Cristiano Ronaldo scored his 67th career hat-trick to lead Al Nassr to a 5-3 victory over Al-Kholood in the Saudi Pro League on Thursday, taking his career goal tally to 985 and moving within 15 goals of the historic 1,000-mark.

The 41-year-old Portugal captain scored three times in 15 minutes at Alawwal Park in Riyadh to help Al Nassr secure all three points.

Al-Kholood opened the scoring in the 16th minute through Julien Domingues before Angelo Gabriel equalised for the hosts eight minutes later.

Former Liverpool forward Sadio Mane put Al Nassr ahead in the 36th minute, but Antoin Essomba restored parity before the break to make it 2-2.

Ronaldo broke the deadlock in the 66th minute, tapping into an empty net after receiving a pass from Joao Felix. He doubled his tally six minutes later with a header from another Felix cross.

The Portuguese forward completed his hat-trick in the 81st minute with a close-range finish following an assist from Mane, extending Al Nassr’s lead to 5-2.

Domingues grabbed his second goal of the evening for Al-Kholood, but Al Nassr held on to claim a 5-3 win.

The result kept Al Nassr second in the Saudi Pro League standings with 28 points, level with leaders Al Qadsiah, who remain top on goal difference.

Ronaldo, who missed national team duty due to suspension, also had two earlier goals ruled out for offside during the match.