That haul has been achieved in just 35 appearances, with the evergreen frontman still going strong at 39 years of age. He was the world’s leading marksman across the calendar year of 2023, as he found the target on 54 occasions, and is already flying for 2024.

Ronaldo was among the goals once again as Al-Nassr edged out Al-Shabab 3-2 in their latest Saudi Pro League fixture, with the Portuguese superstar keeping his cool to convert from the penalty spot. He was targeted by more ‘Messi’ taunts from the stands, but continues to do his talking on the field.

Ronaldo has scored in all four of Al-Nassr’s competitive fixtures since the mid-season break and is helping to keep them on course for a domestic title challenge and AFC Champions League glory. He has vowed to keep on pushing, posting on social media: “Until the very end! We keep going, no stopping!”

Al-Nassr required an 86th-minute winner from Talisca to get them over the line against Al-Shabab, which proves that everybody on their books is buying into Ronaldo’s way of thinking. They will be back in action on Thursday when playing host to Al-Hazm.