<a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/lionel-messi">Lionel Messi</a> concluded 2025 having achieved the primary goal he set out for with Inter Miami. The Argentine led the Herons to their first-ever MLS Cup in franchise history following a 3-1 victory over the Vancouver Whitecaps in the final. However, his individual performance was also elite, allowing him to lead a prestigious ranking where <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/cristiano-ronaldo">Cristiano Ronaldo</a> is nowhere to be found among the top 10.



The Argentine finished the year as the sport’s top assist provider, recording a total of 29 assists in 54 appearances. This performance proved his playmaking skills remain intact and solidified his status as the all-time leader in soccer history with 407 career assists. This year, Messi recorded 26 assists with Inter Miami, with the remaining three coming while playing for the Argentine National Team.



While playmaking is not necessarily Cristiano Ronaldo’s primary strength, <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/soccer/lionel-messi-vs-cristiano-ronaldo-who-scored-more-goals-in-2025">the Argentine even surpassed the Portuguese star in the 2025 goalscoring charts</a>, recording 46 goals compared to the 41 CR7 managed across all competitions.



On the list of top assist providers, Messi is followed by Al Sadd international Akram Afif, who recorded 27 assists in 47 matches between the Qatari national team and his club. Rounding out the podium is Danish international Anders Dreyer, a key figure in San Diego FC’s inaugural MLS season, who recorded 26 assists in 74 matches.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1920" height="1080" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20251231_BUS_554537_de-paul-messi-2_95063ca6.webp&amp;width=1920&amp;height=1080" alt="" class="wp-image-554538"></figure><figcaption>Rodrigo De Paul celebrates a goal assisted by Lionel Messi. (Getty Images)</figcaption></figure>



<h2>The Michael Olise assist controversy</h2>



Following the final tally to identify the top assist provider of 2025, a situation arose that sparked significant debate. The specialized data and statistics site Transfermarkt shared a ranking placing Bayern Munich forward Michael Olise in the top spot with 30 assists, but there is a catch.


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The selection criteria used by Transfermarkt differs from the standard used by other outlets. For certain platforms like this one, a player who is fouled for a penalty is credited with an assist if the subsequent spot-kick is converted. This same discrepancy affects Lamine Yamal, who is ranked third by Transfermarkt based on their specific criteria.



<h2>World’s top assist leaders in 2025</h2>



These rankings are based on direct passes leading to goals across both club and national team competitions. While specialized portals like Transfermarkt may show different totals due to including “earned penalties,” the standard sports data criteria place Lionel Messi at the top of the global leaderboard.



<figure class="wp-block-table"><table><tbody><tr><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">Rank</td><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">Player</td><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">Teams</td><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">Assists</td><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">Matches</td></tr><tr><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">1</td><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">Lionel Messi</td><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">Inter Miami / Argentina</td><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">29</td><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">54</td></tr><tr><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">2</td><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">Akram Afif</td><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">Al Sadd / Qatar</td><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">28</td><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">47</td></tr><tr><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">3</td><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">Anders Dreyer</td><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">San Diego FC / Denmark</td><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">26</td><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">74</td></tr><tr><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">4</td><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">Xherdan Shaqiri</td><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">Basel / Switzerland</td><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">25</td><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">51</td></tr><tr><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">5</td><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">Rayan Cherki</td><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">Manchester City / France</td><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">24</td><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">66</td></tr><tr><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">6</td><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">Michael Olise</td><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">Bayern Munich / France</td><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">24</td><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">53</td></tr><tr><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">7</td><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">Christos Tzolis</td><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">Club Brugge / Greece</td><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">24</td><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">67</td></tr><tr><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">8</td><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">Riyad Mahrez</td><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">Al-Ahli / Algeria</td><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">23</td><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">60</td></tr><tr><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">9</td><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">Lamine Yamal</td><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">FC Barcelona / Spain</td><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">23</td><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">54</td></tr><tr><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">10</td><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">Alexis Vega</td><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">Toluca / Mexico</td><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">21</td><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">69</td></tr><tr><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">11</td><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">Bradley Barcola</td><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">PSG / France</td><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">21</td><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">57</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>

Lionel Messi Leads World in Assists for 2025 as Cristiano Ronaldo Misses Top 10

Lionel Messi finishes 2025 leading ranking where Cristiano Ronaldo isn’t even among top 10

Cristiano Ronaldo finishes 2025 with no hat tricks: How many did Lionel Messi score this year?

Cristiano Ronaldo’s Nations League win vs Lionel Messi’s MLS title: Who finished 2025 with more trophies?

Lionel Messi finishes 2025 leading ranking where Cristiano Ronaldo isn't even among top 10 - Bolavip US

miniaturas

Since <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/cristiano-ronaldo">Cristiano Ronaldo</a>’s move to Al Nassr in late 2022, the league has seen exponential growth, drawing fans from around the globe and attracting top-tier talent to the Saudi Pro League. The impact has been so significant that FIFA has confirmed Saudi Arabia will host the 2034 World Cup, with Gianni Infantino offering a bold prediction for the league’s future in light of the news.



The Portuguese forward has always been vocal in his defense of the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/saudi-pro-league">Saudi Pro League</a>, even claiming the level of competition in Saudi Arabia is superior to that of leagues like France or his native Portugal. While those remarks drew considerable criticism, Infantino appears to side with Ronaldo when discussing the league’s massive trajectory.



In an interview with Arab News’ Asharq Al-Awsat, the FIFA president stated that “the Kingdom has become a major hub on the global soccer stage” and expressed his belief that it is “on track to become one of the top three leagues in the world”.



Along those same lines, the Italian official continued to praise the rapid growth the Saudi Pro League is experiencing, describing it as “a domestic league with a global flavor”. Nearly all of this growth is linked back to Cristiano Ronaldo’s arrival at Al Nassr, as his signing paved the way for other stars like Neymar to begin their own adventures in the Middle East.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1920" height="1080" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20251231_BUS_554504_cristiano-ronaldo-al-nassr-1_e72515c0.webp&amp;width=1920&amp;height=1080" alt="" class="wp-image-521228" sizes="(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px"></figure><figcaption>Cristiano Ronaldo with Al Nassr teammate Kingsley Coman. (Getty Images)</figcaption></figure>



<h2>Infantino on the 2034 World Cup</h2>



In an official statement, FIFA revealed that Saudi Arabia was the only nation to officially submit a bid to host the 2034 World Cup. As a result, it was confirmed that the country will serve as the host for that edition of the tournament.


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Speaking with Asharq Al-Awsat regarding the selection of the Middle Eastern nation as the 2034 host, <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/gianni-infantino">Infantino</a> described Saudi Arabia as “a welcoming country with a rich culture, delicious cuisine, and remarkable people”.



He also made reference about Saudi Arabia’s participation in the upcoming 2026 World Cup, which will be held across the United States, Mexico, and Canada, featuring a unique format with 48 teams in the competition.



