DON’T mess with the classics.

That’s as true of Cristiano Ronaldo himself at 38 as it is of his trademark knuckleball free-kicks at all angles.

☄️ LE BUT EXCEPTIONNEL DE CRISTIANO RONALDO SUR COUP FRANC !!! pic.twitter.com/aZ1xtAMTdE

— Instant Foot ⚽️ (@lnstantFoot) October 21, 2023

Al-Nassr fans unveiled a spectacular tribute to matchwinner Cristiano Ronaldo, who now has 203 caps for Portugal: Credit: AFP

Ronaldo does it again as his clever free-kick saw off Damac: Credit: AFP

Eye still have it, Ronaldo seems to be saying: Credit: AFP
The Al-Nassr icon showed he can still match his sense of theatre with the ability to deliver a killer line as he sunk Damac.

And his dramatic timing remains perfect too.

The Portugal fontman celebrated as wildly as ever after clinching a 2-1 comeback victory that leaves Al-Nassr four points off Al-Hilal in the Saudi Pro League.

It comes as leaders Al-Hilal reel from their Brazil legend Neymar being ruled out for the season with an ACL injury.

And after Ronaldo planted his 25-yard winner into the right corner, his team-mates rejoiced as if knowing it could be a key twist in the plot.

Fans on social media also lapped up the reminder of Ronaldo’s greatness in a career spanning five Ballon d’Or triumphs, five Champions League crowns and Euro 2016 glory.

Knuckleball free-kicks deprive the ball of spin – enabling the air to dip it home

One viewer said of the latest lesson from the Manchester United and Real Madrid legend: “Cristiano the master of free kicks. Once again proves his class”.

Another posted of his 10 months in Saudi Arabia: “He seems to be having a blast anyway.”

A third wrote: “He’s full of confidence, so he’s trying more things.”

Al-Nassr fans even unveiled a giant “CR7 200” banner of Ronaldo in superhero attire to honour their man’s double-ton of caps – with his international stats now standing at 127 goals from 203 games.

But amongst the many “GOAT” references to his Dam-busting strike, a few observers criticised the defensive wall and goalkeeper Moustapha Zeghba – who only moved to watch Ron’s free-kick fizz past him.

“Where’s the keeper?” asked one cynic.

Cameroon winger Georges-Kevin N’Koudou had put mid-table visitors Damac in front during first-half stoppage time.

But Brazilian attacker Talisca and Ronaldo struck soon after the break to clinch a 2-1 success.