Behind the scenes, however, the aftermath of that celebration would soon take a far more serious turn for Al-Bulayhi, even as Ronaldo’s side walked away with another crucial victory. Cristiano Ronaldo once again found himself at the center of Saudi Pro League drama after a decisive performance against Al-Shabab, while Ali Al-Bulayhi became the subject of intense scrutiny following a provocative goal celebration involving Al-Hilal. The match carried extra tension because of Al-Nassr’s ongoing title fight with its direct rival club. Behind the scenes, however, the aftermath of that celebration would soon take a far more serious turn for Al-Bulayhi, even as Ronaldo’s side walked away with another crucial victory. The Portuguese superstar played a key role in Al-Nassr’s 4-2 victory over Al-Shabab, scoring a second-half goal that restored control during a tense period of the match. The win helped the club extend its lead over Al-Hilal at the top of the Saudi league table. Joao Felix stole headlines with a hat-trick, but Ronaldo’s contribution carried major weight in the title race. His finish came at a stage when Al-Shabab had begun to threaten a comeback, making the goal even more significant in context. The match took a dramatic turn when Ali Al-Bulayhi, playing against Al-Nassr while on loan at Al-Shabab, scored to bring the scoreline to 3-2. What followed quickly became one of the most talked-about incidents of the season. After finding the net, loanee Al-Bulayhi pulled out a shin guard displaying the crest of Al-Hilal and kissed it in front of the cameras. The gesture was widely interpreted as a bold reference to his parent club, which is also locked in a fierce title race with Al-Nassr. 🔥🚨COINCIDENCIA QUE #ALBULAYHI HALLA CELEBRADO CON LA ESPINILLERA DEL ALHILAL?Una corrupción en la Liga Saudí!🤯Al-Bulayhi era jugador del #Alhilal🤯Unos días antes el Ministerio de Deportes pagó las deudas pendientes que el club @AlShababSaudiFC tenía acumuladas!#CR7𓃵7 pic.twitter.com/KtxUK63OUy— ©𝑫𝑪𝒖𝒆𝒔𝒕𝒐𓃵🇩🇴 (@DCuesto) May 8, 2026 The celebration divided opinion immediately. Some saw it as harmless loyalty to his parent club, while others viewed it as disrespectful toward Al-Shabab, the club he was representing at the time. Al-Shabab makes strong internal decision The situation escalated quickly after the match, with reports confirming a severe reaction from within Al-Shabab. Apparently, Ali Al-Bulayhi has now been removed from the squad following the controversy surrounding his celebration, as revealed by Shabab1World on X (formerly Twitter). The club views the incident as disrespectful toward the institution. The removal effectively sidelines the defender from the upcoming three fixtures, against Neom, Al-Ittihad, and the Saudi Pro League final matchday, against Al-Najma. What initially looked like a bold act of defiance toward Ronaldo and Al-Nassr suddenly became a moment that could seriously damage the defender’s standing at his current club. The reports created even more tension because Al-Bulayhi’s goal had briefly threatened to reopen the title race. Had Al-Shabab found an equalizer, Al-Hilal would have gained a massive psychological advantage heading into the upcoming derby against Al-Nassr. Instead, the Knight of Najd survived the scare and sealed the victory deep into stoppage time when Joao Felix converted a penalty to complete his hat-trick. Ali Al-Bulayhi of team AL Shabab FC What did Al-Bulayhi say? Former Saudi international Fahad Al Harifi also criticised the gesture, insisting that “professionalism and respect should always come first, regardless of loan situations or previous club affiliations.” As criticism intensified, the 36-year-old released a public apology addressing both the club and its supporters. He insisted that the celebration was spontaneous and not intended to offend anyone. “I present my apology to the historic Al-Shabab club and its loyal supporters… my expression of joy was spontaneous, without any intention of
Cristiano Ronaldo reached on Thursday 100 goals in the Saudi Pro League with Al Nassr, prompting comparisons with Lionel Messi and his current record in the MLS. Cristiano Ronaldo’s prolific scoring form has shown no signs of slowing since his arrival at Al Nassr, as the legendary forward just hit the century mark in Saudi Pro League play. As Ronaldo joins an elite circle of goalscorers to reach the 100-goal milestone in the kingdom, the feat naturally reignites the debate with his longtime rival, Lionel Messi, and where the Argentine stands in his own quest for 100 MLS goals. With the 2025-26 SPL season winding down, Al Nassr traveled to Al Shabab for a high-stakes clash essential to maintaining their lead over a surging Al Hilal. With the match deadlocked in a tense 2-1 battle, Ronaldo provided the knockout blow in the 75th minute, clinicaly slotting home a left-footed strike to give the visitors a crucial two-goal cushion. The strike didn’t just cement Al Nassr’s status at the top of the table; it marked Ronaldo’s 100th goal in the Saudi Pro League. Since his debut on January 22, 2023, against Al Ettifaq, the Portuguese icon has reached the century