After a 25-day pause for international football, the Saudi Pro League has roared back to life. One Friday night delivered three convincing wins, a headline-stealing goal from the league's most famous player and a table so tight that four clubs are now separated by just two points. Saturday promises even more.
Ronaldo answers the noise
No player arrived with more on his mind than Cristiano Ronaldo. The Al Nassr star left Portugal's camp in Copenhagen after a public dispute with national coach Jorge Jesus, accusing him of an "absolute breach of trust" while insisting he is not retiring. Back at Al-Awwal Park, the 41-year-old let his football talk. In the 23rd minute he pounced on a rebound after a Kingsley Coman counter to score the 980th goal of his career, and Ange Postecoglou's side went on to beat Bruno Lage's Diriyah 3-0, with Samu Costa and Coman also on target. The chase for 1,000 goes on.
Al Qadsiah crash the party
If Al Nassr thought the win would put them alone at the top, Al Qadsiah had other ideas. They demolished Al Kholood 5-0 away from home, with Tijjani Reijnders scoring after four minutes and Mateo Retegui and Julián Quiñones also on the scoresheet. Both clubs now have 19 points, with Al Qadsiah ahead on goal difference.
Summit at the Kingdom Arena
The weekend's blockbuster arrives on Saturday 10 October, when Al Hilal host Al Ittihad at 21:00 Saudi time (20:00 in Italy). The winner will go top. Simone Inzaghi's Al Hilal, armed with a new Premier League attack of Ollie Watkins, Gabriel Martinelli and Crysencio Summerville, have 18 points. Their only setback was a stunning 2-0 home defeat to Neom on 7 September, which ended a 47-match unbeaten league run. They answered with a 6-0 win over Al Taawoun. Al Ittihad, one point behind, are the only unbeaten side in the league, with five wins and two draws under Jens Wissing. "This season we want to achieve big things," said playmaker Houssem Aouar.
Toney's goal machine
In the race for the Golden Boot, one man is running alone. Ivan Toney scored again in Al Ahli's 4-0 win at Al Fateh, taking his tally to 11 goals in eight matches. Francisco Trincão added a brace. The nearest challengers, including Retegui, Trincão and Alexandre Lacazette, have five each, while Ronaldo has four.
Surprises and strugglers
Christophe Galtier's Neom, the side that toppled Al Hilal, sit in the top six with 15 points. At the other end, Al Shabab are still winless after seven games, and Abha prop up the table with two points.
Off the pitch
The league has asked clubs to open one first-team training session a month to fans and media. Al Hilal, Al Nassr and Al Ittihad have pushed back, keen to keep their tactical work private. A compromise is expected to be discussed.
Frequently asked questions
Who leads the Saudi Pro League?
After Friday's games, Al Qadsiah and Al Nassr are level on 19 points. Al Hilal (18) and Al Ittihad (17) meet on Saturday with a game in hand.
Who is the top scorer?
Al Ahli striker Ivan Toney, with 11 goals in eight matches.
How many career goals has Cristiano Ronaldo scored?
980, after his strike against Diriyah on 9 October 2026.
Filippo Toneatti
Editor-in-Chief, Sportallin
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