João Félix

Cristiano Ronaldo on alert as Jorge Jesus reveals reason for Sadio Mane’s absence from Al Nassr match

worldsoccertalk.com · 3 days ago

Cristiano Ronaldo felt the absence of Sadio Mane in Al Nassr’s recent defeat, and head coach Jorge Jesus later revealed the reason behind the winger's exclusion from the lineup. Cristiano Ronaldo was in the lineup as Al Nassr saw their historic winning streak snapped against Al Qadsiah, a match in which star winger Sadio Mane was a notable scratch. Following the loss, head coach Jorge Jesus detailed the reasons behind the star’s sudden absence from Sunday’s contest. Despite traveling with the squad to Dammam’s Prince Saud Bin Jalawi Stadium, Mane was dropped from the roster due to a last-minute complication. The move forced Jesus to shuffle his attacking line, deploying Angelo on the left wing. However, both Angelo and Kingsley Coman failed to make an impact out wide, struggling to provide service to Ronaldo in the center forward position. The gamble ultimately did not pay off; Angelo was often forced into defensive areas with far less influence than his Senegalese counterpart and was eventually substituted due to injury in the 76th minute. Al Nassr insider Ali Alabdallh later reported that Mane felt a localized pain that prevented him from taking the pitch against Al Qadsiah. When asked for specifics during the post-match press conference, Jesus provided insight into his selection process: “I chose not to include Mane in the squad. He’s one of the players in Al Nassr that has played the most matches, and was also one of the players attacked on the weekend caught by the flu upon returning from a team trip, and had some difficulties.“ «اليوم قررت عدم إشراك ماني، في نهاية الأسبوع الماضي هو من بين اللاعبين الذين تعرضوا لإنفلونزا ولعب رغم الصعوبات الكبيرة.» 🟡جورجي جيسوس، مدرب ⁦@AlNassrFC⁩، يجيب على سؤال صحفي «ثمانية» نواف العقيّل ⁦@nawaf__oga في المؤتمر الصحفي بعد مواجهة ⁧#القادسية_النصر⁩ 🎙️… pic.twitter.com/82GO1Q661Y— رياضة ثمانية (@thmanyahsports) May 4, 2026 While the bold decision to rest the winger coincided with the end of the club’s 20-game winning streak, Jorge Jesus stood by his move. “I looked for a fresher player down the left, so I took the decision for Mane to not play. We’ve already rested several players, including Cristiano Ronaldo and Joao Felix,” the Portuguese boss concluded. Mane: Al Nassr’s talisman in the 2025-26 season In terms of pure minutes for Al Nassr, Cristiano Ronaldo ranks 7th (2,814′) and has seen significantly more club action than Mane, who sits in 11th (2,360′), according to Transfermarkt. However, the 646 minutes Mane logged for Senegal during the mid-season AFCON have made him one of the most-used players in the world this season. When he is available, he has proven to be a lucky charm for the Saudi side. To date, Mane has appeared in 32 matches for Al Nassr across all competitions, tallying 13 goals and eight assists. While his raw stats may trail those of Ronaldo, Felix, or Coman, the team’s success rate with him is undeniable: Al Nassr has won 31 of the 32 games Mane has played. Without him, the club has struggled through 13 matches with a record of seven wins, one draw, and five defeats. Simakan and Angelo under the spotlight Following Sunday’s loss, Jorge Jesus granted the squad a rest day to recover from a dense schedule involving the AFC Champions League Two and the Saudi Pro League. As the team prepares to return to training on Tuesday, the health of Mohamed Simakan and Angelo will be the primary focus. According to Al Arriyadiyah, the medical staff will brief the technical team on the results of examinations for both players before training begins. Simakan and Angelo both sustained injuries during Sunday’s match; while Simakan managed to play until the final whistle, Angelo was forced off early. Their recovery will be critical as Al Nassr enters the final stretch of the title race.