During the interview, Infantino touched on their chances in the tournament, where the team will share Group H with Spain, Uruguay, and Cape Verde. The FIFA president did not rule out the possibility of the Asian side surprising the stronger favorites, much like they did against Argentina in Qatar 2022.

FIFA President Gianni Infantino Predicts Saudi Pro League Will Rank Among World's Top Three

Gianni Infantino echoes Cristiano Ronaldo’s strong thoughts on Saudi Pro League with bold prediction

Cristiano Ronaldo vs Lionel Messi: How’s the race to 1,000 goals entering 2026?

Not Messi’s Argentina: Toni Kroos names Ronaldo’s Portugal among 2026 World Cup favorites

Gianni Infantino echoes Cristiano Ronaldo's strong thoughts on Saudi Pro League with bold prediction - Bolavip US

<a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/cristiano-ronaldo">Cristiano Ronaldo</a> and Lionel Messi have had a great 2025, where both were crowned champions during the year, with great performances. They also stood out individually, managing to enter the top ten of the highest goalscorers in 2025, leaving the race to 1,000 goals more alive than ever heading into 2026.



To achieve the milestone of being the first player in the history of soccer to reach the 1,000 goals mark, it is Ronaldo who holds the advantage and it seems that he will be the one in charge of setting this record in 2026.



The Al Nassr captain scored a brace in the victory against Al Akhdoud for the Saudi Pro League, and then <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/soccer/video-cristiano-ronaldo-scores-to-give-al-nassr-a-2-1-lead-vs-al-ettifaq-in-the-saudi-pro-league">scored in the draw against Al Ettifaq for the last match of 2025</a>. In this way, Ronaldo scored 41 goals in 2025 and has 957 goals in his professional career, leaving him only 43 goals away from setting a new record in the sport.



On the side of <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/lionel-messi">Lionel Messi</a>, the Argentine also had an incredible year with eye-popping numbers where he recorded 46 goals in 2025 across all competitions, thus totaling 896 goals in his professional career. The Inter Miami captain is the only direct competitor to the Portuguese in the race to 1,000 goals, which may have its conclusion in 2026.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1920" height="1080" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20251231_BUS_554482_lionel-messi-1-2_ce1f8c29.webp&amp;width=1920&amp;height=1080" alt="Lionel Messi" class="wp-image-532666"></figure><figcaption>Lionel Messi #10 of Inter Miami CF celebrates after scoring a goal. (Getty Images)</figcaption></figure>



Despite recording impressive numbers in 2025, they remained far behind Kylian Mbappe in the year’s scoring charts. The Real Madrid forward dominated the nets, recording 66 goals across all competitions and finishing as the year’s top goalscorer.



<h2>Ronaldo and Messi’s primary objectives for 2026</h2>


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Looking ahead to 2026, Cristiano Ronaldo enters the year with a clear set of high-stakes goals. At 40 years old, and having frequently hinted at his eventual retirement, the Portuguese icon is likely facing his final opportunity to capture the one trophy that has eluded him: the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Leading Portugal into North America, Ronaldo will aim to secure the ultimate prize for his country after a lifetime of record-breaking success.



Beyond the international stage, Ronaldo remains hungry for his first official piece of silverware with Al Nassr. Since arriving in Saudi Arabia in late 2022, he has yet to lift an official trophy. While he led the club to an Arab Club Champions Cup victory in 2023, that tournament is classified as an exhibition by FIFA and the AFC.



On the other side of the legendary rivalry, Lionel Messi heads into 2026 at age 38 with a historic mission of his own. The Inter Miami captain is expected to lead Argentina as they defend their 2022 World Cup crown in what will likely be his final tournament appearance. 



In doing so, Messi will join Ronaldo in a historic feat: becoming the only players in the history of the sport to feature in six different World Cups. For the Argentine maestro, 2026 is about more than just records; it’s a chance to go out on top as a back-to-back world champion.

Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi Enter 2026 within Reach of 1,000 Career Goals

Lionel Messi vs Cristiano Ronaldo: Who scored more goals in 2025?

Cristiano Ronaldo vs Lionel Messi: How's the race to 1,000 goals entering 2026? - Bolavip US

destacadas

The 2025 calendar year has officially come to a close for <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/lionel-messi">Lionel Messi</a> and Cristiano Ronaldo, marking a very successful year for both stars. The Argentine led Inter Miami to an MLS Cup title victory over the Vancouver Whitecaps, while the Al Nassr forward guided Portugal to a UEFA Nations League championship against Spain, leading many to wonder which of the two legends won more trophies this year.



The truth is that both <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/cristiano-ronaldo">Cristiano Ronaldo</a> and Lionel Messi each walked away with just a single trophy in 2025: the aforementioned Nations League title for Portugal and the MLS Cup for Inter Miami. Despite the count sitting at one apiece, both championships held immense significance for the veteran superstars.



Messi was the central figure in Inter Miami’s historic first-ever <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/mls">MLS</a> Cup victory. The Herons captain also took home the MLS Golden Boot and the regular-season MVP, becoming the first player in league history to win the award in back-to-back seasons.



While Messi had a prime opportunity to add even more silverware to his trophy case, Inter Miami fell short in the Leagues Cup final. They were shut out 3-0 by the Seattle Sounders, leaving the Argentine with just one title on the year.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1920" height="1080" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20251231_BUS_554434_lionel-messi-inter-miami_10539fe9.webp&amp;width=1920&amp;height=1080" alt="messi with a medal" class="wp-image-483125" sizes="(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px"></figure><figcaption>Lionel Messi with the Runners-up medal after the 2025 Leagues&nbsp;Cup&nbsp;Final. (Getty Images)</figcaption></figure>



On the other side of the globe, the Al Nassr captain led Portugal to their second <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/uefa-nations-league">UEFA Nations League</a> title, defeating Spain on penalties in the final. With this championship, Cristiano Ronaldo snapped the longest trophy drought of his legendary career, having gone four years without a title since winning the 2021 Coppa Italia with Juventus.



<h2>The debate over the MLS Conference title</h2>


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Before hoisting the MLS Cup, Lionel Messi and company dominated New York City FC in a 5-1 rout to claim the Eastern Conference title. This victory sparked a wave of debate among fans and analysts regarding whether the win counts as an official trophy or is simply a ceremonial achievement.



While the conference title is a significant milestone that is etched into the franchise’s history and celebrated with a trophy presentation, Major League Soccer does not categorize it as a major official title. Consequently, the 2025 calendar year officially concludes with both Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi walking away with one major trophy apiece.

Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo Finish 2025 Even With One Major Trophy Each

Cristiano Ronaldo wins best player award before the end of 2025: How many did Lionel Messi get this year?