mark in less than four seasons, needing just 105 appearances to do so—an absurd scoring rate that averages nearly a goal per game. The statistical breakdown of Ronaldo’s march to 100 SPL goals is a masterclass in consistency: 2022-23 season: 14 goals in 16 games.2023-24 season: 35 goals in 31 games and Golden Boot winner.2024-25 season: 25 goals in 30 games and Golden Boot winner.2025-26 season: 25 goals in 25 games (current campaign). Cristiano Ronaldo of Al Nassr celebrates scoring against Al Shabab. According to Transfermarkt, Ronaldo now sits 6th on the all-time Saudi Pro League scoring list, trailing legends like Omar Al-Somah and Nasser Al-Shamrani. Remarkably, if Al Hilal managed to snatch the title away from Al Nassr this season, Ronaldo could become the only player in league history to score 100 goals without ever lifting the domestic trophy. Tracking Messi’s record in MLS Ronaldo and Messi both exited the European stage within a seven-month window, Ronaldo to Al Nassr in December 2022 and Messi to Inter Miami in July 2023. However, the Argentine maestro has logged significantly fewer minutes stateside, missing a total of 29 MLS matches due to a combination of nagging injuries, international duty, and load management. To date, Lionel Messi has notched 58 goals in 63 MLS appearances for the Herons, leaving him 42 goals shy of the century mark in league play. In his most recent outing against rivals Orlando City, Messi celebrated his 100th official appearance for the Miami franchise across all competitions, bringing his total club tally to 86 goals. When could Messi join the 100-goal club? While Ronaldo hit his milestone with just two fixtures remaining in the Saudi campaign, Messi’s path is complicated by the upcoming 2026 World Cup. However, if the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner maintains his current torrid pace, the “century” remains well within his sights. With 58 goals in 63 league games, Messi is averaging 0.92 goals per contest. At that clip, he would likely need roughly 46 more matches to find the 42 goals required. With 23 regular-season games remaining for Inter Miami in 2026, Messi is on a trajectory to potentially hit the 100-goal milestone sometime during the 2027 MLS season.
Cristiano Ronaldo scored his 100th goal in the Saudi Pro league during Al Nassr's 4-2 win over Al Shabab. Al Nassr traveled to face Al Shabab on Thursday, May 7, for Matchday 33 of the 2025-26 Saudi Pro League campaign. With the match still in the balance, Cristiano Ronaldo effectively iced the game while simultaneously writing his name further into the history books by reaching the 100-goal milestone in Saudi league play. The visitors came out firing as Joao Felix opened the scoring in just the 3rd minute before doubling the lead in the 10th, courtesy of a brilliant feed from Abdulrahman Ghareeb. Yannick Carrasco managed to pull one back for Al Shabab in the 30th minute following a stunning solo run, briefly reigniting hope for the home side before the Portuguese icon took center stage. The decisive moment arrived in the 75th minute when Sadio Mane gathered a long ball from Felix and whipped a low, dangerous cross into the area. After expertly losing his marker, Ronaldo met the ball with a clinical, first-time left-footed strike to extend the Al Nassr lead to 3-1. هدف! ⚽️كريستيانو رونالدو يسجل الهدف الثالث، ويوسّع الفارق لصالح النصر 🟡🔥#الشباب_النصر | #دوري_روشن_السعودي pic.twitter.com/Y2k5DnanDQ— رياضة ثمانية (@thmanyahsports) May 7, 2026 The strike served as his 26th goal of the current campaign and his 100th overall in the competition since his landmark arrival in December 2022. Reaching the century mark in less than four seasons is yet another testament to the enduring clinical edge and massive impact the legendary forward has maintained in Saudi Arabia. While Ali Al-Bulaihi narrowed the gap for the hosts in the 80th minute, Joao Felix put the game to bed in stoppage time, completing his hat trick with a composed penalty in the 98th minute to finalize the 4-2 scoreline. The win push Al Nassr to 82 points through 32 games, extending their lead to five points over Al Hilal, who still hold a critical game in hand. Ronaldo: A persistent menace in the 25-26 SPL Al Nassr have looked dominant throughout the 2025-26 Saudi Pro League season under head coach Jorge Jesus, with Ronaldo remaining a vital piece of the puzzle despite turning 41 last February. While he may be a step behind in the Golden Boot race this year, the veteran striker continues to be a tactical nightmare for opposing backlines across the league. Cristiano Ronaldo has now scored against EVERY team in the league this season 🐐💛 https://t.co/f24qhQdqDS— AlNassr FC (@AlNassrFC_EN) May 7, 2026 According to a milestone highlighted by Al Nassr’s official social media accounts, Ronaldo has now scored against every single team in the Saudi Pro League during this 2025-26 campaign. Though he was held off the scoresheet in the previous 3-2 home victory over Al Shabab back on January 17th, his strike today ensured he completed the “full set,” marking another impressive feat in his storied Saudi tenure.
