During a Saudi Pro League match between Al-Nassr and Al-Ittihad on December 26, 2023, Cristiano Ronaldo secured his position as the leading goal scorer in men’s football by scoring his 53rd goal of the year.
Ronaldo’s feat challenges the notion of age limitations in sports, surpassing younger talents like Kylian Mbappe and Erling Haaland.
The Record's GOAT 🐐
He's done it ✅AlNassr Captain, Cristiano Ronaldo becomes the world's top scorer in 2023 after reaching his 53rd goal against Ittihad today 🔥👑
He surpassed Kylian Mbappe and Harry Kane, who scored 52 goals each 👏 pic.twitter.com/AbpoQHo5IA
— AlNassr FC (@AlNassrFC_EN) December 26, 2023
In contrast to his less successful year in 2022, where he scored only 16 goals during an inconsistent spell at Manchester United before relocating to Saudi Arabia, Ronaldo’s current performance showcases an impressive resurgence.
Cristiano Ronaldo’s Performance in 2023
Matches Played |
Goals Scored |
Assists |
| 58 | 53 | 15 |
A double from both Cristiano Ronaldo and Senegalese forward Sadio Mane led to Al-Nassr’s commanding 5-2 victory over Al-Ittihad.
With Mbappe and Harry Kane’s absence from further matches until 2024, Ronaldo is set to claim the top goal scorer title for the year. However, CR7 still has a match scheduled on December 30 against Al-Taawoun, further solidifying his chances.
Across his illustrious 21-year career, Ronaldo’s triumphs include securing the Ballon d’Or five times and leading Portugal to a memorable victory in the Euros, emblematic of his extraordinary accomplishments.
Mbappe and Haaland are embarking on their goal-scoring journeys, yet the road to rivaling Ronaldo’s extraordinary records remains a substantial distance away for the talented duo.
While Ronaldo seems poised to secure this title, Manchester City’s Erling Haaland remains a contender. Haaland trails Ronaldo by merely 3 goals and has two matches left in 2023, presenting a potential challenge to CR7’s lead.
Top Scorers In 2023
Standing |
Player |
Goals |
| 1 | Cristiano Ronaldo | 53 |
| 2 | Harry Kane | 52 |
| 3 | Kylian Mbappe | 52 |
| 4 | Erling Haaland | 50 |
