Cristiano Ronaldo's partner Georgina Rodriguez hails Al-Nassr superstar for becoming top scoring player in 2023 - but Erling Haaland could still spoil the party

On Boxing Day, Ronaldo took his goals tally for the calendar year to 53 by scoring a brace in Al-Nassr's 5-2 defeat of Al-Ittihad. No other male player has scored more goals for club and country in 2023, with Harry Kane and Kylian Mbappe both stuck on 52. Rodriguez took to Instagram to congratulate her partner, although she might have jumped the gun slightly.

On her Instagram story, Rodriguez reposted a graphic Al-Nassr published to celebrate Ronaldo's 53-goal haul. She added the caption: "Maximo goleador 2023", which means "top scorer 2023."

Instagram (@georginagio)

Manchester City striker Erling Haaland has scored 50 goals for club and country this year, and with City set to play Everton on Wednesday evening, he is the only player who can catch Ronaldo. The Norwegian has missed City's last seven games with a foot injury, but if he returns and sores a hat-trick at Goodison Park then he will share the title with Ronaldo.

Haaland is doubtful to feature for City on Wednesday, but if he does then Ronaldo will be anxiously waiting to see if he clings on to his lead. The Portuguese star will have one more chance to add to his tally when Al-Nassr take on Al-Taawoun on Saturday.