Pro League,
Round 12
- Venue
- Al-Awwal Park
- Referee
- Khalid Al-Turais
Angelo Borges 24′
Sadio Mané 38′
Cristiano Ronaldo 66′
Cristiano Ronaldo 72′
Cristiano Ronaldo 81′
Julien Domingues 16′
Antoine Loic Essomba Bikoula 45+2′
Julien Domingues 90+4′ (Pen)
Ronaldo’s Hat-Trick Heroics Ignite Al-Nassr Comeback in Riyadh Thriller!
Under the dazzling lights of Al-Awwal Park, a footballing spectacle unfolded that defied expectations and ultimately celebrated the enduring brilliance of one man: Cristiano Ronaldo. Al-Nassr, locked in a fierce battle at the summit of the Saudi Pro League, faced a spirited Al Kholood in a Round 12 encounter that had fans on the edge of their seats from the first whistle to the last. What began as a potential upset quickly transformed into a masterclass in resilience and lethal finishing, culminating in a dominant 5-3 victory for the Riyadh giants, spearheaded by yet another iconic hat-trick from their Portuguese talisman.
The stakes were clear for Al-Nassr: a win would see them draw level at the top of the league. However, the script took an unexpected turn as Al Kholood, under the tactical guidance of former Oxford United boss Des Buckingham, displayed an audacious intent to spoil the party. The home crowd, brimming with anticipation, was momentarily silenced when Julien Domingues, with a clinical strike in the 16th minute, fired Al Kholood into a shock lead. It was a testament to their disciplined setup and opportunistic attacking, catching Al-Nassr slightly off-guard after an early disallowed Ronaldo goal had hinted at an easier evening.
But champions don’t falter easily. Al-Nassr, boasting a formidable array of international talent, swiftly regrouped. The Brazilian midfielder Angelo Borges, showcasing his creative prowess, found the equalizer in the 24th minute, settling nerves and igniting the Al-Awwal faithful. The momentum had shifted, and the home side pressed with renewed vigor. It wasn’t long before another superstar left his mark. Sadio Mané, the former Liverpool sensation, proved his predatory instincts, pouncing on an opportunity in the 38th minute to turn the tide, putting Al-Nassr ahead for the first time in the match. The crowd roared, sensing a comfortable lead heading into the break.
Yet, Al Kholood refused to buckle. In a moment of exquisite timing, just as the referee prepared to blow for half-time, Antoine Loic Essomba Bikoula snatched a dramatic equalizer in the 45+2 minute. It was a sucker punch that sent both teams into the locker rooms with the score locked at 2-2, leaving the second half poised for an enthralling conclusion. The analysis at half-time would undoubtedly revolve around Al-Nassr’s defensive lapses and Al Kholood’s admirable fighting spirit. Manager Luis Castro surely had strong words for his team, emphasizing the need for control and defensive solidity.
The second half, however, belonged to one man and his brilliant assist-provider. Cristiano Ronaldo, with an astonishing 985 career goals now to his name, took centre stage, delivering a performance that reminded everyone why he remains one of football’s most potent forces. The catalyst for his legendary second-half surge was none other than Joao Felix, whose vision and dazzling runs ripped through Al Kholood’s defense. In the 66th minute, Felix burst into the area, drawing defenders before unselfishly teeing up Ronaldo for a clinical tap-in. It was a goal that epitomized teamwork and clinical execution, putting Al-Nassr back in front.
Six minutes later, the Portuguese maestro demonstrated another facet of his unparalleled aerial ability. From yet another sublime delivery by Joao Felix – his third assist of the game – Ronaldo rose majestically above his markers, thumping a powerful header beyond the reach of the Al Kholood goalkeeper. It was a goal born of sheer athleticism and perfect timing, making it 4-2 and seemingly sealing the fate of the match. Felix’s performance was a revelation, showcasing his creative brilliance and perfect synergy with Ronaldo.
But Ronaldo wasn’t done. The hunger for goals, the relentless pursuit of perfection, saw him complete his hat-trick in the 81st minute. This time, it was Sadio Mané who provided the assist, dissecting the defense with a precise pass inside the area, leaving Ronaldo to apply the cool finish. It was a landmark moment, another hat-trick added to his illustrious career, pushing Al-Nassr to a dominant 5-2 lead and sending the Al-Awwal Park into raptures. The celebration was a mix of awe and pure joy, a recognition of living legend at work.
Despite the overwhelming scoreline, Al Kholood refused to surrender entirely. In the 94th minute, Julien Domingues, a bright spark for the visitors throughout the match, converted a penalty, grabbing his second goal of the game and offering a final, defiant roar from Des Buckingham’s men. While it was a mere consolation, it underscored Al Kholood’s commendable fighting spirit, even in the face of Ronaldo’s brilliance. The final whistle blew, confirming a thrilling 5-3 victory for Al-Nassr, a result that propelled them level at the top of the Saudi Pro League, a clear statement of intent in their title aspirations.
Game Highlights
- 16′ GOAL (Al Kholood):Julien Domingues breaks the deadlock, stunning the home crowd with an early strike.
- 24′ GOAL (Al-Nassr):Angelo Borges levels the score, providing a crucial response for the home side.
- 38′ GOAL (Al-Nassr):Sadio Mané puts Al-Nassr ahead, turning the game on its head with a clinical finish.
