Cristiano Ronaldo’s pursuit of another Golden Boot in the Saudi Pro League has started unevenly this season. The Al Nassr captain missed the opening fixture as he continued to regain full fitness following an extended absence after the 2026 World Cup. His slow start left him behind the leaders at the beginning of the scoring race, and Friday’s result did little to narrow the gap.
Ivan Toney has established himself as the outright leader of the Saudi Pro League scoring charts and strengthened his position on Friday. The Al Ahli forward scored twice as his side recovered from an early deficit to defeat Al Hazem 3-1 in Jeddah.
That achievement marked Toney’s third consecutive brace, following two-goal performances against Al Riyadh and in Al Ahli’s defeat to Al Qadsiah. It also extended a prolific run that began with a hat-trick in the 4-0 victory over Abha earlier in the campaign.
His recent form has taken him to the top of the scoring standings with 10 goals, while several of the league’s leading players, including Ronaldo, have struggled to match his output.
Ronaldo has taken longer to rediscover his scoring rhythm. After missing the season opener, he scored his first goal of the campaign in the 83rd minute of Al Nassr’s 4-0 win over Al Riyadh in Matchday 2.
see also
Cristiano Ronaldo’s pre-match speech reveals his winning mentality as he wanted one thing from Al-Nassr teammates after first Saudi Pro League loss
Since then, however, the five-time Ballon d’Or winner has scored only three times in total, leaving him well short of the pace set by Toney at the top of the Saudi Pro League Golden Boot race.
Saudi Pro League scoring table after Matchday 7
Toney’s brace against Al Hazem increased his lead at the top of the standings, with the Al Ahli forward now on 10 goals through seven matches, six clear of the chasing pack.
George Ilenikhena, Steven Bergwijn, Sergej Milinković-Savić, Iker Kortajarena, Mateo Retegui and Youssef En-Nesyri complete the top seven, all level on four goals.
Ronaldo, meanwhile, is in eighth place with three goals from five appearances, leaving him outside the main contest that Toney currently dominates.