The reason behind Cristiano Ronaldo’s hugely emotional celebration as he opened his AFC Champions League account

Cristiano Ronaldo delivered an emotional performance as he helped Al Nassr secure a 2-1 win over Al Rayyan in the AFC Champions League. In the 78th minute, the 39-year-old forward curled a stunning left-footed strike to make it 2-0, marking his first goal of the competition this season.

Ronaldo, visibly moved, pointed to the skies, dedicating the goal to his late father, José Dinis Aveiro, who would have turned 71 on the day. After the game, he reflected on the personal significance of the goal: “Today’s goal has a different flavour and I wish my father was alive because today is his birthday.”

Sadio Mané had opened the scoring just before halftime, and Ronaldo’s second-half strike secured Al Nassr’s victory. Speaking about the match, Ronaldo acknowledged the challenge Al Rayyan posed but expressed his satisfaction with the win and his current enjoyment of the game, though he recognized his playing days are limited: “I’m enjoying playing football now and I know I don’t have much time left on the pitch.”

Ronaldo’s father passed away in 2005 from liver failure, missing out on seeing his son’s remarkable achievements, including five Champions League titles and five Ballon d’Or awards. Ronaldo, who was just 20 when his father died, has previously spoken about their strained relationship due to his father’s struggles with alcoholism. In an interview with Piers Morgan, Ronaldo revealed, “I really don’t know my father 100 per cent… To be the number one and he don’t see nothing… it was hard.”

This goal, on his father’s birthday, clearly carried extra meaning for Ronaldo, highlighting the emotional weight of his continued success on the pitch.Cristiano Ronaldo’s emotional performance in Al Nassr’s 2-1 victory over Al Rayyan in the AFC Champions League has touched many fans. His left-footed strike in the 78th minute, which marked his first goal of the competition this season, carried a deeper significance as he dedicated it to his late father, José Dinis Aveiro, who would have turned 71 that day. After the match, Ronaldo reflected on the personal meaning of the goal, wishing his father were alive to witness it.

Ronaldo’s father passed away in 2005, missing out on seeing his son’s incredible football achievements. Their relationship was strained due to his father’s battle with alcoholism, something Ronaldo has openly shared in interviews. Despite this, the goal on his father’s birthday was clearly poignant for him, showing the lasting impact his father’s memory has on his life and career.

Sadio Mané had opened the scoring for Al Nassr just before halftime, and Ronaldo’s goal secured the win. After the match, Ronaldo acknowledged the challenge posed by Al Rayyan and expressed his satisfaction with the victory, while also recognizing that his time on the pitch is nearing its end, stating, “I know I don’t have much time left.” This moment adds to Ronaldo’s enduring legacy, not only as a football legend but as someone deeply connected to his personal history.