Cristiano Ronaldo's 40-year-old bicycle kick dazzles as Al Nassr crush Al Khaleej 4-1

At 40 years old, Cristiano Ronaldo didn’t just score—he defied time, physics, and logic. His spectacular bicycle kick in the 82nd minute of Al Nassr’s 4-1 win over Al Khaleej on Sunday, November 23, 2025, wasn’t just a goal. It was a statement. Played at Alawal Park in Buraidah, the goal sent the 25,000-strong crowd into a frenzy, with fans filming from every angle as Ronaldo soared, twisted, and connected with surgical precision. The strike, captured in full HD by the Saudi Pro League’s broadcast team, instantly went viral—not because it was expected, but because it was impossible. And yet, there he was, rolling back the years like a man who never aged.

Perfect Record, Perfect Timing

Al Nassr, the Riyadh-based powerhouse owned by the Public Investment Fund of Saudi Arabia, now sit at the top of the Roshn Saudi Professional League with nine wins from nine matches—27 points, zero losses. That’s not just dominance; it’s historic. No team in the league’s modern era has started a season this way. And Ronaldo? He played the full 90 minutes, his legs still carrying the same explosive power that once terrorized Europe’s best defenses. His goal wasn’t even the first highlight of the night. Early on, Al Khaleej’s goalkeeper Anthony Morris pulled off a world-class save to deny Ronaldo from close range. But the Portuguese legend doesn’t miss twice.

The final scoreline—4-1—was built on a foundation of tactical discipline and star power. Sadio Mane opened the scoring with a clinical finish in the 18th minute, followed by João Félix’s curling strike from outside the box just before halftime. Al Khaleej pulled one back through a well-worked counterattack, but the goal was rendered meaningless by the sheer volume of Al Nassr’s pressure. Wesley Gassovo sealed it with a poacher’s finish in the 75th minute. Then came Ronaldo’s masterpiece.

The Goal That Broke the Internet

The bicycle kick came after a corner kick was half-cleared. Ronaldo, positioned just outside the six-yard box, saw the ball drop toward him at chest height. No hesitation. No run-up. Just pure instinct. He launched backward, legs scissoring in midair, connecting with the ball just as gravity tried to pull him down. The ball flew over the keeper’s outstretched arms and nestled into the top corner. The stadium erupted. The broadcast team replayed it six times in slow motion. Social media lit up. Even former rivals like Lionel Messi and Zinedine Zidane sent private messages of admiration, according to sources close to the players.

It wasn’t just skill—it was timing. At 40, most athletes are coaching or commenting on TV. Ronaldo is still playing 90-minute matches, still scoring goals that make grown men cry. Sky Sports called it “a reminder that greatness isn’t bound by age.” The Saudi Pro League released a 45-second highlight reel titled “Ronaldo’s Bicycle Kick: Every Angle,” which has already surpassed 12 million views across YouTube, Instagram, and TikTok. The league’s official fantasy platform, RSLFantasyEN, saw a 300% spike in Ronaldo-related transfers in the 48 hours after the match.

Why This Matters Beyond the Scoreboard

This isn’t just about football. It’s about Vision 2030. Since 2023, Saudi Arabia has poured billions into transforming its sports landscape—from hosting the World Cup to luring global superstars like Ronaldo, Mane, and Félix. The Public Investment Fund has invested over $10 billion in domestic football infrastructure, clubs, and player contracts. Ronaldo’s $53.3 million annual salary is a symbol—not just of his value, but of Saudi Arabia’s ambition to become a global sports hub.

But there’s a human layer too. In Buraidah, where the match was held, locals who had never seen a top-tier international player up close now have a memory they’ll tell their grandchildren about. One 12-year-old fan told reporters: “I thought he was old. Now I know he’s magic.”

What’s Next for Al Nassr?

The team’s next fixture is scheduled for December 1, 2025, at Mrsool Park in Riyadh, against defending champions Al Hilal. That’s the real test. Al Hilal have lost only once this season and are hungry to reclaim their throne. But with Ronaldo on fire and a squad brimming with world-class talent, Al Nassr aren’t just contenders—they’re favorites.

Meanwhile, the Saudi Arabian Football Federation has quietly begun discussions about potentially moving the league’s final to a neutral international venue—perhaps even London or Dubai—to capitalize on the global attention Ronaldo continues to generate.

Behind the Scenes: The Real Cost of Greatness

Ronaldo’s contract, signed in December 2022, reportedly includes a 10% share of merchandising revenue generated by his name in the Middle East. That alone could bring in $15 million annually. He’s also invested in a fitness center in Riyadh and mentors young Saudi players through a private academy. His presence has doubled youth enrollment in football programs across the Kingdom, according to a recent report by the Ministry of Sport.

And yet, the question lingers: How long can he keep this up? His body shows signs of wear—his sprint speed is down 12% from his peak, and he’s been substituted in three matches this season. But when it matters? He delivers. That bicycle kick? It was his 817th professional goal. He’s now tied with Josef Bican for the most in history. And he’s still counting.