Saudi Pro League talking points: Reliable Ronaldo and can Al Qadsiah disrupt the established order?

The Saudi Pro League is nearing its first international break of the 2026/27 season, with the league table already reflecting some familiar names at the top. Al Nassr recently secured a 2-1 victory over bottom club Abha, while Al Hilal narrowly missed a chance to extend their lead over neighbors Neom. Neom's hard-fought 2-0 win against Hilal set them up fourth in the table and marked their first league defeat over Hilal in 47 matches.

Nassr's win over Abha brought them level on 15 points with league leaders Hilal, while Ballon d'Or nominee Sadio Mane was among the players available to the Portuguese side. Joao Felix, absent due to suspension, was replaced by Ronaldo, who scored twice, bringing him closer to his 1,000th career goal.

Al Qadsiah's performance has been surprising, as the club has managed to compete with the established top teams. They secured a 3-2 win over Al Ahli Saudi, marking their fifth win in six league games and tying them with Riyadh rivals Al Hilal at the top of the standings. Brendan Rodgers took over as manager in December, and his signings, including Julian Quinones, Musab Al Juwayr, Tijjani Reijnders, Mateo Retegui, and Nacho, have helped Qadsiah challenge for honors.