Cristiano Ronaldo makes statement in pre-season return under Jorge Jesus: Al-Nassr star sends clear four-word warning after scoring vs. Toulouse

Ronaldo, known as much for his mentality as for his finishing, took to social media to deliver a cryptic but emphatic four-word message.

Cristiano Ronaldo has once again reminded the soccer world that age is just a number. The 40-year-old Portuguese icon made a strong return to the scoresheet, netting his first goal of the pre-season for Al-Nassr in a 2-1 win over French side Toulouse. The friendly, held at Untersberg-Arena, served as the Saudi club’s opening match of their 2025-26 preparation, and Ronaldo’s performance stole the spotlight.

While most headlines would normally center on his performance, it was what came after the match that truly turned heads. Ronaldo, known as much for his mentality as for his finishing, took to social media to deliver a cryptic but emphatic four-word message — one that sent a clear warning to fans, rivals, and pundits alike.

Al-Nassr had to work for their win against Toulouse. Yan Gboho gave the French side a surprise lead in the 25th minute, capitalizing on a defensive lapse from the Saudi team. But it didn’t take long for Ronaldo to make his mark.

Just eight minutes later, in the 33rd minute, the five-time Ballon d’Or winner found space in the box and finished clinically past the Toulouse goalkeeper to make it 1-1. It was vintage Ronaldo: composed, decisive, and perfectly timed. He celebrated the goal surrounded by teammates, including Sadio Mane, Joao Felix, and Gabriel, all of whom featured in the starting XI.

Al-Nassr eventually sealed the win when Mohammed Maran scored the match-winner in the 76th minute, ensuring Jorge Jesus’ men kicked off their pre-season on a high note.

What did Ronaldo say after the game?

After being substituted at halftime — a planned move as part of squad rotation — Ronaldo took to social media to reflect on the performance and send a pointed message. “The hunger never fades. Still work to do and we’re just getting started,” Ronaldo wrote on his official accounts.

These four words — “The hunger never fades” — were interpreted as a direct statement of intent. At 40, he remains as driven as ever to compete at the highest level, prove doubters wrong, and lead Al-Nassr both domestically and in continental competitions.

What’s next for CR7?

The win over Toulouse was just the beginning. Al-Nassr’s pre-season schedule will next take them to Spain, where they are set to face La Liga side Almeria at the Estadio Mediterraneo on August 10. That match will offer another chance for Ronaldo to sharpen his fitness and form ahead of competitive action.

Then comes one of the first true tests of the season: a Saudi Super Cup showdown against arch-rivals Al-Ittihad on August 19. A fierce encounter is expected as both sides battle for early bragging rights and momentum.