Cristiano Ronaldo rallies Al Nassr after winning streak ends with ‘one mission’ message in 3-1 loss to Al Qadsiah

worldsoccertalk.com · 4 days ago

After a humbling 3-1 defeat against Al Qadsiah, Cristiano Ronaldo made a ‘one mission’ message to his teammates after Al Nassr's winning streak came to an end. Al Nassr’s record-breaking winning streak came to a halt on Sunday as Al Qadsiah handed them their first defeat in over 100 days. Despite the 3-1 setback in Saudi Pro League action, Cristiano Ronaldo sent a motivational message to his teammates as they enter the final sprint of the title race. Mohammed Abu Al-Shamat opened the scoring for Al Qadsiah before Joao Felix found the equalizer in the 39th minute. However, the tide turned in the second half, with Musab Al Juwayr and Mexico international Julian Quinones finding the net to seal the result against an Al Nassr side that appeared to run out of ideas. Ronaldo remained vocal after the match despite being unable to find the back of the net himself. “One mission. We keep working. TOGETHER!,” the Portuguese legend posted on social media, calling for his teammates to maintain their focus in the wake of the significant blow. While Quinones extended his lead at the top of the SPL Golden Boot race, now sitting on 29 goals, Ronaldo struggled to keep pace with the Mexican star. In a game where Al Nassr found clear looks hard to come by, Ronaldo’s best opportunities came in the 37th minute when he rattled the bar, and again in stoppage time with a shot that grazed the right post. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Cristiano Ronaldo (@cristiano) For the team, the defeat served as a major reality check, marking the first time Al Nassr has dropped points since January 12th while snapping a 16-game winning streak in the SPL and a 20-game run across all competitions. On that previous occasion, Ronaldo’s side also fell 3-1 to Al Hilal; exactly 111 days later, they suffer a nearly identical loss at a critical juncture of the season. What’s next for Al Nassr? Al Nassr remains at the top of the Saudi Pro League with 79 points through 31 games, but Al Hilal, who hold a game in hand, could cut the gap from five points to two when they face Al Khaleej midweek. Nevertheless, the push for the league title still rests in Al Nassr’s hands with only three games remaining. Following Sunday’s loss, Al Nassr travels to face Al Shabab on Thursday, May 7th. That matchup serves as the precursor to a massive, title-deciding showdown against Al Hilal on May 12th at Al Awwal Park.

Cristiano Ronaldo’s club record falls as teammate Joao Felix breaks Al-Nassr legend’s longstanding Saudi Pro League mark

worldsoccertalk.com · 6 days ago

While Ronaldo remains central to the club’s title challenge, Felix has now achieved a remarkable milestone that places him above every previous Al-Nassr player in Saudi Pro League history. Cristiano Ronaldo and Joao Felix continue to drive Al-Nassr toward a historic season, but this time the spotlight has shifted from the veteran icon to his younger Portuguese teammate. While Ronaldo remains central to the club’s title challenge, Felix has now achieved a remarkable milestone that places him above every previous Al-Nassr player in Saudi Pro League history. The latest chapter came during Al-Nassr’s vital victory over Al-Ahli, where Felix once again supplied the decisive moment for Ronaldo. Their growing partnership has become one of the most productive combinations in the league and a major reason why the club sits in such a commanding position. Al-Nassr secured a tense 2-0 win over Al-Ahli, extending their outstanding winning streak and tightening their grip on the title race. Cristiano Ronaldo broke the deadlock with a trademark header after rising highest to meet an inswinging corner from Felix. The finish was Ronaldo at his clinical best, but the build-up once again showcased Felix’s creativity. The Portuguese playmaker has repeatedly found ways to unlock packed defences, and his delivery on this occasion proved priceless. AT THIS TIME YESTERDAY, CRISTIANO RONALDO’S HEADER FROM JÕAO FELIX’S CORNER WENT IN AND THE STADIUM ERUPTED..@Merihdemiral trembled as he watched the ball go into the net. 🤤🤤pic.twitter.com/EzwGFMa1E5 https://t.co/5JxacTK6Lg— The Nassr Tribune™️ (@AlNassrTribune) April 30, 2026 Ronaldo’s goal was his 25th league goal of the campaign and the latest sign that age has done little to slow his impact. Yet the night also belonged to the man who created it. The record Felix has broken With that assist, Joao Felix reached 12 assists in the Saudi Pro League this season, becoming the first Al-Nassr player ever to hit that mark in a single campaign, according to Sofascore‘s data. In doing so, he moved beyond the previous club best of 11 assists, a number previously achieved by Cristiano Ronaldo in 2023-24 and also matched in earlier years by Nordin Amrabat. That means Felix has now officially surpassed Ronaldo’s all-time Al-Nassr single-season assist record in league play. It is a major achievement given Ronaldo’s enormous attacking influence since arriving in Saudi Arabia. For a player once criticized for inconsistency in Europe, the statistic signals a career revival at exactly the right time. We have a new top scorer in @julian_quiones3, while Joao Felix takes the top assistman spot alone 🔝 pic.twitter.com/tIVvaVr2YI— Roshn Saudi League (@SPL_EN) May 1, 2026 Career reborn in Riyadh thanks to Jorge Jesus The 26-year-old forward joined Al-Nassr in July 2025 and quickly adapted to life in Saudi Arabia. Instead of being used as a drifting forward, he has thrived in a freer attacking midfield role where his passing range and movement can shape matches. In fact, he has delivered 39 goal contributions this season: 22 goals and 18 assists in 42 matches across all competitions. Joao Felix of Al-Nassr FC celebrating. That makes the ongoing campaign the most productive club season of his career. His previous best came during the 2018-19 season at Benfica, when he first emerged as one of Europe’s brightest young talents with 20 goals and 11 assists. Now, years later, he appears to have rediscovered that same spark. Much of Felix’s resurgence has been credited to manager Jorge Jesus, who repositioned him centrally and handed him greater responsibility in possession. The tactical adjustment has transformed both the player and Al-Nassr’s attack.