- 45+2′ GOAL (Al Kholood):Antoine Loic Essomba Bikoula snatches a dramatic equalizer just before half-time, sending both teams in level.
- 66′ GOAL (Al-Nassr):Cristiano Ronaldo scores his first, tapping in a brilliant assist from Joao Felix.
- 72′ GOAL (Al-Nassr):Cristiano Ronaldo bags his second, rising high to head home another superb cross from Joao Felix.
- 81′ GOAL (Al-Nassr):Cristiano Ronaldo completes his hat-trick, converting a pass from Sadio Mané to cap a dominant individual performance.
- 90+4′ GOAL (Al Kholood):Julien Domingues converts a late penalty, grabbing his brace and providing a final consolation for the visitors.
Al-Nassr
Al Kholood
Post-Match Analysis: Resilience, Star Power, and Title Aspirations
This match was a microcosm of Al-Nassr’s season: moments of vulnerability, followed by overwhelming offensive power driven by their star-studded lineup. While the defense showed cracks, allowing three goals, their attack proved simply too potent for Al Kholood. The combination of Cristiano Ronaldo’s enduring goal-scoring ability, Sadio Mané’s intelligent movement, and Joao Felix’s creative genius is a nightmare for any opposing defense. Felix, in particular, was exceptional, his three assists underscoring his pivotal role in unlocking tight defenses and demonstrating a budding, almost telepathic, understanding with Ronaldo. His burst of pace and precision passing were instrumental in transforming the game from a nail-biter into a celebratory procession.
For Al Kholood, this defeat, while significant, is far from a negative. Their performance, particularly in the first half and their continued fight, speaks volumes about Des Buckingham’s organizational skills and the team’s spirit. To score three goals against a team of Al-Nassr’s caliber, even in a losing effort, is a respectable achievement. Julien Domingues stood out as a real threat, proving that Al Kholood possesses individuals capable of hurting top teams. They will take confidence from their attacking display, but the challenge remains to tighten up defensively against the league’s elite.
Al-Nassr’s ability to come from behind twice highlights their mental fortitude, a crucial trait for any title contender. With Ronaldo continuing to defy age and setting new career goal milestones, the belief within the squad must be sky-high. His “unhappiness” rumors earlier in the year regarding transfer activity seem a distant memory as he continues to deliver on the pitch, justifying every penny of his lucrative contract and status as the league’s marquee player. The team’s reliance on his goals is evident, but with players like Mané and Felix also contributing significantly, they possess multiple avenues to victory. This result not only gives them crucial points but also sends a strong message to their title rivals about their unwavering determination.
The Pro League Table
Saudi Professional League
- Position1, 2, 3, 4 : Promotion – AFC Champions League (League phase)
- Position5 : Promotion – AFC Champions League (Qualification)
- Position6 : Promotion – AFC Champions League 2
- Position7 : Promotion – Gulf Club Champions League
- Position16, 17, 18 : Relegation – Division 1
Upcoming fixtures for Al-Nassr and Al Kholood
Upcoming Fixtures : Al-Nassr
Upcoming Fixtures : Al Kholood
Cristiano Ronaldo salary, wages
On financial website Forbes’ all-time list of the highest earning athletes in a year, only boxer Floyd Mayweather eclipses Ronaldo, having pocketed an estimated $300 million (£226m) in 2015 and $285m (£214.5m) in 2018.
Ronaldo was said to have surpassed $1 billion (£771m) in career earnings two years before becoming the most high-profile footballer to move to Saudi Arabia, making his Al-Nassr debut in January 2023.
Ronaldo’s first Al-Nassr deal was widely reported to be worth £14.75m a month or £3.4m per week. His annual salary was said to be £177m per year, made up of £62m for his football salary, supplemented by commercial bonuses.
Ronaldo has a variety of lucrative sponsorship deals, with his recent endorsements including Whoop, video game UFL and cryptocurrency exchange Binance.
Cristiano Ronaldo contract
Ronaldo won the Saudi title for the first time last season but failed to top-score in the top flight for the first time in his three seasons of being involved.
Shortly after Al-Nassr finished third in 2025/26 – 13 points behind Al-Ittihad – Ronaldo appeared to strongly hint on social media that he had played his final game for the club.
He agreed a new contract exactly a month later, having scored in Portugal’s triumphant Nations League semi-final against Germany and final against Spain.
He missed three matches in all competitions earlier this year, with Real Madrid’s all-time top scorer thought to have been unhappy at Al-Nassr’s perceived lack of transfer activity.
Prediction
With this emphatic victory, Al-Nassr has once again showcased their formidable attacking prowess and championship mettle. While their defensive vulnerabilities remain a point of concern for Luis Castro, the sheer firepower at their disposal, especially with Cristiano Ronaldo in this kind of form, makes them incredibly difficult to stop. Their ability to respond to setbacks and turn the tide against a determined opponent speaks volumes. Looking ahead, I predict Al-Nassr will maintain this relentless pursuit at the top of the Saudi Pro League. With Ronaldo continuing to score freely, supported by the likes of Mané and the increasingly influential Felix, they have the star power and the resilience to go all the way. Expect them to finish the season as serious title contenders, likely challenging for the championship until the very last matchday, with Ronaldo easily surpassing the 1000 career goal mark before the season concludes. For Al Kholood, while this was a brave effort, they will need to find more consistency and defensive solidity to climb out of the lower half of the table, but their fighting spirit suggests they won’t go down without a battle in future fixtures.