-1 victory against Al Rayyan in the AFC Champions League Elite on Monday.

With 14 minutes remained on the day that his father, José Dinis Aveiro, would have turned 71, the Portugal captain scored the game’s winning goal.

During his goal celebration, Ronaldo, 39, raised both arms and raised his gaze to the sky in remembrance of his father, who died in 2005 from liver failure while Ronaldo was in his third season at Manchester United.

After the match, a tearful Ronaldo remarked, “Today’s goal had a different flavour. I would love for my father to be alive because today is his birthday.”
Ronaldo’s father did not witness him go on to win five Champions League championships, five Ballon d’Or honours, or lead Portugal to victory in the 2016 European Championship.

Ronaldo stated he doesn’t have “much time left” in his playing career, making him the first men’s player in history to reach 900 goals last month.

Cristiano Ronaldo honoured his late father by dedicating his winning goal. Al Nassr“I still love playing football and I know I don’t have much time left on the pitch,” he stated.

“I’m used to breaking records because they’re a part of who I am. Not winning prizes or being regarded as the best player is what matters most. Enjoying yourself and contributing to the national team and club is what matters most.

“I’ve felt pressure since the first day and I think I will feel it until the last.”
Since leaving Manchester United in acrimonious fashion and joining Al Nassr in December 2022, Ronaldo has only won one championship—the Arab Club Champions Cup.

The player’s deal with Al Nassr runs through June 2025. He was formerly with Real Madrid. After five games, Al Nassr is fourth in the Saudi Pro League rankings. On Saturday, they will play Al-Orobah FC.