Cristiano Ronaldo's Nations League win vs Lionel Messi's MLS title: Who finished 2025 with more trophies? - Bolavip US

Even at 40 years old, <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/cristiano-ronaldo">Cristiano Ronaldo</a> remains a lethal force in front of the net, a fact he reinforced by <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/soccer/video-cristiano-ronaldo-scores-to-give-al-nassr-a-2-1-lead-vs-al-ettifaq-in-the-saudi-pro-league">scoring for Al Nassr in their final match of 2025 against Al Ettifaq</a>. However, for the first time in years, the Portuguese legend finished a calendar year without recording a single hat trick, sparking immediate comparisons to Lionel Messi’s 2025 campaign.



While Ronaldo was unable to find the net three times in a single match this year breaking a 15-year streak, <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/lionel-messi">Messi</a>’s lone hat trick of 2025 came on October 18 during a 5-2 dismantling of Nashville SC. That performance helped the Argentine secure the MLS Golden Boot and paved the way for Inter Miami’s historic postseason run.



Despite 2025 not being a standout year individually for Cristiano Ronaldo, the Portuguese forward has recorded more hat tricks since his arrival in the Middle East compared to the Argentine’s tenure in the United States. 



The Al Nassr captain has registered six hat tricks since joining the Saudi club in late 2022. In contrast, Messi has only managed to score three goals in a single match on two different occasions with Inter Miami since arriving in Fort Lauderdale in mid-2023.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1920" height="1080" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20251230_BUS_553989_ronaldo-al-wehda_d8d34602.webp&amp;width=1920&amp;height=1080" alt="" class="wp-image-553990"></figure><figcaption>Cristiano Ronaldo celebrates a hat trick against Al Wehda. (Getty Images)</figcaption></figure>



However, Inter Miami’s captain finished the year better individually, <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/soccer/lionel-messi-vs-cristiano-ronaldo-who-scored-more-goals-in-2025">as he scored more goals than Cristiano Ronaldo during 2025</a>. The Argentine ended the year as the world’s sixth-highest scorer with 46 goals, while the Portuguese finished in ninth place with 41 goals across all competitions.



<h2>How did both players finish 2025?</h2>


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While their individual statistics remained impressive, the collective results for both stars followed different paths this year. Cristiano Ronaldo was unable to secure a league title in Saudi Arabia, an achievement that has eluded him since his arrival, but he did find success on the international stage by leading Portugal to a UEFA Nations League title following a victory over Spain.



In contrast, Messi capped off his year with an MLS Cup title, leading Inter Miami to the first such trophy in franchise history. The Argentine served as a cornerstone of the championship run, claiming the MLS Golden Boot and the regular-season MVP award. In doing so, he became the only player in league history to win the MVP in back-to-back seasons.



Looking ahead to 2026, Cristiano Ronaldo will focus on reaching the 1,000-goal milestone—currently sitting 43 goals away—while preparing for what will likely be his final opportunity to win the World Cup with Portugal. Meanwhile, Messi will look to defend Argentina’s World Cup title while attempting to close the gap on Ronaldo as the second-highest scorer in the history of the sport.

Lionel Messi Outpaces Cristiano Ronaldo in 2025 Hat Trick Count as Ronaldo’s 15-Year Streak Ends

Great news for Lionel Messi: Inter Miami reportedly reach agreement to bring back 2025 MLS champion

Cristiano Ronaldo finishes 2025 with no hat tricks: How many did Lionel Messi score this year? - Bolavip US

Another calendar year is in the books, and while <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/lionel-messi">Lionel Messi</a> and Cristiano Ronaldo may no longer be competing in Europe’s top five leagues, their clinical nature in front of the net hasn’t faded. Both superstars remained the focal points of Inter Miami and Al Nassr in 2025, continuing to rack up eye-popping numbers.



Despite his season ending earlier than his rival’s, Lionel Messi finished 2025 as the more prolific scorer of the two. The Inter Miami captain capped off his year on December 6 by lifting the MLS Cup after a – victory over Thomas Muller’s Vancouver Whitecaps.



Messi finished the calendar year with a remarkable 46 goals across all competitions for club and country. His 2025 campaign solidified his status as the primary challenger to <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/cristiano-ronaldo">Cristiano Ronaldo</a>’s career record, bringing his total career tally to 896 official goals.



Cristiano Ronaldo, meanwhile, competed until the final days of 2025 in Saudi Arabia. After <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/soccer/cristiano-ronaldo-scores-goal-no-955-to-put-al-nassr-ahead-vs-al-akhdoud">netting a brace for Al Nassr against Al Akhdoud</a> late in the month, the Portuguese legend added one more to his tally in his final appearance of the year against Al Ettifaq.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1920" height="1080" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20251230_BUS_553969_ronaldo-etiffaq_216a9e92.webp&amp;width=1920&amp;height=1080" alt="" class="wp-image-553977"></figure><figcaption>Cristiano Ronaldo celebrates his last goal of 2025. (Getty Images)</figcaption></figure>



Ronaldo finished 2025 with 41 goals, a total that allowed him to maintain his lead as the Saudi Pro League’s top scorer this season with 13 strikes. His career total now stands at 957 goals and is only 43 goals left to reach the historic 1,000-goal mark. The milestone feels like an inevitability if he maintains his current scoring rate in 2026.



<h2>The global leaderboard</h2>


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While both legends managed to convert a significant number of goals this year, their figures do not come close to those of Kylian Mbappe. With 66 goals scored across all competitions, the Frenchman will finish 2025 as the top scorer in the sport.



<div class="wp-block-columns">
<div class="wp-block-column" style="flex-basis:100%">
<div class="wp-block-columns">
<div class="wp-block-column" style="flex-basis:100%">
<figure class="wp-block-table"><table><tbody><tr><td>Player</td><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">Goals</td></tr><tr><td>Kylian Mbappe</td><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">66</td></tr><tr><td>Harry Kane</td><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">60</td></tr><tr><td>Erling Haaland</td><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">57</td></tr><tr><td>Kevin Hernandez</td><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">48</td></tr><tr><td>Victor Osimhen</td><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">46</td></tr><tr><td>Lionel Messi</td><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">46</td></tr><tr><td>Vangelis Pavlidis</td><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">45</td></tr><tr><td>Guilherme Bissoli</td><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">44</td></tr><tr><td>Cristiano Ronaldo</td><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">41</td></tr><tr><td>Jorge Rivera</td><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">40</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>

Lionel Messi Outscores Cristiano Ronaldo in 2025 as Both Near 1,000-Goal Milestone

Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo placed behind Luis Diaz in prestigious 2025 ranking

Lionel Messi vs Cristiano Ronaldo: Who scored more goals in 2025? - Bolavip US

With the 2026 World Cup looming, <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/cristiano-ronaldo">Cristiano Ronaldo</a> and the Portugal national team are facing a significant concern regarding one of their most versatile starters. Joao Cancelo, a pillar of the Portuguese defense, has reportedly been told he is no longer in Al Hilal’s plans, leaving his match fitness in doubt just months before the tournament.



