Ronaldo faces risk of losing his dream as the top striker in Saudi Arabia.

The race for the top scorer title in the Saudi Pro League has become tense, as Ivan Toney breaks through with a new record and puts significant pressure on Cristiano Ronaldo in the final stages of the season.

The race for the crown in the Saudi Pro League is entering its most dramatic phase, and the competition between the two top scorers Cristiano Ronaldo and Ivan Toney has unexpectedly become the focal point. As Al-Nassr and Al-Ahli Saudi compete for the championship, their star attackers are also fiercely competing for the top scorer title.

A crucial turning point emerged in the heated derby that could alter both the scoring race and the championship landscape. What unfolded that night not only propelled one team forward in the standings but also created immense pressure on Ronaldo's ambition to achieve a historic personal milestone. As the season enters its final stretch, the question increasingly arises: is the Portuguese superstar's dream of securing another top scorer title fading away?

The climax unfolded at Alinma Stadium in Jeddah, where Al-Ahli defeated Al-Ittihad 3-1 in a tense "Sea Derby." The opening goal came in the middle of the first half when Ivan Toney neatly finished a beautiful attacking play. Brazilian winger Galeno accelerated down the left flank before delivering a precise cross into the penalty area. Waiting in the 5.5-meter zone, the English striker calmly tapped the ball home, putting Al-Ahli ahead.

The visitors responded early in the second half. After Steven Bergwijn was fouled in the box, former Liverpool FC midfielder Fabinho successfully converted the penalty, equalizing the score. However, the balance lasted only briefly. Former Manchester City star Riyad Mahrez restored Al-Ahli's advantage with a tricky left-footed strike just before the match reached the 60th minute.

Towards the end, substitute striker Feras Al-Buraikan capitalized on a defensive mistake to seal the 3-1 victory. This result continues Al-Ahli's impressive form with 13 wins in their last 14 league matches, temporarily placing the team at the top of the Saudi Pro League standings, above Al-Nassr.

Record-breaking moment

Although the victory in the derby attracted much attention, the significance of Ivan Toney's opening goal was even greater. With this goal, the English striker increased his total league goals to 24, thereby strengthening his lead in the top scorer race. Meanwhile, Cristiano Ronaldo currently has only 22 goals and trails his rival as the season enters its final 9 rounds.

Moreover, this goal helped Toney raise his total direct goal contributions in the league to 29, comprising 24 goals and 5 assists. This achievement surpasses the milestone of 28 goal involvements set by Syrian striker Omar Al Somah in the 2015/16 season.

This means Ivan Toney has become the player with the most goal contributions in a single Saudi Pro League season in Al-Ahli's history, breaking a decade-old record. This achievement highlights the immense impact of the 29-year-old striker since his move to the Middle East.

Direct challenge to Ronaldo's historic ambition

Toney's explosive form not only matters at the club level but also directly threatens Cristiano Ronaldo's personal goal. The Portuguese superstar entered the season with the ambition to make history by becoming the first European player to win the Saudi Pro League top scorer title three consecutive times.

Ronaldo's dominance in recent years made that scenario seem almost certain. He won the title in 2024 with 31 goals and repeated the feat in 2025 with 30 goals. Even at age 41, CR7's scoring efficiency continues to impress the world.

However, Ivan Toney's relentless surge has turned what seemed an easy race into a tense and unpredictable showdown. With only a few rounds remaining in the season, the competition between these two top scorers promises to deliver many dramatic developments.