- AP Photo/Vahid Salemi
Saudi Arabia – The Al Nassr superstar, Cristiano Ronaldo becomes the year's top goal scorer with 53 goals, surpassing Harry Kane and Kylian Mbappe on that list.
Scoring a hat trick against 10-man Al-Ittihad, Ronaldo jumped past the duo with his 17th Saudi Pro League goal of the season. He scored twice from the penalty spot in the 19th and 68th minutes.
Al Nassr's other goals were scored by Talisca (38') and Sadio Mane's brace (75', 82'). Al Ittihad's two goals were bought by Abderrazak Hamdallah (14, 51').
Pemain Al Nassr Cristiano Ronaldo
- Instagram @alnassr
The additional two goals made Ronaldo has scored 53 goals throughout 2023. He has passed Kane and Mbappe who both scored 52 goals.
"Al Nassr captain Cristiano Ronaldo became the world's top scorer in 2023 after scoring his 53rd goal against Al Ittihad today. He passed Kylian Mbappe and Harry Kane who both scored 52 goals," wrote Al Nassr's Instagram.
The hunt for the 2023 top goalscorer is actually not over yet. Manchester City striker Erling Haaland is Ronaldo's only competitor because Mbappe and Kane have no more matches this year.
Haaland has scored 50 goals, three goals behind Ronaldo. Manchester City will still face Everton (December 28) and Sheffield United (December 30).
Meanwhile, Haaland is still struggling with injury and is doubtful for the two matches. Then, Ronaldo still has one match left in 2023. Al Nassr will face host Al Taawon on December 31, 2023.