Cristiano Ronaldo’s 25th Saudi Pro League goal ignites final Golden Boot chase: What Al-Nassr’s star needs to overtake Julian Quinones and Ivan Toney

worldsoccertalk.com · 6 days ago

With Julian Quinones and Ivan Toney setting the pace, the battle for supremacy in front of goal has taken on a life of its own as the season reaches its decisive stretch. The race is tightening, the margins are shrinking, and once again Cristiano Ronaldo finds himself at the center of it all. With Julian Quinones and Ivan Toney setting the pace, the battle for supremacy in front of goal has taken on a life of its own as the season reaches its decisive stretch. With only four league matches left for Al-Nassr, the race for top scorer has become one of the most compelling storylines of the season. Ronaldo’s latest goal moved him closer, but there is still work to do before he can overtake both rivals and finish on top. Al-Nassr secured a 2-0 victory over Toney’s Al-Ahli, extending its remarkable winning streak and tightening its grip on first place. For much of the evening, the contest looked set to finish goalless, with both sides struggling to create clear chances. Then Ronaldo stepped up in trademark fashion. In the 76th minute, he rose highest to meet a corner from Joao Felix and guided a header into the top corner, leaving goalkeeper Edouard Mendy with no chance. The strike was another reminder of the 41-year-old veteran’s enduring quality in decisive moments. Kingsley Coman later added a second goal in stoppage time, sealing a win that could prove crucial in the title run-in. Huge milestone for Ronaldo The goal against Al-Ahli was Ronaldo’s 25th league goal of the season and his 970th career goal for club and country. It also marked the third straight campaign in which he has scored at least 25 league goals, underlining his consistency deep into his career. Even at this stage, Ronaldo continues to lead from the front. He has now scored nine goals in his last nine matches, hitting top form at exactly the right time for Al-Nassr. His impact has gone beyond statistics, and every late-season goal has helped push his side toward a long-awaited domestic crown. What Ronaldo needs to beat Toney and Quinones While Ronaldo’s latest finish was significant, he still trails the current leaders in the scoring race. Julian Quinones leads with 28 goals, while Ivan Toney sits second on 27, leaving Ronaldo third on 25. That means Ronaldo is within touching distance, but there is an added complication. Both Quinones and Toney have five matches remaining, while Al-Nassr has only four left to play. This gives Ronaldo less room for error and means the race is no longer entirely in his control. To pass Ivan Toney (27) Ronaldo must score at least 3 more goals if Toney does not score again (finishing on 28).If Toney scores once more, Ronaldo would likely need 4+ goals. To pass Julian Quinones (28) Ronaldo must score at least 4 more goals if Quinones does not add to his tally (finishing on 29).If Quinones scores again, Ronaldo would need 5+ goals. Realistic path to the Golden Boot Because both rivals have an extra fixture, Ronaldo probably needs: A strong finish of four to six goals in his last four matchesPlus, at least one of Toney or Quinones cooling off significantly View this post on Instagram A post shared by Roshn Saudi League (@spl_en) Why it is still possible Few players are better equipped for a late scoring surge than Ronaldo. He remains Al-Nassr’s focal point in attack, takes penalties, and is receiving regular service from creators such as Joao Felix and Coman. His recent form also suggests momentum is with him. A player scoring at nearly one goal per game is always dangerous, especially when confidence is high. Ronaldo has built his career on thriving under pressure, and this final stretch presents another chance to prove it.