According to reports from Diario Sport and several Saudi outlets, Al Hilal head coach Simone Inzaghi—who took over the Saudi giants earlier this year—does not intend to register Cancelo for the second half of the season.



Cancelo’s 2025-26 campaign has been derailed by a recurring hamstring injury suffered during an AFC Champions League Elite match. The injury limited him to just six appearances this season, and in his absence, Inzaghi has pivoted to other options.



With the high-profile additions of Darwin Nuñez and Theo Hernandez to the squad, Al Hilal have reached their limit for foreign players. Consequently, Cancelo has become the “odd man out,” with the club prioritizing Saudi international Hamad Al Yami at right-back.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1920" height="1080" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20251230_BUS_553769_Joao-Cancelo_0e7c41cc.webp&amp;width=1920&amp;height=1080" alt="Joao Cancelo" class="wp-image-427061" sizes="(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px"></figure><figcaption>Joao Cancelo of Al Hilal during a FIFA Club World Cup 2025 game. (Getty Images)</figcaption></figure>



<h2>Cancelo seeking immediate exit to secure World Cup roster spot</h2>



For Joao Cancelo, the objective is clear: he must secure consistent playing time to regain his form and ensure his place in Roberto Martinez’s plans for the 2026 <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/world-cup">World Cup</a>.


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His representative, Jorge Mendes, is actively working to find a new destination as the January transfer window approaches. Several major European clubs have emerged as potential landing spots according to reports from Diario Sport and other international outlets.



According to reports from Diario Sport, the Portuguese international’s status has attracted interest from various clubs worldwide with a possible return to Barcelona or moves to the Italian and Portuguese leagues appearing as viable options for the right-back. Additionally, the report indicates that certain Premier League clubs are also interested in adding Cancelo to their ranks.



<h2>The battle for Portugal’s right-back spot</h2>



Cancelo has firmly established himself as a key figure in Roberto Martinez’s squad, maintaining his status despite missing the 2025 UEFA Nations League Final Four in June due to injury. His importance to the team was evident throughout the year; in the four international matches where he was healthy, he was a fixture in the starting lineup.



However, during his injury-forced absence, Martinez found reliable alternatives in Diogo Dalot and Nelson Semedo. Both defenders stepped in to provide solid performances on the right flank, proving that the position is far from uncontested.



Adding to the competition is PSG star Joao Neves. Although primarily a midfielder, Neves proved his versatility by starting at right-back in high-stakes moments, most notably during the Nations League Final against Spain. His ability to adapt to the role provides Martinez with a tactical wildcard, further intensifying the race for a starting spot as <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/portugal">Portugal</a> look toward the 2026 World Cup.

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Cristiano Ronaldo's Portugal face concerning situation with key player ahead of 2026 World Cup - Bolavip US

Al Nassr faced against Al Ettifaq today in a crucial Saudi Pro League showdown, and once again, <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/cristiano-ronaldo">Cristiano Ronaldo</a> found a way to be on target—though this time, luck played a major role.



After being held scoreless and trailing 1-0 throughout the first half, <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/al-nassr">Al Nassr</a> found an equalizer early in the second period through a clinical finish from João Félix. The momentum shifted entirely in favor of the visitors, setting the stage for Ronaldo’s decisive moment in the 67th minute.



The go-ahead goal came in unconventional fashion. During a sustained Al Nassr attack, Felix’s powerful strike toward the net took a sharp deflection off Ronaldo’s body. The sudden change in direction completely wrong-footed Al Ettifaq’s goalkeeper, sending the ball into the back of the net to give Al Nassr a 2-1 lead.



With this latest strike, the Al Nassr captain has reached 957 career goals, leaving him just 43 shy of becoming the first player in soccer history to hit the 1,000-goal milestone. 



<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
<div class="ck-twitter"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true">RONALDO SCORES OFF HIS BACK 😅 It wasn’t pretty, but he’s now just 43 goals away from 1,000 career goals 😱 <a href="https://t.co/doCc2lvgpG">pic.twitter.com/doCc2lvgpG</a>— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) <a href="https://twitter.com/FOXSoccer/status/2006081328224379369?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 30, 2025</a></blockquote></div><script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</div></figure>



Additionally, the Portuguese superstar solidified his position at the top of the Saudi Pro League scoring charts, leading the Golden Boot race with 13 goals this season.



<h2>Al Nassr missed a huge chance</h2>


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Despite Cristiano Ronaldo’s fortuitous goal that put Al Nassr ahead with nearly 20 minutes remaining, the club failed to capitalize on the lead as Georginio Wijnaldum struck in the 80th minute to rescue a 2-2 draw.



In doing so, Jorge Jesus’ squad missed a significant opportunity to extend their lead to five points over Al Taawoun, who remain their closest challengers in second place with 28 points, while Al Nassr maintains the top spot with 31 points.



Furthermore, Al Hilal currently sit in third place with 26 points but hold a game in hand to be played tomorrow. A victory would allow them to close the gap with Al Nassr to just two points. Cristiano Ronaldo and his teammates will return to action on Friday, January 2, in a challenging matchup against Al Ahli.

Video: Cristiano Ronaldo scores his final goal in 2025 for Al Nassr vs Al Ettifaq

Video: Cristiano Ronaldo scores his final goal in 2025 for Al Nassr vs Al Ettifaq - Bolavip US

Expectations for the World Cup continue to grow, especially with the tournament now just months away. As anticipation builds, several former stars have begun to share their predictions, including Toni Kroos, who named his top candidates while leaving out Lionel Messi and Argentina, and instead backing his former teammate <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/cristiano-ronaldo">Cristiano Ronaldo</a> with Portugal.



In an interview with Brazilian legend Romario, the former German midfielder excluded not only Argentina but also his own country from his list. When asked about his favorites for the 2026 World Cup, set to be played in the United States, Mexico, and Canada, Kroos surprised many by naming Spain, <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/portugal">Portugal</a>, and France as his main contenders, while also pointing to Morocco as a potential dark horse, citing their significant technical improvement in recent years.



Those national teams replaced several traditional powers in his ranking, including Germany, Brazil, and Argentina. Kroos even addressed the omission directly, saying, “Germany and Brazil are not in the top five. Sorry to Romario for not saying Brazil, but if they win it, it’s worth it.” Regarding Germany, he stated clearly that he did not view them as one of the top five candidates heading into the tournament.



Portugal’s inclusion stood out in particular. The national team has been performing at a high level, recently winning the Nations League and defeating Spain, a side widely considered one of the strongest teams in the world. Even so, Kroos’ decision to leave out Argentina, with <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/lionel-messi">Messi</a> and their status as reigning world champions, raised eyebrows given their continued success in recent international competitions.



