Cristiano Ronaldo 'happy' to end 2023 as world's leading goal-scorer, vows to 'try to do it again'

Five-time Ballon d’Or winner Cristiano Ronaldo said he will try to do it again after finishing as the leading goal-scorer in the world in 2023. The Portuguese forward scored 54 goals for club and country in 2023.

The 38-year-old pipped Bayern Munich and England striker Harry Kane (52 goals), PSG and France forward Kylian Mbappe (52 goals), and Manchester City and Norway striker Erling Haaln (50 goals) to finish as the leading goal-scorer in 2023.

Speaking to Saudi media outlet SSC Sports, as quoted by Goal.com, Ronaldo said that he was very happy to achieve the milestone, adding that he will try to do it again in 2024.

“I'm very happy, it was a good year for me as an individual and as a collective. I scored so many goals, I helped the team a lot at Al-Nassr and for the national team. I feel good, I feel happy and next year I will try to do it again,” said Ronaldo.

Since joining Saudi Arabian club Al-Nassr in January 2023, Ronaldo has shown his profilic goal-scoring form, netting 44 goals in 50 appearances. The ongoing Saudi Pro League season has witnessed another Ronaldo masterclass, where he’s struck 20 goals and provided nine assists in 18 games.

Prior to his stint at Al-Nassr, Ronaldo re-joined his boyhood club Manchester United in 2021, following his time with Juventus. Despite high hopes, his second term at Old Trafford didn’t last too long. Ronaldo stirred a controversy when he publicly criticized the United coach, Erik Ten Hag, on the grounds of disrespect during a candid interview with British journalist Piers Morgan.

Consequently, United terminated the then 38-year-old's contract.

Ronaldo's second run at United nonetheless yielded impressive figures, with the Portuguese talisman scoring 27 goals in 54 matches.