Ronaldo Hits 100 Saudi Goals as Al Nassr Extends League Lead

Key facts

• Al Nassr defeated Al Shabab 4-2 on Thursday, May 7, 2025.
• Cristiano Ronaldo scored his 100th Saudi Pro League goal in the match.
• Joao Felix scored a hat-trick for Al Nassr, including a penalty in stoppage time.
• Al Nassr now leads the Saudi Pro League by five points.
• Ronaldo has scored against every team in the Saudi Pro League this season.
• The match was part of the 2025-26 Saudi Pro League campaign, Matchday 33.

Ronaldo Reaches Century Mark in Thrilling Saudi Encounter

Cristiano Ronaldo etched his name further into Saudi football history on Thursday, May 7, 2025, by scoring his 100th goal in the Saudi Pro League during Al Nassr's decisive 4-2 victory over Al Shabab. The milestone strike, part of a brace for the Portuguese icon, came during Matchday 33 of the 2025-26 campaign and effectively sealed the win for his side. The match, held at Al Shabab's home ground, saw Al Nassr assert their dominance early on. Joao Felix opened the scoring in the third minute and doubled the lead in the tenth, assisted by Abdulrahman Ghareeb. Though Al Shabab's Yannick Carrasco managed to pull a goal back in the 30th minute with a solo effort, the momentum remained with the visitors. Al Nassr's head coach, Jorge Jesus, has guided the team to a dominant season, with Ronaldo, despite his age, remaining a critical component. His continued impact underscores his enduring clinical ability and significant influence since his high-profile arrival in December 2022.

Decisive Moments and Historical Feats

The crucial moment arrived in the 75th minute. Following a long ball from Felix, Sadio Mane delivered a dangerous low cross into the box. Ronaldo, expertly evading his marker, met the ball with a precise first-time left-footed shot, extending Al Nassr's lead to 3-1. This goal marked his 26th of the current season and his 100th overall in the league. While Ali Al-Bulaihi narrowed the deficit for Al Shabab in the 80th minute, Joao Felix put the game beyond doubt in stoppage time. He calmly converted a penalty in the 98th minute, completing his hat-trick and finalizing the 4-2 scoreline. The victory was overseen by referee Vasilios Fotias.

Al Nassr Extends League Advantage

This crucial win propels Al Nassr to 82 points from 32 games, extending their lead at the top of the Saudi Pro League standings to five points. They now hold a significant advantage over rivals Al Hilal, though Al Hilal retains a game in hand. The result solidifies Al Nassr's position as strong contenders for the league title. Al Nassr's official social media channels highlighted another impressive feat: Ronaldo has now scored against every single team in the Saudi Pro League during the 2025-26 campaign. This 'full set' of opponents conquered adds another remarkable chapter to his tenure in Saudi Arabia, especially as he was held scoreless in the previous encounter against Al Shabab on January 17th.

Context of the 2025-26 Saudi Pro League Season

The 2025-26 Saudi Pro League season has been characterized by Al Nassr's consistent performance under Jorge Jesus. Even as Ronaldo approaches his 41st birthday, his tactical prowess and goal-scoring threat remain undiminished, posing a constant challenge to opposing defenses. While Ronaldo may not be leading the Golden Boot race this year, his overall contribution remains vital. His ability to consistently find the back of the net and perform under pressure has been instrumental in Al Nassr's pursuit of the league title. The victory over Al Shabab on May 7th underscores this ongoing influence.

Looking Ahead: The Title Race and Individual Records

With five games remaining in the season, Al Nassr's five-point lead provides a cushion, but the pressure from Al Hilal and their game in hand means the title race is far from over. The team's ability to maintain this form will be critical in the coming weeks. Ronaldo's century of goals is a testament to his immediate and profound impact on the Saudi league. His continued presence and performance at the highest level serve as a benchmark for aspiring players and a continued draw for the league's growing international profile. Doubts had been raised regarding the readiness of Coman and Angelo for the match against Al-Shabab, but the team's overall performance, driven by key individuals, secured the vital three points.

The bottom line

• Cristiano Ronaldo achieved his 100th Saudi Pro League goal during Al Nassr's 4-2 win against Al Shabab on May 7, 2025.
• Al Nassr extended their league lead to five points with the victory, moving to 82 points in the 2025-26 season.
• Joao Felix was instrumental in the win, scoring a hat-trick, including a late penalty.
• Ronaldo has now scored against every team in the Saudi Pro League this season.
• The match was part of Matchday 33 of the 2025-26 Saudi Pro League campaign.
• Al Nassr's coach is Jorge Jesus, and the referee for the match was Vasilios Fotias.