Cristiano Ronaldo Clinches World’s Top Goal Scorer Title for 2023

Cristiano Ronaldo is poised to close out the year as the leading goal scorer globally, securing the title with his 54th goal of 2023 in Al Nassr’s dominant 4-1 triumph over Al Taawoun in the Saudi Pro League on Saturday.

The Portuguese forward’s impressive tally of 54 goals in official competitions for both club and country was achieved in just 59 matches. Ronaldo outshone other notable contenders such as Bayern Munich’s Harry Kane and Paris Saint-Germain’s Kylian Mbappé, both with 52 goals, as well as Manchester City star Erling Haaland, who netted 50 goals. None of these leading scorers are scheduled to play again in 2023.

This marks the fifth occasion that Ronaldo concludes the year as the world’s top goal scorer, adding to his previous achievements in 2011, 2013, 2014, and 2015 while playing for Real Madrid. The 38-year-old’s 54-goal feat is particularly noteworthy, representing his highest goal tally in a calendar year since his remarkable 55-goal performance in 2016, a year in which he earned one of his five Ballon d’Or awards.

In response to this achievement, Ronaldo expressed his gratitude on Instagram, stating, “54 — I’ll say when it’s finished! Thanks, team.”

Ronaldo’s latest goal on Saturday, a header from six yards out in the second minute of stoppage time, coincided with the one-year anniversary of his controversial departure from Manchester United to join Saudi club Al Nassr. The victory, which included goals from Marcelo Brozovic, Aymeric Laporte, and Otavio, solidified Al Nassr’s position in second place in the Saudi Pro League standings with 46 points from 19 games, trailing leaders Al Hilal by seven points.