<figure class="wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped">
<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1920" height="1080" data-id="540038" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20251230_BUS_553519_messi-argentina_7261c3a4.webp&amp;width=1920&amp;height=1080" alt="Lionel Messi of Argentina." class="wp-image-540038"></figure><figcaption>Lionel Messi of Argentina.</figcaption></figure>
</figure>



<h2>Kroos’ disagreement with the new World Cup format</h2>



Kroos also voiced his opposition to the expanded tournament format, which will feature 48 national teams for the first time. He expressed concern about how the increase could affect the overall quality of matches, especially during the group stage.


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“I’m against it,” <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/toni-kroos">Kroos</a> said. “It’s good that many nations can participate, but I think we need to take better care of the players and the quality of the tournament. With so many teams, in the group stage we’re going to see a lot of very clear matches, 4-0, 5-0, 5-1, and those are not games fans really want to watch. I care about good, high-quality matches, not a 5-0 or 6-0.”



<h2>Kroos’ legacy at the World Cup</h2>



It is worth remembering that Kroos was one of the standout figures for Germany when they won the 2014 World Cup in Brazil, defeating <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/argentina">Argentina</a> 1-0 in the final. His performance throughout that tournament was exceptional, marked by his consistency as a starter and his influence in multiple phases of play.



During that World Cup, the former Real Madrid midfielder scored two goals, provided four assists, completed passes at an 84.8 percent accuracy rate, and avoided both yellow and red cards. He registered 16 shots on goal, recovered 20 balls, and covered 82.6 kilometers across seven matches, cementing his place as one of the most complete midfielders of his generation.

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Not Messi's Argentina: Toni Kroos names Ronaldo's Portugal among 2026 World Cup favorites - Bolavip US

With the 2026 World Cup on the horizon, <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/cristiano-ronaldo" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Cristiano Ronaldo</a> and Lionel Messi have proven they still possess the skills and leadership necessary to excel, as demonstrated in the 2025 season. Their individual performances and leadership have driven their respective teams to notable achievements as the year draws to a close.



In recent events, Cristiano Ronaldo clinched another individual honor by being named Best Middle East Player at the Globe Soccer 2025 awards. This accolade added to his year of achievements, having also enjoyed triumph with Portugal in the UEFA Nations League Finals.



While this year wasn’t replete with trophies for Ronaldo at the club level—concluding the last season without silverware with Al Nassr—his triumph with Portugal highlighted his enduring prowess in European competition.



Looking ahead, the coming year holds promise for Ronaldo. Al Nassr have exhibited excellent form so far this season, leading the Saudi Pro League standings and advancing to the next stage of the AFC Champions League.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1920" height="1084" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20251228_BUS_552791_Cristiano-Ronaldo-1_88517376.webp&amp;width=1920&amp;height=1084" alt="Cristiano Ronaldo" class="wp-image-551832"></figure><figcaption>Cristiano Ronaldo of Al-Nassr.</figcaption></figure>



<h2>How many awards did Lionel Messi get this year?</h2>



<a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/lionel-messi" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Lionel Messi</a>, on the other hand, had a stellar year with Inter Miami, securing three prestigious individual awards: MLS MVP, MLS Cup MVP, and the MLS Golden Boot. These accolades underscore his continued influence and leadership in the soccer realm.


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Such honors could serve as a catalyst for upcoming challenges, especially with Argentina preparing to defend their World Cup title in North America. Ronaldo, similarly, is poised to lead Portugal in their quest for their first World Cup trophy, bolstering their status as strong contenders for the 2026 tournament.



Throughout their illustrious careers, Messi has amassed more awards than Cristiano Ronaldo according to a report from Fabrizio Romano, encompassing both officially recognized and press honors.

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Cristiano Ronaldo wins best player award before the end of 2025: How many did Lionel Messi get this year? - Bolavip US

<a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/cristiano-ronaldo">Cristiano Ronaldo</a> scored twice in the Al Nassr‘s win over Al-Akhdoud, further cementing his status as one of the greatest soccer players in history. The Portuguese forward reached 956 goals in his professional career and continues to close in on the 1,000-goal milestone.



As is customary, CR7 took to his official X account to send a clear message to all the fans who follow him on the platform: “Hard work is the way to success!” the striker stated with a 7-word message.



<a href="https://bolavip.com/en/soccer/cristiano-ronaldo-scores-goal-no-955-to-put-al-nassr-ahead-vs-al-akhdoud">Ronaldo scored a brace to reach goals No. 955 and 956</a>, leaving him just one goal shy of the Saudi Pro League’s top scorer this season. Interestingly, the player currently leading the scoring chart is his compatriot Joao Felix, who has 11 goals.



<h2>Another record for CR7</h2>



While it’s clear that Cristiano Ronaldo has his sights set on reaching 1,000 goals in his professional career, he continues to break barriers in other areas as well. On another matchday in the Saudi Pro League, he did it once again.



<div class="ck-twitter"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">🤯🔥 Taco de Cristiano Ronaldo (957) para convertiste en el PRIMER futbolista en la historia en marcar 40 goles o más en 14 años distintos <a href="https://t.co/ir3hDjbB8m">pic.twitter.com/ir3hDjbB8m</a>— Pablo Giralt (@giraltpablo) <a href="https://twitter.com/giraltpablo/status/2004950089010405477?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 27, 2025</a></blockquote></div> 



According to Argentine journalist Pablo Giralt on his X account, after scoring his second goal of the match for <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/al-nassr">Al Nassr</a>, Ronaldo became the first player in history to score 40 or more goals in 14 different years.


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Cristiano Ronaldo issues 7-word message after Al Nassr’s win over Al-Akhdoud

Cristiano Ronaldo issues 7-word message after Al Nassr’s win over Al-Akhdoud - Bolavip US

<a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/cristiano-ronaldo">Cristiano Ronaldo</a> continues to cement his status as soccer’s all‑time leading scorer. The Portuguese star scored twice against Al‑Akhdoud, reaching 955 and 956 career goals and playing a decisive role in Al Nassr Club’s 3–0 victory in the Saudi Pro League.



<a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/al-nassr">Al Nassr</a> hosted the match at Al-Awwal Park Stadium in Riyadh and, with the win, strengthened its position at the top of the Saudi Pro League standings with 30 points. 



The team entered the game in strong form after a <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/soccer/lionel-messi-and-cristiano-ronaldo-placed-behind-luis-diaz-in-prestigious-2025-ranking">dominant 5–1 win over Al Zawraa</a> in the AFC Champions League Two, where Ronaldo made his debut in the tournament at King Saud University Stadium.



Ronaldo’s two-goal performance highlights his continued impact on Al Nassr, offering both scoring prowess and leadership as the team chases another league title. His consistency keeps the spotlight firmly on the superstar as he adds to his staggering career tally.



