Cristiano Ronaldo, crowned 2023’s top goalscorer, has set himself the ambitious aim of replicating his impressive feat in 2024.

Ronaldo scored 54 goals for club and country

Al-Nassr captain scored fourth goal in win over Al-Taawoun

Al-Nassr now sit in second place

WHAT HAPPENED?

Ronaldo scored his 54th goal of 2023 in Al-Nassr’s 4-1 win over Al-Taawoun as his side closed the gap on league leaders Al-Hilal to seven points. Ronaldo’s strike took him two clear of Bayern Munich and England’s Harry Kane as well as PSG and France’s Kylian Mbappe (both scored 52). Speaking after the match, the Portuguese icon then set himself the target of being at the top of the pile again next year.

GettyWHAT RONALDO SAID

In an interview with Saudi outlet SSC Sports, Ronaldo said: “I’m very happy, it was a good year for me as an individual and as a collective. I scored so many goals, I helped the team a lot at Al-Nassr and for the national team. I feel good, I feel happy and next year I will try to do it again.”

THE BIGGER PICTURE

Ronaldo has scored goals wherever he has played and has continued in the same fashion since joining Al-Nassr last December. Despite being axed by Erik ten Hag at Manchester United, the 38-year-old’s goalscoring instincts have not deserted him and he has continued to rack up goal after goal in Saudi Arabia, as well as for the Portugal national team.

Getty ImagesWHAT NEXT FOR RONALDO?

Ronaldo and Al-Nassr return to action against their domestic rivals, Al-Feiha, in the Asian Champions League on February 12, as the continent breaks for the 2023 Asian Cup. Ronaldo will be hoping to propel his side to their first title in the tournament and add yet another trophy to his vast collection.