Cristiano Ronaldo reaches 157 header goals as Saudi Pro League title dream nears reality: How many has Lionel Messi scored so far?

worldsoccertalk.com · 6 days ago

The race toward soccer immortality has taken another dramatic turn as Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi continue to define modern soccer in very different ways. The race toward soccer immortality has taken another dramatic turn as Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi continue to define modern soccer in very different ways. The former has now reached 157 headed goals in his career while pushing Al-Nassr to the brink of the Saudi Pro League title, and the latter is still offering a contrasting statistical profile that highlights how unique both legends are. Al-Nassr produced another crucial performance with a 2-0 victory over Al-Ahli, keeping the club at the top of the Saudi Pro League with only four matches left. Ronaldo once again made the difference, opening the scoring with a trademark header before Kingsley Coman sealed the win late on. The match was tight until the breakthrough, but Ronaldo’s movement and timing changed everything in the second half. The result extended Al-Nassr’s lead over rivals chasing the title, with the club now needing only a small points haul to secure the championship. The decisive moment came in the 76th minute when Ronaldo met a Joao Felix corner with a perfectly timed header, sending the ball past Edouard Mendy to break the deadlock. It was another reminder of how effective he remains in the air despite his age. BIG MOMENTS? CRISTIANO RONALDO. 🐐 pic.twitter.com/gUqqD6irel— Roshn Saudi League (@SPL_EN) April 29, 2026 That goal also marked a personal milestone, becoming his 970th career goal across club and international soccer, keeping him on track for the long-discussed 1,000-goal target. His influence remained strong throughout, even as Al-Nassr managed the game in the final stages. How Ronaldo reached 157 headed goals That strike also pushed Ronaldo to 157 headed goals in his professional career, a number that stands out even in a career filled with records. His aerial dominance has remained a constant theme from his early years at Manchester United to his time at Real Madrid and Juventus, and now in Saudi Arabia. The statistics underline how rare his effectiveness is in the air for a forward of his longevity. His ability to time runs and attack crosses has made him one of the most productive headers of all time in elite soccer. How it compares to Lionel Messi While Ronaldo’s aerial dominance has long been acknowledged, the comparison with Messi adds another layer to the story. The Argentine, known for his artistry on the ground, offers a very different profile. Thus, Messi has so far scored 31 headed goals in 1,150 appearances, a figure that reflects a completely different playing style rather than a limitation. As noted in Messivsronaldo.app’s statistical comparisons, Ronaldo’s 157 headers in 1,318 matches far exceed Messi’s numbers, while Ronaldo has also won over 1,000 aerial duels compared to Messi’s 168 in recorded data sets. The contrast simply reflects two soccer identities rather than a direct performance gap. Lionel Messi of Argentina heads the ball Why Messi’s aerial output is low Messi’s game has always been built around close control, dribbling, and finishing on the ground, making aerial scoring a less frequent feature. Standing tall at 5’7″ (170 cm), his physical profile naturally shapes how he contributes inside the box. Still, his 31 headed goals remain notable given how rarely he is used as an aerial target. It is a reminder that even within a contrasting style, he has still found ways to contribute in every possible scoring category.

Kingsley Coman hits career-best scoring form since joining Cristiano Ronaldo at Al Nassr