Despite the recent defeat against Al Qadisiya, Al Nassr travel to face Al Shabab looking to move closer to the Saudi Pro League title. To achieve this, fans are closely monitoring Cristiano Ronaldo’s availability, as he could make the difference with his goalscoring ability. Al Nassr have established as one of the best teams in the Saudi Pro League, standing out for their powerful attack. However, the recent defeat against Al Qadisiya raised serious doubts about their chances of winning the league title. Nevertheless, Jorge Jesus’ team now face Al Shabab, aiming for a convincing victory. To achieve this, fans are closely watching Cristiano Ronaldo’s availability, as his goalscoring ability could prove decisive. After avoiding injuries and suspensions, Cristiano Ronaldo is in full fitness. Because of this, head coach Jorge Jesus will start the Portuguese forward, as he arrives in strong form and could make the difference once again. Sitting six goals away from the top scorer spot in the Saudi Pro League, he could look to begin another strong scoring run, especially with Julián Quiñones in excellent form and threatening to take that distinction away from him. Coupled with Cristiano Ronaldo, Al Nassr will once again turn to João Félix as his ideal attacking partner, as the Portuguese forward has become a cornerstone of the squad. Not only he creates space for Ronaldo in the final third, but he also poses a scoring threat with his ability to strike from distance. Meanwhile, Sadio Mané and Kingsley Coman will also start, with their pace and dribbling may play a key role in securing a crucial victory. Al Shabab are now winless in their last four matches. Despite having stars such as Yannick Carrasco and Yacine Adli, they have failed to maintain strong consistency. Alongside this, head coach Noureddine Zekri has not managed to provide defensive solidity, with the team conceding five goals in their previous match. Because of this, they could struggle against Cristiano Ronaldo’s team’s attack. Cristiano Ronaldo of team Al Nassr FC celebrates scoring Al Shabab lineups vs Al Nassr Following their disappointing winless run, Al Shabab head into the clash against Al Nassr with major expectations. Head coach Noureddine Zekri will be without Mohamed Harbush, Carlos Júnior, and Ali Al-Asmari due to injuries. In addition, Abderrazak Hamdallah will miss the match through suspension, further complicating the team’s hopes. Despite this, Yannick Carrasco and Yacine Adli will look to make the difference in attack, standing as the team’s biggest hopes. With this in mind, they will lineup as follows: 11 LIONS READY TO ROAR 🦁 #YallaShabab 🤍🖤 pic.twitter.com/8c3JwLxnrF— AlShabab Saudi Club (@AlShabab_EN) May 7, 2026 Al Nassr lineup vs Al Shabab Despite the recent defeat, Al Nassr have still shown themselves to be one of the best teams in the Saudi Pro League. However, head coach Jorge Jesus will be without Raghid Alaa Najjar, Mubarak Buainain, and Sami Al-Najei due to injuries. Even so, he still has his biggest stars available, with Cristiano Ronaldo remaining the undisputed leader. Facing a fragile defense, they could have the perfect opportunity to shine. Considering this, Al Nassr will play as follows: 📋 Let’s handle business 💛 pic.twitter.com/XqnrLcbW5Q— AlNassr FC (@AlNassrFC_EN) May 7, 2026
Al Shabab take on Al Nassr in a Matchday 33 showdown of the 2025/2026 Saudi Pro League. Fans can follow every moment with full kickoff schedules and broadcast information, including where to watch on TV and streaming platforms across the United States. Here are all of the details of where you can watch Al Shabab vs Al Nassr on US television and via legal streaming: WHO Al Shabab vs Al Nassr WHAT Saudi Pro League WHEN 2:00pm ET / 11:00am PT • Thursday, May 7, 2026 WHERE Fubo STREAM WATCH NOW Match Overview The margin for error is gone for Al Nassr, which saw its once-comfortable cushion shrink to just two points following a 3-1 stumble against Al Qadsiah. Now, with the title race tightening, all eyes turn to Cristiano Ronaldo and an Al Nassr squad that knows perfection from here on out may be required to secure the crown. Standing in their way is an unpredictable Al Shabab side still hovering near the relegation picture, desperate to grab points and stabilize its season. With both clubs carrying plenty at stake—one chasing a championship, the other fighting for security—this clash shapes up as a high-intensity showdown. More details on how to watch With Fubo, you can watch Al Shabab vs Al Nassr and tons more games. With the legal streaming service, you can watch the game on your computer, smartphone, tablet, Roku, Apple TV or hook it up to your TV with Google Chromecast. Now with Fubo, you can stream USA Network, ESPN, ESPN2, CBS, CBS Sports Network, FS1, FS2, beIN SPORTS, beIN SPORTS en Español, beIN SPORTS Connect, beIN SPORTS XTRA, NBC, CNBC, USA, FOX, FOX Soccer Plus, FOX Deportes, Telemundo, Universo and Galavision. Plus Fubo, the legal streaming service, also streams Liga MX, World Cup, Women’s World Cup, MLS, UEFA Champions League (in Spanish), Europa League (in Spanish), Primeira Liga, Ligue Un, World Cup qualifiers, NWSL, select USMNT games, select USWNT games, select Mexico games, select England games and more. The Fubo app is available for Windows PC, Mac, Apple iPhones, Android phones, Amazon Fire TV, Android Mobile, Android TV, Apple TV, Chromecast, Hisense TVs, iOS devices, LG TVs, Samsung Smart TVs, Vizio Smartcast TVs and Xbox One. If you’re planning to follow more games on this platform, you can check out the full Fubo soccer schedule to stay up to date with upcoming matches available via the service. How to watch anywhere with VPN If you’re abroad, you may need to use a virtual private network (VPN) in order to watch games using your usual streaming service. A VPN, such as NordVPN, allows you to establish a secure connection online when streaming. If you are not sure which VPN to use, check out World Soccer Talk’s guide to the best VPNs for streaming soccer. Free resources available to you Courtesy of World Soccer Talk, download a complimentary copy of The Ultimate Soccer TV And Streaming Guide, which features details on where to watch all of the leagues from around the world on US TV and streaming. To find out when soccer games are on, download the free Soccer TV Schedules App which includes listings of all of the live soccer matches available in the United States (available on Apple iOS devices and Android devices).
As Al-Nassr prepares for another defining moment, developments involving Abderrazak Hamdallah and Yannick Carrasco have cast a shadow over Al-Shabab. The spotlight once again falls on Cristiano Ronaldo as developments off the pitch hand Al-Nassr a potential advantage ahead of a crucial derby. As Al-Nassr prepares for another defining moment, developments involving Abderrazak Hamdallah and Yannick Carrasco have cast a shadow over Al-Shabab. The buildup to the Riyadh derby has taken an unexpected turn, with internal conflict at Al-Shabab emerging at the worst possible time. The club now faces questions about squad harmony and readiness, while its rival prepares to capitalize on any instability. For Al-Nassr, the situation presents a timely boost as the club continues its push at the top of the table. The issue at Al-Shabab did not arise overnight, but it escalated dramatically following a disappointing 5-1 defeat in the league. What began as a disagreement quickly evolved into a wider problem that forced the club’s hierarchy to step in. At the heart of the controversy was a heated moment between Hamdallah and Carrasco during a match. A disagreement over decision-making on the pitch led to visible frustration, which later continued beyond the final whistle. il a bien raison jai vu le match du début à la fin malgré la défaite 5-1 je suis rester et j’ai vu un Carrasco horrible et même les journalistes on confirmer que il joue personnelle l’an passé il était blesser et l’équipe était mieux classé il mérite mieux hamdallah pic.twitter.com/lRtZhKNvek— Hamdallah Sati (@hamdallahsati) May 4, 2026 The situation reportedly extended into the dressing room, requiring intervention from staff members to prevent further escalation. What might have been a minor dispute instead turned into a full-blown internal issue, raising concerns about discipline and unity within the squad. Club responds with firm sanctions Al-Shabab has, thus, reacted decisively, making it clear that such behavior would not be tolerated. According to the Arriyadiyah newspaper, the club imposed a series of disciplinary measures on the Moroccan striker, including exclusion from the upcoming clash against Al-Nassr and suspension from team training for seven days. Beyond the immediate suspension, questions are now being raised about Hamdallah’s long-term position at the club. Arriyadiyah also goes on to suggest that his future could be in doubt, with the possibility of an early departure not ruled out. Abderrazak Hamdallah of Al Shabab battling for the ball This was not an isolated incident, either. SBA Sport has reported ongoing tension between Hamdallah and Carrasco throughout the season, indicating that the clash was the culmination of unresolved issues rather than a one-off disagreement. While efforts are believed to be underway to resolve the situation internally, the damage may already have been done. The incident has exposed deeper issues within the squad, leaving the club with a difficult balancing act between discipline and stability. Golden opportunity for Al-Nassr For Al-Nassr, the timing of this crisis could hardly be better. Facing an opponent dealing with internal disruption, Jorge Jesus and his player have a clear opportunity to strengthen their position in the league standings. Cristiano Ronaldo of Al Nassr. With Ronaldo continuing to deliver on the pitch with 25 goals this season, the focus now shifts to whether the Knight of Najd can take full advantage of the situation. The absence of a key attacking figure from the opposition may prove decisive in a match where margins are often thin.
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