The SPL is no longer a second-tier competition.
A few years ago, people called it a “retirement league”.
Today, it is a fully-fledged tournament packed with world-class talent and genuine competition.
Interest in the league keeps growing. Fans across every continent are tuning in.
Just take a look at the Saudi Pro League broadcasters list — it tells you everything about how far the league’s reach has spread.
America, EU, North Africa — everyone is watching Saudi football now.
This is no longer a regional affair.
This is a global product.
Ronaldo: The Numbers Speak For Themselves
Ronaldo had a stunning 24-25 season.
He scored 25 league goals.
That was enough to claim the Golden Boot.
The critics went quiet once again.
He is 40 years old.
Yet he is not just taking part in the race — he is setting the pace.
Over two-and-a-half seasons at Al-Nassr, Ronaldo has become the face of the league.
His goals and records make headlines around the world on a regular basis.
He is not a legend winding down.
He is an active, dominant force.
Season 2025/26
The long-awaited new season is already underway.
Ronaldo’s scoring rate is slightly lower than last campaign so far.
But the Portuguese forward has a well-known habit of hitting his stride as the season progresses.
Al-Nassr is holding firm near the top of the table, which means Ronaldo will have no shortage of opportunities.
Who Can Challenge Him?
The battle for the Golden Boot is getting fiercer.
Several forwards delivered seriously impressive numbers last season.
- Aleksandar Mitrovich of Al-Hilal scored 18 goals. The Serbian striker is one of the most dangerous centre-forwards in the league — strong in the air, composed in front of goal. His main obstacle is injuries. When fully fit, he is capable of far greater output.
- Marcos Leonardo, also a forward at Al-Hilal, scored 13 goals in just 11 matches at the start of 2025. He finished the season with 17 goals in total. He is only 21 years old.
- Ivan Toney has 22 goals across all competitions in 29 appearances, with 16 of those coming. The former Brentford striker settled in quickly and proved he can compete at the highest level.
Also, S. Al-Dawsari deserves a mention.
The Al-Hilal local hero scored 15 goals — not a single one from the penalty spot.
That proves a point: the league is rich in homegrown talent, not just imported stars.
Verdict
Ronaldo remains the benchmark for every striker in the league.
His experience and drive keep him ahead of the pack.
But the competition has genuinely stepped up. Mitrovich, Marcos Leonardo, Toney — these are not also-rans.
These are legitimate contenders.
The league no longer looks like a one-man tournament.
Ronaldo knows his throne is under threat.
And that is precisely what makes the Golden Boot race one of the most compelling individual battles in club football today.