worldsoccertalk.com · 7 days ago

In the first season playing alongside Cristiano Ronaldo, Kingsley Coman has now hit his career-best goalscoring season at Al Nassr. Kingsley Coman has been one of Al Nassr‘s standout acquisitions of the 2025-26 season, settling quickly into Cristiano Ronaldo‘s attacking unit. The French winger is currently enjoying the finest goalscoring campaign of his career, setting new personal benchmarks in Saudi Arabia. After a disappointing previous season, the Al Nassr board moved decisively in the summer, bringing in head coach Jorge Jesus and several high-profile additions to overhaul the squad. Coman was among the most significant of those signings, arriving from Bayern Munich for a fee of €30 million after spending his entire career in Europe. Even while playing a supporting role alongside Ronaldo in the attack, he has consistently delivered in crucial moments, particularly in front of goal. His goal against Al Ahli on Wednesday, which sealed a 2-0 victory, brought Coman’s tally to 15 goals across all competitions this season for Al Nassr in 37 appearances. What makes that figure all the more remarkable is that it represents the most goals the French winger has ever scored in a single season at any club in his career. His previous personal best had come in the 2018-19 season with Bayern Munich, where he managed 10 goals and seven assists in 30 games. That campaign was also affected by a syndesmosis ligament tear that sidelined him for 19 matches, limiting what might have otherwise been an even more productive year. Cristiano Ronaldo of Al-Nassr celebrates with teammate Kingsley Coman. Since arriving in Riyadh, however, Coman has wasted no time in establishing himself as a key figure. With 15 goals and 11 assists across 37 appearances, totaling 26 direct goal contributions, he sits as the third-highest scorer and creator in the squad, reflecting a role that extends well beyond that of a pure wide attacker. Al Nassr and a more democratic goalscoring record Throughout the 2025-26 campaign, Al Nassr have asserted themselves as one of the most dominant sides not only in Saudi Arabia but across the Asian continent, sitting atop the Saudi Pro League and reaching the AFC Champions League Two final. Their goalscoring, however, tells a story of collective effort rather than individual dominance. Across the SPL and the AFC Champions League Two, Jorge Jesus’ side have found the net 124 times. Cristiano Ronaldo accounts for 26 of those, representing 21 percent of the total. The remainder has been spread across a potent attacking unit, with Joao Felix contributing 20 goals, Coman 15 and Sadio Mane 12, meaning that just four players are responsible for 59 percent of all goals scored across both competitions. By comparison, in the 2024-25 season, Al Nassr scored 106 goals between the SPL and the AFC Champions League Elite, with Ronaldo alone responsible for 33 of them, close to a third of the entire total. The shift in numbers this season reflects a team that is not only less reliant on their Portuguese superstar but also more prolific overall.

Cristiano Ronaldo on verge of finally ending trophyless Saudi Pro League stint: How many wins does he need and when could Al-Nassr clinch title?

worldsoccertalk.com · 7 days ago

With pressure mounting on chasing rivals, attention has shifted toward exactly how many wins are needed and when the championship could be sealed. Cristiano Ronaldo has once again become the defining figure in Al-Nassr’s push for long-awaited Saudi Pro League glory, while the club edges closer to a decisive moment in the title race. With pressure mounting on chasing rivals, attention has shifted toward exactly how many wins are needed and when the championship could be sealed. The situation is now finely balanced, with momentum firmly on Al-Nassr’s side but the finish line still requiring precision and composure. Al-Nassr delivered one of its most important results of the season with a 2-0 victory over Al-Ahli, a match that stretched its winning streak to 20 consecutive games across all competitions. For long spells, the game was tight and tense, with both sides struggling to break through. The breakthrough eventually arrived through Ronaldo, who once again delivered when it mattered most. In the 75th minute, he rose to meet a Joao Felix corner and guided a header into the top corner, leaving Edouard Mendy with no chance. The strike sparked celebrations across Al Awwal Park, with teammates rushing to the corner flag as belief in the title grew stronger with each passing minute. That victory pushed the Knight of Najd further ahead at the top of the table, strengthening a position built on consistency and momentum. The club has now established a clear lead over Al-Hilal and Al-Ahli, with only a small number of matches left to play. 🚨🇸🇦 𝗔 𝗧𝗔𝗕𝗘𝗟𝗔𝗔𝗔𝗔𝗔𝗔𝗔𝗔𝗔𝗔𝗔𝗔𝗔!👑 MAIS LÍDER DO QUE NUNCA! O Al Nassr bateu o Al Ahli no clássico e está a 4 rodadas do título saudita!⚔️ O principal adversário agora é o Al Hilal! 8 pontos atrás, um jogo a menos e um confronto direto para acontecer.QUEM SERÁ… pic.twitter.com/x2cnYnU3E3— Central do Arabão (@centraldoarabao) April 29, 2026 This run has been built on both attacking efficiency and defensive control. Al-Nassr’s ability to win tight matches has turned them into the clear favorites at the decisive stage of the season. However, the title is still not mathematically secure, meaning every remaining fixture carries weight. Breaking down what Al-Nassr needs to win the title The key question now is how many wins are required to officially secure the championship. With Al-Nassr leading the standings, the simplest scenario is straightforward: two victories in the remaining four fixtures will be enough to confirm the title, depending on other results. A decisive clash against Al-Hilal still hangs over the run-in, one that could either confirm dominance or briefly reopen the race. Yet the margin built through consistency has given the club breathing room that once seemed unlikely. Thus, if Al-Nassr maintains its current form, it could potentially clinch the league on May 7, against Al-Shabab, one game before actually facing Al-Hilal. Al-Nassr’s next games However, the exact timing depends on whether Al-Hilal and Al-Ahli drop points in their remaining games. In practical terms, the title is now in Al-Nassr’s hands. One or two more slip-ups from rivals would significantly accelerate the celebrations. What comes next for Al-Nassr The remaining fixtures will define the season. Each match now carries the weight of a potential title-clinching moment, with the squad aware that consistency is the final hurdle. Al-Nassr must avoid any slip-ups as the pressure increases. Rival results will also play a role, but the club’s advantage means control is largely in their own hands. The final stretch will test focus, discipline, and endurance more than anything else.

