Cristiano Ronaldo expressed frustration after a clear handball appeal was denied in Al Nassr’s Saudi Pro League encounter with Al-Riyadh on Friday evening. The Portuguese football icon marked his historic 1,200th career appearance during the match, a significant milestone in a career spent predominantly in top-tier football leagues.

Ronaldo played a pivotal role in Saudi Arabia’s burgeoning football landscape, becoming the inaugural marquee signing of the Middle Eastern league in December of the preceding year. Since then, notable players like Neymar, Sadio Mane, Fabinho, and Jordan Henderson have followed suit.

In their recent clash against Al-Riyadh, Ronaldo’s Al-Nassr sought to recover from a two-game winless streak. However, the 38-year-old forward was visibly displeased when his appeal for a handball penalty was dismissed. Ronaldo was eager to convert the potential penalty, which would have marked his 18th goal of the season across all competitions for Al-Nassr. Despite a momentary glimmer of hope through a VAR review, the video assistant referee ultimately determined no foul play had occurred, leaving Ronaldo astonished by the decision.

Undeterred, the seasoned player rallied and managed to break the deadlock with a first-half strike in the 31st minute. The goal, which eluded the opposing goalkeeper Martín Campana, was met with exuberant celebrations from the home team.

Al-Nassr’s momentum continued with additional goals from Portuguese player Otavio and a second-half brace from Talisca, culminating in a commanding 4-1 victory. This win serves to intensify the competition at the top of the league table, bringing Ronaldo and his teammates within seven points of the league leaders, Al-Hilal.