Cristiano Ronaldo just etched another milestone into his legendary career, blasting past yet another barrier in the Saudi Pro League (SPL). With his blistering form lighting up pitches across Saudi Arabia, the Portuguese icon now sits firmly among the competition’s all-time greats, thrilling fans worldwide—including a growing U.S. soccer crowd hungry for global stars.
Ronaldo’s journey in the SPL has been nothing short of spectacular since joining Al Nassr in January 2023. As of early November 2025, the 40-year-old forward has netted 90 goals in just 91 league appearances, a jaw-dropping strike rate that underscores his enduring prowess. This season alone, he’s tallied eight goals in seven matches, propelling Al Nassr to the top of the table and keeping pace with the league’s hottest talents like Al Qadsiah’s Julián Quiñones.
Diving into the numbers, Ronaldo’s haul places him fifth on the SPL’s all-time top scorers list, overtaking veterans like Mohammed Al-Sahlawi (105 goals) in recent weeks. The elite quartet ahead remains formidable: Omar Al Somah leads with 155 strikes, followed by Abderrazak Hamdallah (150), Nasser Al-Shamrani (126), and Al-Sahlawi. Yet Ronaldo’s rapid ascent—averaging over a goal per game—has experts buzzing about a potential top-three push before the campaign ends.
Football analysts are raving. “Ronaldo isn’t just scoring; he’s redefining what age means in elite soccer,” says ESPN’s Gabriele Marcotti, who notes CR7’s blend of raw power and clinical finishing. On social media, U.S. fans echo the sentiment, with #RonaldoSPLGoals trending nationwide as MLS enthusiasts draw parallels to stars like Lionel Messi in Inter Miami. Posts flood X (formerly Twitter), celebrating how Ronaldo’s exploits boost soccer’s visibility stateside, where youth participation has surged 20% since his Saudi move, per U.S. Soccer Federation data.
This isn’t mere stats-padding for Ronaldo. His SPL dominance carries real weight for American audiences, fueling debates on whether the Saudi league outshines MLS in star power and global appeal. With Ronaldo’s career tally now at 958 goals—edging closer to the mythical 1,000—U.S. bettors and fantasy players are cashing in, while brands like Nike report a 15% uptick in jersey sales here. It’s a reminder that soccer’s globalization touches everyday fans, from tailgates in Texas to pub watches in New York.
Public reactions paint a vivid picture too. Al Nassr supporters chanted “Siuuu!” in Riyadh after his latest brace, while stateside pundits on Fox Sports debate if Ronaldo’s Saudi chapter rivals his Real Madrid glory days. One viral clip from a recent Al Nassr vs. Al Ittihad clash racked up 5 million views, with commenters hailing him as “timeless.”
Looking ahead, Ronaldo’s SPL odyssey shows no signs of slowing. With Al Nassr eyeing the title and continental glory in the AFC Champions League, expect more fireworks. As he chases those elusive top spots on the all-time list, one thing’s clear: Cristiano Ronaldo’s SPL goals, Saudi Pro League dominance, top scorers rankings, and football records continue to captivate, proving the GOAT debate rages on.
By Mark Smith
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