Cristiano Ronaldo Sends Defiant Message To His Doubters After Ending 2023 With 54 Goals

Cristiano Ronaldo sent a defiant message to his doubters regarding retirement after scoring more goals than any other player in world soccer during 2023.

Cristiano Ronaldo sent a defiant message to his doubters after scoring more goals than any other player in world soccer during 2023.

Ronaldo ended the calendar year with 54 goals in 59 appearances for Al Nassr and Portugal.

The only other players to score at least 50 times in 2023 were Erling Haaland (50), Kylian Mbappe (52) and Harry Kane (52).

Ronaldo is significantly older than all of those players.

The former Manchester United and Real Madrid forward will celebrate his 39th birthday on February 5.

Many fans previously suggested that Ronaldo should consider retirement following his exit from Old Trafford in November 2022.

But Ronaldo wrote in an Instagram post on Saturday night: "54 – I'll say when it's finished! Thanks, team!"

Ronaldo had earlier marked his 50th appearance for Al Nassr by finding the net with a late header in a 4-1 win at Al-Taawoun.

He has now scored 44 goals for Al Nassr since making his debut in January.

Ronaldo has also scored 10 goals in nine international matches for Portugal in 2023.

Cristiano Ronaldo scored 54 goals in 59 games in 2023 :: IMAGO/Sports Press Photo/Alexandre Neto