Imagine the clock ticking into stoppage time at Riyadh’s Al-Awwal Park, and Cristiano Ronaldo, defying his 40 years, unleashes a bicycle kick that sails into the net like poetry in motion. Al-Nassr’s 4-1 demolition of Al-Khaleej on November 23 wasn’t just routine— it extended their unbeaten run to nine games in the 2025-26 Saudi Pro League, blending star power with sheer grit. But the real cherry? João Félix’s playful banter with a pitch-invading fan after his opener, capturing that raw, joyful bond in Saudi football that’s drawing crowds like never before.
Right now, Al-Nassr sits pretty atop the league, their latest romp featuring Félix’s tidy 39th-minute strike, followed by Wesley’s sharp finish and Sadio Mané’s clinical effort before Ronaldo’s 96th-minute stunner. goal.com This comes hot on the heels of Félix’s summer move from Chelsea for around $35 million, injecting fresh flair into a squad already boasting Ronaldo and Mané. foxsports.com The win pushes their goal tally to a league-high 28 in nine outings, per official SPL stats, underlining a dominant start that’s got rivals scrambling.
Why does this matter? Beyond the points, it’s fueling the Saudi Pro League’s global surge— attendance averaged over 20,000 per game last season, with Al-Nassr games pulling in crowds north of 25,000, according to Statista. statista.com For players like Ronaldo, it’s another chapter in his legacy, hitting his 955th career goal amid talks of chasing 1,000. facebook.com Fans get electric moments like Félix’s fan exchange, which highlights Saudi culture’s emphasis on community and passion, turning matches into cultural events that boost the league’s $2 billion valuation.
In my view, this streak isn’t just luck— it’s Al-Nassr evolving into a powerhouse that could snag the title and challenge in the AFC Champions League. Ronaldo’s ageless acrobatics prove stars like him elevate the entire ecosystem, but watch Félix; his creativity could be the wildcard that makes them unstoppable, especially with Mané’s speed complementing the attack.
- Al-Nassr’s ninth straight SPL win, scoring 4+ goals in four of them. goal.com
- Ronaldo’s bicycle kick marks his 15th league goal this season, per ESPN tracking.
- Fan reaction on X: “PUTA QUE PARIU QUE GOLAÇO ESPETACULAR DE CRISTIANO RONALDO DE BICICLETA MEU DEUS” – a thrilled post capturing the global frenzy. @centraldoarabao
What struck me most this week was how Félix’s lighthearted fan moment stole a bit of Ronaldo’s thunder— it’s these human touches that make football addictive.
As Al-Nassr charges on, who’s your pick for SPL champs? Drop your thoughts in the comments— I’d love to hear if you think Ronaldo’s got another trophy in him.