Cristiano Ronaldo fires six-word warning shot at Al-Ahli and Al-Hilal after scoring 970th goal and edging closer to first Saudi Pro League title with Al-Nassr

worldsoccertalk.com · last week

The club’s latest victory over Al-Ahli reinforced its dominance, while the Portuguese forward once again stood at the center of a result that pushed the title closer. Cristiano Ronaldo continues to shape the Saudi Pro League title race with Al-Nassr, as momentum builds toward a decisive end to the season. The club’s latest victory over Al-Ahli reinforced its dominance, while the Portuguese forward once again stood at the center of a result that pushed the title closer. In the aftermath, Cristiano Ronaldo sent a six-word warning message to rivals Al-Ahli and Al-Hilal. That message came after another defining night in Riyadh, where Al-Nassr strengthened its grip on the top of the table and extended a remarkable run of form. Al-Nassr defeated Al-Ahli 2-0 in a match that had far more weight than the scoreline alone suggests. The club moved eight points clear of Al-Hilal and 13 ahead of Al-Ahli, creating a gap that now places it firmly in control of the title race. The breakthrough came in the 76th minute when Cristiano Ronaldo rose highest to meet a Joao Felix corner and directed a powerful header into the net. The finish broke a tight contest and shifted the momentum entirely in favor of the home side. Al-Ahli had earlier threatened through Merih Demiral and Riyad Mahrez, but neither opportunity changed the rhythm of the match. Once Ronaldo struck, the game tilted decisively toward Al-Nassr’s control. Kingsley Coman added the second goal in the 90th minute after a sharp attacking sequence that exposed Al-Ahli on the break. The finish confirmed a result built on patience rather than sustained attacking pressure. This result also extended the Knight of Najd’s winning run to 20 consecutive matches in all competitions, a streak that has become central to its title push. The message that summed up the moment After the final whistle, the tone of confidence became even clearer. Ronaldo took to social media with a short but powerful statement: “YALLA [Let’s go in Arabic]!! WE ARE AL NASSR!!” The six-word message carried more than celebration. It felt like a signal to both Al-Ahli and Al-Hilal that the title race is slipping away, and that Al-Nassr believes the job is nearly complete. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Cristiano Ronaldo (@cristiano) Historic milestone for Ronaldo The goal itself added another layer to Ronaldo’s legacy. It marked the 970th goal of his professional career, a number that continues to underline his longevity and consistency at the highest level. He also reached 25 league goals for the season, maintaining his push for another Golden Boot. With nine goals in his last nine matches, his form has arrived at exactly the right moment for Al-Nassr’s title charge. What’s more, Al-Nassr’s victory created a clearer separation at the top of the Saudi Pro League table. With only a handful of matches remaining, the club now controls its own destiny in the race for the championship. Al-Hilal remains mathematically in contention, but the gap places significant pressure on any remaining fixtures. Al-Ahli, despite a strong form earlier in the season, now sit further back and face an increasingly difficult path.

Video: Cristiano Ronaldo scores header for Al Nassr in key Saudi Pro League match vs Al Ahli

