Cristiano Ronaldo: The Ageless Goal Machine
Cristiano Ronaldo continues to dazzle in the Saudi Pro League, even as he surpasses the age of 40. Last season, he made history by breaking the record for the most goals in a single Saudi Pro League season with a staggering 35 goals. His goal-scoring prowess has not diminished, and he currently leads the league with 17 goals this season, including six from penalties. Despite the strong competition from other seasoned forwards, Ronaldo remains a formidable force in front of the goal. His 11 assists last season and three this year highlight his all-around contribution to Al Nassr, a club that has been a beneficiary of his consistent performances. While the race for the Golden Boot in the 2024/25 season is tighter this year, Ronaldo’s legacy as one of the greatest strikers in the world remains unchallenged.
Karim Benzema: The Comeback Kid
Karim Benzema, Ronaldo’s former teammate at Real Madrid, is making waves in the Saudi Pro League with his early struggles now a distant memory. After some initial challenges in adapting to life in the Kingdom, Benzema has emerged as one of the league’s top forwards, currently sitting second in the Golden Boot race with 16 goals and seven assists. His seamless integration into Al Ittihad’s attack has been a key factor in the team’s success. Benzema’s versatility and clinical finishing have made him a crucial asset, and his performances have silenced early critics who doubted his ability to shine in a different footballing environment. With a strong finish to the season, Benzema could very well challenge Ronaldo for the top scorer title.
Abderrazak Hamdallah: The Seasoned Veteran
Abderrazak Hamdallah, a legend both in Saudi Arabia and his native Morocco, is another notable contender in the race for the Golden Boot. Hamdallah, known for his consistency and goal-scoring ability, has won the Golden Boot three times already and is aiming for a fourth title this season. Currently tied for third place with 16 goals, Hamdallah’s experience and expertise in the league are immense. Playing for Al Shabab, he has been a consistent threat, scoring 13 goals in 17 matches. His 22 goals in the 2022/23 season with Al Ittihad and a record 34 goals in the 2018/19 season with Al Nassr are testament to his goal-scoring prowess. Hamdallah’s battle for the top scorer title promises to be a thrilling one, and his presence adds an extra layer of excitement to the league.
Other Contenders in the Golden Boot Race
The race for the Golden Boot is not limited to just Ronaldo, Benzema, and Hamdallah. Julian Quinones of Al Qadsiah is another notable contender, currently with 15 goals and four assists in 19 matches. His consistent performances have made him a key player for his club. Ivan Toney, who joined Al Ahli this season, has also been impressive, scoring 13 goals and providing three assists in 19 matches. Both players have shown the ability to step up in crucial moments, and their performances have been instrumental in their teams’ success. The tight competition among these top scorers makes the race for the Golden Boot one of the most exciting aspects of the 2024/25 season.
Historical Perspective: Past Golden Boot Winners
The Saudi Pro League has a rich history of top goal scorers, with former Saudi Arabia international Nasser Al-Shamrani being one of the most dominant figures in the early years. Al-Shamrani won the Golden Boot five times in seven seasons, from 2007 to 2014, setting a high standard for future strikers. The bar was raised further by Syrian star Omar Al Somah, who won three consecutive Golden Boots from 2014 to 2017. However, it was Abderrazak Hamdallah who set a new league record of 34 goals in the 2018/19 season, a record that stood until Ronaldo’s 35 goals in the 2023/24 season. The list of past Golden Boot winners includes other notable players such as Odion Ighalo, Bafetimbi Gomis, and Ronnie Fernandez, each contributing to the league’s rich goal-scoring tradition.
Looking Ahead: The 2024/25 Season and Beyond
As the 2024/25 season progresses, the competition for the Golden Boot is heating up, with Ronaldo, Benzema, Hamdallah, Quinones, and Toney all vying for the top spot. The performances of these players have not only added excitement to the league but have also raised the overall standard of football in Saudi Arabia. The continued presence of global stars like Ronaldo and Benzema has drawn international attention to the league, promising a bright future for Saudi football. With several matches still to play, the race for the Golden Boot remains wide open, and fans are eagerly anticipating the final outcome. The 2024/25 season is shaping up to be one of the most memorable in the history of the Saudi Pro League, with top-class football and thrilling goal-scoring action.
