Ronaldo Hits 100 Goals as Al Nassr Extends Saudi League Lead

Key facts

• Cristiano Ronaldo scored his 100th Saudi Pro League goal.
• Al Nassr defeated Al Shabab 4-2 on May 7.
• Joao Felix scored a hat-trick for Al Nassr.
• Al Nassr now leads the Saudi Pro League by five points.
• The match was part of the 2025-26 Saudi Pro League campaign.
• Ronaldo reached the 100-goal milestone in under four seasons.

Ronaldo Reaches Century Mark in Riyadh Derby

Cristiano Ronaldo etched his name further into Saudi football history on Thursday, May 7, by scoring his 100th goal in the Saudi Pro League during Al Nassr's commanding 4-2 victory over Al Shabab. The landmark strike came in the 75th minute of the Matchday 33 fixture, effectively sealing the win for his side and extending their lead at the top of the table. The encounter, held at Al Shabab's home ground, saw Al Nassr assert dominance early on. Portuguese winger Joao Felix opened the scoring in the 3rd minute and doubled the advantage in the 10th, assisted by Abdulrahman Ghareeb. Al Shabab managed a brief resurgence when Yannick Carrasco netted in the 30th minute, but Ronaldo's historic goal ultimately quelled any hopes of a comeback. This century of goals, achieved in less than four seasons since his December 2022 arrival, underscores the enduring impact of the legendary forward in Saudi Arabia. Al Nassr's triumph now places them on 82 points from 32 games, creating a significant five-point buffer over Al Hilal, though their closest rivals hold a game in hand.

Felix Hat-Trick Seals Decisive Victory

The match itself was a dynamic affair, with Al Nassr demonstrating their championship credentials. Joao Felix was instrumental, not only opening the scoring but also completing his hat-trick with a composed penalty in the 98th minute, which finalized the 4-2 scoreline. His early brace, set up by Ghareeb, provided a strong foundation for the visitors. Ronaldo's pivotal goal arrived from a precise cross by Sadio Mane, originating from a long ball by Felix. After skillfully evading his defender, Ronaldo met the ball with a clinical first-time left-footed finish, making it 3-1. This strike, his 26th of the current campaign, was the moment that truly shifted the momentum irrevocably. While Al Shabab's Ali Al-Bulaihi managed to narrow the deficit to 3-2 in the 80th minute, injecting late tension, Felix's late penalty extinguished those flames. The final whistle confirmed Al Nassr's crucial away win, solidifying their position at the summit of the 2025-26 Saudi Pro League.

Al Nassr's Dominance Under Jorge Jesus

Under the guidance of head coach Jorge Jesus, Al Nassr has exhibited remarkable consistency throughout the 2025-26 Saudi Pro League season. Despite the veteran status of Cristiano Ronaldo, who celebrated his 41st birthday in February, he remains an indispensable component of the team's strategy and success. His continued prowess, even if he is not leading the Golden Boot race this year, presents a persistent tactical challenge for opposing defenses across the league. Ronaldo's ability to consistently find the back of the net is a testament to his sustained elite performance. The victory also marked another unique achievement for Ronaldo: he has now scored against every single team in the Saudi Pro League during the 2025-26 campaign. This feat was previously incomplete, as he was held scoreless in Al Nassr's earlier 3-2 home win against Al Shabab on January 17th, but his goal on May 7th ensured he has now completed the 'full set'.

League Standings and Title Race Implications

The 4-2 victory has significant ramifications for the Saudi Pro League title race. Al Nassr's 82 points, accumulated over 32 matches, provide a comfortable five-point lead over second-placed Al Hilal. This cushion is crucial as the season enters its final stages. However, Al Hilal's game in hand means the pressure remains on Al Nassr to maintain their winning form. The outcome of that additional fixture could dramatically alter the complexion of the league standings. The league's referee for this particular match was identified as Greek official Vasilios Fotias, overseeing a contest that had considerable implications for the championship pursuit.

Looking Ahead: The Final Stretch

With the 100-goal milestone achieved and a commanding lead established, Cristiano Ronaldo and Al Nassr now turn their attention to securing the league title. The team's performance throughout the season, marked by consistent victories and Ronaldo's continued goal-scoring threat, positions them as strong contenders. Questions may linger regarding the fitness of players like Coman and Angelo, as noted in pre-match assessments, potentially impacting squad depth for upcoming fixtures. The ability of Al Nassr to navigate these potential challenges while maintaining their current form will be critical. The remaining fixtures will be closely watched, as Al Hilal seeks to capitalize on their game in hand and close the gap. The narrative of the 2025-26 Saudi Pro League season is far from over, with Al Nassr holding a significant, yet not insurmountable, advantage.

The bottom line

• Cristiano Ronaldo has now scored 100 goals in the Saudi Pro League.
• Al Nassr defeated Al Shabab 4-2 on May 7, extending their league lead.
• Joao Felix was a key contributor with a hat-trick.
• Al Nassr holds a five-point advantage in the 2025-26 Saudi Pro League standings.
• Ronaldo has scored against every team in the league this season.
• The title race remains open, with Al Hilal having a game in hand.