<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
<div class="ck-twitter"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true">GOATTTTTTTTTT🐐🐐🐐 <a href="https://t.co/2uxxlr8kv7">pic.twitter.com/2uxxlr8kv7</a>— The Nassr Tribune™️ (@AlNassrTribune) <a href="https://twitter.com/AlNassrTribune/status/2004937153697230975?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 27, 2025</a></blockquote></div><script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</div></figure>



<h2>How did Ronaldo score?</h2>



Ronaldo opened the scoring on a corner kick in the 31st minute, calmly directing the ball into the net. He added a second goal in the 46th minute with a clever back‑heel finish, demonstrating his precision and timing against Al‑Akhdoud’s defense.


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<h2>Al Nassr close it out convincingly</h2>



With Al Akhdoud struggling to contain the pressure, Al Nassr continued to dictate play. The result was effectively sealed when <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/joao-felix">Joao Felix</a> added a third goal, finishing with his right foot from the center of the box into the bottom-right corner to make it 3–0.



<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
<div class="ck-twitter"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true">Cristiano’s 2nd goal from the stands!<a href="https://t.co/AGP9b2RbG7">pic.twitter.com/AGP9b2RbG7</a>— Al Nassr Zone (@TheNassrZone) <a href="https://twitter.com/TheNassrZone/status/2004942600873410711?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 27, 2025</a></blockquote></div><script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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The comfortable win reinforces Al Nassr’s position at the top of the table, with Ronaldo’s goals once again serving as the foundation for a dominant league performance.


<div class="wp_fsn_poll" id="694ffdcae2d53b59fb2f0700" data-title="Can Cristiano Ronaldo maintain his scoring streak in the Saudi Pro League?" data-options="4"></div>

Cristiano Ronaldo Scores Twice to Reach Career Goals 955 and 956 in Al Nassr Win Over Al-Akhdoud

Video: Cristiano Ronaldo scores brace to reach goals No. 955 and 956 in Al Nassr’s win vs Al-Akhdoud

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Video: Cristiano Ronaldo scores brace to reach goals No. 955 and 956 in Al Nassr's win vs Al-Akhdoud - Bolavip US

Ronaldo scores brace to reach goals No. 955 and 956 in Al Nassr's win vs Al-Akhdoud

2025 has been a year of change and breakthroughs for Luis Diaz. His departure from Liverpool was driven by a desire for a salary increase that reflected his performances on the pitch. His first half-season with Bayern Munich has put him ahead of names like Cristiano Ronaldo and <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/lionel-messi">Lionel Messi</a> in The Guardian’s year-end ranking.



Increasingly, even legends considered among the best players in history appear lower on these lists, showing that time affects all careers. Luis Diaz’s consistent performances have elevated him, according to one of the most prestigious <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/soccer">soccer</a> media outlets, which publishes an annual ranking of the 100 best players based on votes from journalists.



The Colombian is positioned at number 31, surpassing Messi at 34 and Cristiano Ronaldo at 51, reflecting the relative impact of their seasons. The analysis leaves little room for debate.



“What a year this has been for Diaz, with his highest finish yet a reflection of a year in which he won the Premier League with Liverpool and has already taken huge steps towards following up with a Bundesliga title at Bayern Munich. The Colombian was an underrated huge part of Arne Slot’s incredible debut campaign and perhaps has been underestimated generally; Liverpool didn’t want to pay a 28-year-old top-level wages to extend his contract and many in Germany doubted Bayern’s wisdom in pushing the boat out for a forward pushing 30,” said analyst Andy Brassell in The Guardian.



<figure class="wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped">
<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1920" height="1080" data-id="542137" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20251224_BUS_551160_Luis-Diaz-looks-on_6d2a4c9f.webp&amp;width=1920&amp;height=1080" alt="Luis Diaz looks on" class="wp-image-542137"></figure><figcaption>Luis Diaz of FC Bayern München reacts.</figcaption></figure>
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<h2>Luis Diaz’s impact at Bayern Munich</h2>



It has been a spectacular semester for <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/luis-diaz">Diaz</a> since joining the Bundesliga giant. His 13 goals and 7 assists in 22 official matches across all competitions justify the accolades he has received.


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Diaz’s contributions place him ahead of players like Messi in the United States and <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/cristiano-ronaldo">Cristiano Ronaldo</a> in Saudi Arabia, who remain prominent but are not outperforming him in collective impact. He is the highest-ranked Colombian in this prestigious international ranking.



The current form of the German powerhouse is inseparable from Diaz’s impact. The team lost points in only three official matches this semester. In the Bundesliga, they collected 41 points out of 45 possible, the best start in the club’s history since the league adopted the 18-team, three-points-per-win format.



Only Arsenal in the Champions League has managed to take points from the in-form European team, which, with Díaz’s goals and assists to teammates like Harry Kane, has achieved the best start in the history of the five major European leagues since records began.



<h2>South Americans surpassing Diaz</h2>



In The Guardian ranking, Diaz is ahead of other notable South Americans, including Moises Caicedo (32), Alexis Mac Allister (35), Federico Valverde (37), Jamal Musiala (43), and Kevin De Bruyne (73). Among South Americans, he ranks as the fifth most influential, behind only Raphinha, Lautaro Martínez, Vinicius Junior, and Julian Alvarez.

Luis Díaz surpasses Messi and Ronaldo in The Guardian’s 2025 player rankings

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Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo placed behind Luis Diaz in prestigious 2025 ranking - Bolavip US

<a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/al%20nassr">Al Nassr</a> delivered a commanding performance against Al Zawraa in the group stage finale of the AFC Champions League Two, with Cristiano Ronaldo providing crucial assists. The match ended 5-1, with Al Nassr controlling possession from start to finish and creating multiple scoring opportunities. Al Zawraa struggled to respond, unable to find a consistent rhythm against a highly organized Al Nassr. The victory secured a perfect record for Al Nassr in Group D.



The first half saw Al Nassr open the scoring through Kingsley Coman, following sharp combinations with Angelo Gabriel and Joao Felix. Wesley and Cristiano Ronaldo also made key contributions, helping extend the lead to 4-0 before halftime. Al Zawraa managed a goal through Ibrahim Gbadamosi, reducing the deficit slightly, but it was not enough to shift momentum.



In the second half, both teams made several substitutions, yet Al Nassr maintained dominance. Kingsley Coman completed his brace after a clever setup from Joao Felix, while Al Zawraa could not capitalize on their chances. The match ended 5-1, showcasing Al Nassr’s tactical depth and attacking quality. <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/cristiano-ronaldo">Cristiano Ronaldo</a>’s involvement in the buildup highlighted his impact in the team’s continental campaign.

Al Nassr and Al Zawraa clash in the AFC Champions League Two

Welcome to our live blog of the AFC Champions League Two group stage finale.
Al Nassr face Al Zawraa today in a decisive matchup, with knockout stage implications still in play. Al Nassr arrive having already secured qualification and first place in the group, while Al Zawraa need a result to advance.
Stay with us for key information and minute-by-minute updates as both teams square off in this continental showdown.

