"Not just his quality, but his longevity is incredible" - Premier League legend Michael Owen hails Cristiano Ronaldo

Premier League legend and 2001 Ballon d'Or winner Michael Owen has praised Al-Nassr superstar Cristiano Ronaldo for his quality and longevity in the game. The former Liverpool, Newcastle United, and Manchester United man spoke as a guest ahead of the clash between Al-Nassr and Al-Akhdoud in the Saudi Pro League.

Al-Nassr lost to rivals and league leaders Al-Ittihad in their final league game of 2024 on December 6, with Cristiano Ronaldo scoring his side's only goal in a 2-1 defeat. The 39-year-old and many of his teammates then went on a month-long break.

Michael Owen was on punditry duty ahead of Al-Nassr's return to league action on January 9, and he took the opportunity to praise their captain Ronaldo. The former England international pointed out that the Portuguese forward's legacy is not only for his quality, but for how long he has performed at the highest level.

"Quite incredible, his longevity. Not just quality, but his longevity is incredible. I mean, not many players can play as early as him and continue playing at such a high standard. I know I couldn't; I started in the first team at Liverpool at 17 but was retiring at 33 and you see he's turning 40 very soon. And as they say, always keeping his standards up, which is just amazing," Owen said.

Cristiano Ronaldo hit the limelight as an 18-year-old when he joined Manchester United from Sporting CP in August 2003. The forward has remained on top of his game since, winning the Ballon d'Or five times and scoring over 900 goals for club and country. A month from his 40th birthday, the former Real Madrid man continues to play a key role for club and country.

Cristiano Ronaldo opens account for 2025 as Al-Nassr defeat Al-Akhdoud

Cristiano Ronaldo scored his first goal of 2025 as Al-Nassr claimed a 3-1 win over Al-Akhdoud to return to winning ways in the Saudi Pro League. The 39-year-old took his tally for the season to 11 goals in 13 league appearances for the Knights of Najd.

Al-Akhdoud went ahead after just six minutes when Nigerian forward Saviour Godwin opened the scoring for the visitors. Al-Nassr equalised one minute shy of the half-hour mark through former Liverpool star Sadio Mane.

Cristiano Ronaldo scored to give his side the lead for the first time in the game from the penalty spot in the 42nd minute after Mane was fouled in the box. The Senegalese international scored his side's third goal in the 88th minute to seal the victory.