worldsoccertalk.com · last week

Al Nassr took the lead against Al Ahli in the Saudi Pro League thanks to a goal from Cristiano Ronaldo. Al Nassr faced one of their toughest tests in the final stretch of the Saudi Pro League on Wednesday, going up against another of the country’s top teams in Al Ahli. However, Cristiano Ronaldo broke the deadlock with a precise header. For 76 minutes, the match had been tight and difficult for both sides. Each team’s defensive structure neutralized the attacking talent on the field, and clear scoring chances were few and far between. Ronaldo had a golden opportunity in the first half, when a through ball put him one-on-one with goalkeeper Edouard Mendy. However, as he tried to get past the opponent, the forward lost his angle and ended up delivering an off-target cross. In the second half, CR7 got his chance and made it count, scoring the opener with a well-placed header following a corner kick taken by Joao Felix. The goal gave Al Nassr the composure to control the tempo in the closing stages, with the pressure now shifting onto the visitors. That was Cristiano’s 99th Saudi Pro League goal.pic.twitter.com/gVQf8FNjOj— Al Nassr Zone (@TheNassrZone) April 29, 2026 With that scenario unfolding, Jorge Jesus’ side showed their quality and sealed the result in the final stretch of the match. Following a corner kick, Kingsley Coman collected the ball inside the box and scored the second goal with a powerful right-footed strike. Al Nassr are closing in on the title With Wednesday’s 2-0 win over Al Ahli, Al Nassr took a major step in their pursuit of the Saudi Pro League title. They now sit top of the standings with 79 points, eight ahead of Al Hilal, who have a game in hand. That means that, even in the worst-case scenario, the gap between the two sides would be five points. With only four matches remaining in the season, Al Nassr’s chances of securing the title are extremely high. Still, they cannot afford to relax, as one of those final four fixtures will be against Al Hilal, where that advantage will be directly on the line. Ronaldo closes in on 1,000 goals The goal against Al Ahli brought Cristiano Ronaldo even closer to the 1,000-goal milestone in his professional career. He now has 970, leaving him just 30 goals short of a mark no other player has ever reached in the history of soccer. Additionally, in the Saudi Pro League scoring chart, the Portuguese forward remains firmly in the race despite having missed a month of action due to a muscle injury. With 25 goals, Ronaldo currently sits third, two behind Al Ahli’s Ivan Toney and three behind the leader, Al Qadsiah’s Julian Quinones.

Is Cristiano Ronaldo playing? Confirmed lineups for Al-Nassr vs Al-Ahli in the Saudi Pro League

worldsoccertalk.com · last week

Both clubs enter this encounter in strong form, but one major selection call remains the talking point before the ball is even kicked. The spotlight once again falls on Cristiano Ronaldo as anticipation builds around a defining clash between Al-Nassr and Al-Ahli, a massive Saudi Pro League fixture that could shape the direction of the title race. Both clubs enter this encounter in strong form, but one major selection call remains the talking point before the ball is even kicked. This key clash arrives at a crucial stage of the season, with Al-Nassr sitting top of the table and pushing toward a decisive step in the title race. The club has built its campaign on consistency and dominance, while Al-Ahli remains firmly in the top three and determined to disrupt that momentum. Al-Nassr holds a commanding position with 76 points, while Al-Ahli has gathered 66 points with a game in hand, making this encounter a potential turning point. The added edge comes from the Royals’ 3-2 victory in the reverse fixture, a result still remembered as a warning that the league leaders are not untouchable. However, Ronaldo and his teammates arrive on an extraordinary 19-match winning streak across all competitions, a run that has defined their season. At home, the club has been even stronger, winning 13 of 14 league matches, turning Al Awwal Park into a near-impenetrable fortress. On the other hand, Al-Ahli travels to Riyadh in a confident mood, sitting third in the standings and coming off strong recent form. The club has won four of its last five matches, while also carrying momentum from its continental success. With names like Edouard Mendy, Riyad Mahrez, and Ivan Toney, the club blends experience and firepower in a way that can punish any lapse in concentration. Will Ronaldo play? As the buildup intensifies, attention inevitably turns back to Cristiano Ronaldo. In fact, Ronaldo will start and lead the line alongside Joao Felix, forming one of the most dangerous attacking pairings in the league. Mane and Coman will likely provide width, while the Portuguese duo operates centrally, aiming to break down a disciplined opponent. Cristiano Ronaldo of Al-Nassr (R) and Joao Felix of Al-Nassr (L Al-Nassr vs Al-Ahli: Confirmed lineups Al-Nassr confirmed XI (4-4-2): Bento; Boushal, Simakan, Al-Amri, Martinez; Coman, Al-Khaibari, Brozovic, Mane; Joao Felix, Cristiano Ronaldo. Al-Ahli confirmed XI (4-3-3): Mendy; Majrashi, Demiral, Ibanez, Hawsawi; Edoa, Aljohani, Kessie; Galeno, Toney, Mahrez.

Atlético Madrid forward João Félix joins Chelsea on loan until end of season

cnn.com · 3 years ago