Start time!

Al Nassr vs Al Zawraa will get underway at 11:00 AM ET (PT:8:00 AM)

Today's venue

King Saud University Stadium, commercially known as Al-Awwal Park, hosts today’s AFC Champions League Two match in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The stadium, which serves as Al Nassr’s home ground, has been operated by Saudi Media Company since September 2020 and features a seating capacity of 25,000, providing the stage for this decisive group finale.
Here's how it looks:
<figure class="image"><img class="size-full wp-image-550822" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20251224_BUS_550752_al-nassr-stadium_f25abce2.webp&width=1920&height=1080" alt="A general view inside the stadium Al-Awwal Park." width="1920" height="1080"><figcaption> A general view inside the stadium Al-Awwal Park.</figcaption></figure>

Is Cristiano Ronaldo playing today?

<a href="https://bolavip.com/en/soccer/is-cristiano-ronaldo-playing-today-for-al-nassr-vs-al-zawraa-in-2025-afc-champions-league-two-matchday-6">Everything points to Cristiano Ronaldo being involved in today’s match</a>, as he has been named in the squad and is expected to be part of the starting lineup for Al Nassr against Al Zawraa. The Portuguese star is set to return after weeks of strategic rotation designed to manage fatigue, with head coach Jorge Jesus stating clearly, “Cristiano Ronaldo will be there for the game against Al Zawraa,” leaving no doubt about his availability for this group stage finale.

Al Nassr confirmed lineup!

Al Nassr have officially confirmed their starting lineup for today’s match against Al Zawraa, with Cristiano Ronaldo included in the XI and wearing the captain’s armband.
Confirmed lineup: Bento Krepski; Sultan Al-Ghannam, Abdulelah Al-Amri, Ali Lajami Saad, Abdullah Al-Khaibari; Marcelo Brozovic and Angelo Gabriel; Kingsley Coman, Wesley Teixeira, Joao Felix, and Cristiano Ronaldo.

Al Zawraa confirmed lineup! 

Al Zawraa have confirmed their starting XI for today’s match against Al Nassr: Jalal Hassan; Kadhim Raad Mohammed, Bajad M., Akam Hashem, H. Falah; Nasib, Hassan, Karar Nabel, Nizar Mahmoud Al-Rashdan; Mahdi Al-Humaidan, Ibrahim Tomiwa.
&nbsp;

Recent head-to-head results

<ul>
<li>October 1, 2025 – AFC Champions League Two: Al Zawraa 0–2 Al Nassr</li>
<li>April 23, 2019 – AFC Champions League: Al Zawraa 1–2 Al Nassr</li>
<li>April 8, 2019 – AFC Champions League: Al Nassr 4–1 Al Zawraa</li>
</ul>
Al Nassr have won all three recent meetings in continental competition.

Teams on the field ahead of kickoff

The teams are already on the pitch completing the final pre-match formalities, with kickoff just minutes away at Al-Awwal Park.

0' - Game is underway! (0-0)

The match is officially underway at Al-Awwal Park, with Al Nassr and Al Zawraa getting the final group stage clash rolling in Riyadh.

2' - Early fouls set the tone (0-0)

Just one minute into the match and two fouls have already been called. Al Zawraa committed the first infringement on Angelo of Al Nassr, before Angelo responded moments later with a foul of his own on Hasan as the tempo quickly picked up.

7' - Al Nassr control possession early (0-0)

Al Nassr are controlling possession in the opening minutes and continue searching for space to create damage in the final third. However, the first shot of the match belongs to Al Zawraa, as Mahdi recovered the ball and played a deep pass down the left flank to Al-Humaidan, whose effort sailed well over the crossbar.

10' - Cristiano Ronaldo tests his range (0-0)

Cristiano Ronaldo takes a long-range effort from outside the penalty area for his first warning of the match, but the shot rises well over the crossbar.

13' GOOOOOAL OF AL NASSR (1-0)

Al Nassr strike first after a brilliant team move. A sharp passing sequence ends with an unstoppable one-two between Angelo Gabriel and Kingsley Coman, freeing Coman inside the box, where he finishes calmly to give Al Nassr the early lead.
<div class="ck-twitter"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true">🚨🚨| GOAL: KINGSLEY COMAN PUTS AL NASSR AHEAD!! Al Nassr 1-0 Al Zawraa<a href="https://t.co/dkFlJzrIFt">pic.twitter.com/dkFlJzrIFt</a>— CentreGoals. (@centregoals) <a href="https://twitter.com/centregoals/status/2003861780670673402?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 24, 2025</a></blockquote></div><script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

19' GOOOOAL FOR AL NASSR!! (2-0)

Al Nassr double their advantage after a sequence of relentless pressure. Wesley produced a spectacular run down the flank and delivered a cross toward Cristiano Ronaldo, but Al Zawraa’s defense cleared the danger at the last moment. The resulting corner, taken by Brozovic, fell back to Wesley at the edge of the area, and he unleashed a powerful, unstoppable strike to make it 2-0.
<div class="ck-twitter"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true">🚨🚨| GOAL: WESLEY DOUBLES THE LEAD!!! Al Nassr 2-0 Al Zawraa<a href="https://t.co/bne55aGyZH">pic.twitter.com/bne55aGyZH</a>— CentreGoals. (@centregoals) <a href="https://twitter.com/centregoals/status/2003863385503678743?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 24, 2025</a></blockquote></div><script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

26' - Al Nassr push for a third (2-0)

Al Nassr are looking to take full advantage of the momentum and the blow dealt to Al Zawraa as they hunt for a third goal. Al Nassr continue to exploit the right flank, with Wesley emerging as the most dangerous and unbalancing player on the pitch in an outstanding performance so far.

29' - GOOOOAL FOR AL NASSR! (3-0)

After sustained pressure in search of a third goal, Al Nassr capitalize on a corner kick. Joao Felix forced the set piece with a deflected shot, then delivered the corner himself, where Abdulelah Al Amri rose to finish and extend the lead.

36' - Al Nassr survive Al Zawraa’s best chance (3-0)

Al Nassr are let off the hook after Al Zawraa create their clearest opportunity of the match. Hasan produced a strong individual move and forced the goalkeeper into a sharp save, deflecting the ball out for a corner kick that ultimately came to nothing.

42' - Al Zawraa push before halftime (3-0)

Al Zawraa are looking to pull one back in the closing minutes of the first half to stay in the match. All Zawraa are trying to hold possession, but a lack of precision in the final third continues to stall their attacks.

44' - GOOOOOAL OF AL NASSR (4-0)

Al Nassr strike again with a moment of pure quality. Wesley burst down the flank and cut the ball back into the middle, where Cristiano Ronaldo produced a sublime chipped assist over the defense. Joao Felix timed his run perfectly and finished with a delicate chip of his own, extending the lead in emphatic fashion.
<div class="ck-twitter"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true">🚨🚨| GOAL: JOAO FELIX MAKES IT FOUR WITH AN ASSIST FROM CRISTIANO RONALDO!! Al Nassr 4-0 Al Zawraa<a href="https://t.co/nE1lVEsnsS">pic.twitter.com/nE1lVEsnsS</a>— CentreGoals. (@centregoals) <a href="https://twitter.com/centregoals/status/2003869622706356546?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 24, 2025</a></blockquote></div><script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

45' - Halftime at Al-Awwal Park (4-0)

The first half comes to an end in Riyadh with Al Nassr firmly in control. Al Nassr head into the break with a commanding four-goal advantage after a dominant opening 45 minutes.

45' - Substitutions for Al Zawraa (4-0)

Al Zawraa make changes before the start of the second half as Hasan Abdulkareem and Karar Nabel leave the match, with Qasim Majid and Hayder Abdulkareem coming on in an attempt to shift the momentum.

45' - Second half is underway (4-0)

The second half gets underway at Al-Awwal Park, with changes for both sides. Al Nassr have also made a substitution, as Cristiano Ronaldo exits the match and Mohammed Marran comes on to lead the attack.

50' - GOOOOOAL OF AL ZAWRAA! (4-1)

Al Zawraa pull one back with a well-worked move. Substitute Qasim Majid split the defense with a perfectly weighted through ball, sending Ibrahim Gbadamosi in on goal, where he finished with composure to cut into the deficit.

56' - GOOOOOAL FOR AL NASSR! (5-1)

Al Nassr respond immediately to restore their four-goal cushion. Saad Al Nasser delivered the assist, Joao Felix smartly let the ball run with a clever dummy, and Kingsley Coman arrived to finish with class and complete his brace.
<div class="ck-twitter"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true">🚨🚨| GOAL: KINGSLEY COMAN WITH A BRACE FOR AL NASSR!! Al Nassr 5-1 Al Zawraa<a href="https://t.co/PUnINTy70w">pic.twitter.com/PUnINTy70w</a>— CentreGoals. (@centregoals) <a href="https://twitter.com/centregoals/status/2003877403710706033?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 24, 2025</a></blockquote></div><script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

62' - Substitutions for both teams (5-1)

Both teams make changes as the match continues. For Al Zawraa, Faisal Alhumaidan leaves the field and Bani Hani comes on. Al Nassr also rotate their lineup, with Joao Felix, Kingsley Coman, and Brozovic exiting, while Haroune Camara, Ali Al Hassan, and Rakan Al Ghamdi are introduced.

68' - Al Zawraa look to close the gap again (5-1)

Al Zawraa are attempting to cut the deficit once more. While signs of fatigue and frustration are visible, the Al Zawraa know goal difference could still prove decisive in the race for qualification. Al Nassr also made another change, with Angelo Gabriel leaving the match and Nader Al Sharari coming on.

72' - Al Nassr maintain control despite changes (5-1)

Despite the changes, Al Nassr continue to apply constant pressure and do not allow Al Zawraa to move the ball forward comfortably. The spaces being left open are creating dangerous situations, and the psychological impact of the scoreline is clearly evident as the match enters its later stages.

77' - Substitution for Al Zawraa (5-1)

Al Zawraa make another change as Nizar Mahmoud Al Rashdan leaves the match and Ali Sadeq comes on in the latter stages.

82' - Substitution for Al Zawraa (5-1)

Another change for Al Zawraa as Ibrahim Gbadamosi exits the match and Murad Mohammed comes on as they continue to adjust in the final minutes.

87' - Al Nassr see out the match (5-1)

The match is practically decided, with Al Zawraa showing little intent to reduce the deficit. Al Nassr remain in full control, continuing to dominate possession and game management.

90' - Full time at Al-Awwal Park (5-1)

The match ends with a comprehensive victory for Al Nassr over Al Zawraa. Cristiano Ronaldo shines with key assists as Al Nassr complete a dominant display to close out their AFC Champions League Two group stage campaign.

Thanks for joining us!

Al Nassr defeated Al Zawraa 5-1 in the 2025–26 AFC Champions League Two, with Cristiano Ronaldo providing key assists and Kingsley Coman scoring a brace in a dominant performance.
You followed every moment of this exciting match here, on Bolavip.
Thanks for staying with us, and see you next time!

Cristiano Ronaldo, Al Nassr make triumphant return with 5-1 win over Al Zawraa: Highlights and goals - Bolavip US

The spotlight returns to continental action as <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/al-nassr">Al Nassr</a>, led by coach Jorge Jesus, host Al Zawraa in Matchday 6 of the 2025 AFC Champions League Two. While both teams have already secured qualification, the fixture has drawn attention for reasons beyond the standings. Follow <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/soccer/al-nassr-vs-al-zawraa-live-cristiano-ronaldo-set-for-2025-afc-champions-league-two-debut">Al Nassr vs Al Zawraa live</a> with us!



At the center of the discussion is <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/cristiano-ronaldo">Cristiano Ronaldo</a>, who has yet to appear in the competition after an early agreement with the coaching staff to manage his workload. That plan was designed to limit fatigue during a demanding stretch of the season.



However, the 28‑day pause in domestic competition has shifted the dynamics. With Saudi league play on hold due to the national team’s Arab Cup commitments, Al Nassr now view this match as a chance to regain rhythm and rebuild competitive sharpness.



<h2>Cristiano Ronaldo starts, makes AFC Champions League Two debut</h2>



Cristiano Ronaldo is starting for Al Nassr today, being the team’s captain against Al Zawraa. Al Nassr head coach Jorge Jesus had already anticipated in his pre‑match press conference that Ronaldo would play, affirming his inclusion in the squad after weeks of strategic rotation aimed at managing fatigue. “Cristiano Ronaldo will be there for the game against Al‑Zawraa tomorrow (today),” he said. After resting the previous games, CR7 is making his debut in the 2025-26 AFC Champions League two today.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1920" height="1080" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20251224_BUS_550709_ronaldo-alnassr_5b35258d.webp&amp;width=1920&amp;height=1080" alt="" class="wp-image-550712"></figure><figcaption>Cristiano Ronaldo and players of Al Nassr celebrates victory after winning the Saudi Pro League match. Yasser Bakhsh/Getty Images</figcaption></figure>



<h2>Al Nassr lineup vs Al Zawraa today</h2>


 <div class="wp_fsn_relatedlinks" id="BUS#/soccer/fifa-confirms-good-news-for-cristiano-ronaldo-and-al-nassr-ahead-of-transfer-window"></div>


Here’s the Al Nassr starting XI for today’s AFC Champions League Two Matchday 6 clash against Al Zawraa: Bento, Sultan, Amri, Saad, Khaibari, Brozovic, Angelo, Coman, Wesley, Joao Felix, Ronaldo.

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