It has been a dismal start to 2026 for <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/cristiano-ronaldo">Cristiano Ronaldo</a>. The Al Nassr captain has yet to secure a victory in the new calendar year, recording three consecutive defeats after a 3-1 loss to rivals Al-Hilal in the Capital Derby. As the Portuguese superstar hits this rare low point, fans have been quick to ask: what is the longest losing streak in Lionel Messi’s storied career?



Despite finishing 2025 at the top of the Saudi Pro League, Al-Nassr’s momentum has evaporated. Ronaldo’s squad has dropped three straight matches—falling to Al Ahli, Al Qadisiyah, and Al Hilal—a skid that has seen them surrender their first-place standing to Al-Hilal, who now sit seven points clear at the summit.



The slump is particularly heavy for Ronaldo personally. For only the second time in his professional life, the five-time Ballon d’Or winner has suffered three consecutive losses, leaving him just one game away from a new career-low mark of four straight defeats.



Ronaldo’s only other three-game skid occurred during his second stint with Manchester United. Amid a chaotic 2022 season under Ralf Rangnick, losses to Brighton, Brentford, and Liverpool marked the first “hat-trick” of defeats in his career. 



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1920" height="1080" src="https://media.bolavip.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/01/13175553/ronaldo-united-1920x1080.webp" alt="" class="wp-image-561591"></figure><figcaption>Cristiano Ronaldo during United loss against Brighton in 2022. (Getty Images)</figcaption></figure>



However, this current stretch marks the first time he has ever opened a calendar year with three straight losses, a historical footnote the game’s all-time leading scorer surely wishes to forget.



<h2>What about Messi?</h2>


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The careers of <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/lionel-messi">Lionel Messi</a> and Cristiano Ronaldo have famously mirrored one another for two decades, and their negative records are no exception. Much like his rival, the Argentine’s longest career losing streak also stands at exactly three games.



Unlike Ronaldo, however, Messi has hit this unwanted landmark three separate times. The first occurred in 2014 at Barcelona under Gerardo “Tata” Martino, where a Champions League exit to Atletico Madrid was followed by a league loss to Granada and a Copa del Rey final defeat to Real Madrid.



The second instance came in 2016 under Luis Enrique, with consecutive stumbles against Real Sociedad, Atletico Madrid (again in the UCL), and Valencia. Most recently, Messi suffered a cross-competition “triple” in November 2024. While captaining Inter Miami, he suffered back-to-back playoff losses to Atlanta United before falling to Paraguay in a CONMEBOL World Cup Qualifier with the Argentine national team.

Cristiano Ronaldo Ties Career-Worst 3-Game Losing Streak in 2026; How It Compares to Lionel Messi’s Rare Slumps

Cristiano Ronaldo suffers 3 straight defeats in 2026: What’s Lionel Messi’s worst losing streak ever?

Another Champions League winner set to compete against Lionel Messi, Inter Miami in MLS

Argentina’s Lionel Scaloni delivers a concerning message regarding Lionel Messi’s participation in the 2026 World Cup

Cristiano Ronaldo suffers 3 straight defeats in 2026: What's Lionel Messi's worst losing streak ever? - Bolavip US

miniaturas

In a crucial showdown for the Saudi Pro League lead, Al Nassr broke the deadlock against league leaders Al Hilal. Once again, the hero was <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/cristiano-ronaldo">Cristiano Ronaldo</a>, whose goal has his side holding a narrow lead.



With just a few minutes remaining in the first half at the Kingdom Arena, the Portuguese forward was set up with a header from a teammate and, left unmarked in the box, only had to slot the ball into the net to open the scoring.



With this narrow lead, Jorge Jesus’ side reaches a total of 34 points in the tournament, just one behind the sole league leader, Al Hilal. A victory is imperative for <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/al-nassr">Al Nassr</a> today.



Additionally, an interesting stat has been weighing on CR7 and his teammates. Since the start of 2026, they’ve played two matches—and lost both. From a morale standpoint, a win today could be crucial for their ambitions.



<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">¡APARECIÓ CRISTIANO RONALDO! 🤩 CR7 adelanta a su equipo en el duelo ante el líder de <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SPLenFOX?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SPLenFOX</a>. 💪 <a href="https://t.co/QIPlPiLvAG">pic.twitter.com/QIPlPiLvAG</a>— FOX Deportes (@FOXDeportes) <a href="https://twitter.com/FOXDeportes/status/2010778031728517314?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 12, 2026</a></blockquote></div><script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</div></figure>



<h2>One step closer to the record</h2>



Cristiano Ronaldo continues his relentless pursuit of footballing immortality as he nears the historic 1,000-goal milestone this season. By finding the back of the net against Al-Hilal, the Portuguese superstar has officially reached 959 career goals, proving that his scoring instincts remain as sharp as ever at age 40. 


 <div class="wp_fsn_relatedlinks" id="BUS#/soccer/al-hilal-vs-al-nassr-live-cristiano-ronaldo-chases-first-win-in-2026"></div>


With the Saudi Pro League title race heating up, Ronaldo maintains a steady pace toward the thousand-goal mark, further cementing his legacy as the most prolific goalscorer in the history of the sport.

Video: Cristiano Ronaldo scores his second goal in 2026 for Al Nassr vs Al Hilal

Video: Cristiano Ronaldo scores his second goal in 2026 for Al Nassr vs Al Hilal - Bolavip US

Cristiano Ronaldo scored for <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/al-nassr">Al Nassr</a>, but it was not enough as Al Hilal secured a 3-1 victory in the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/saudi-pro-league">Saudi Pro League</a>. The hosts took control after the first half and capitalized on a red card for Al Nassr’s goalkeeper. Mohamed Kanno and Ruben Neves added the decisive goals to seal the win.



<a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/al-hilal%7D">Al Hilal</a> dominated the second half, pressing high and exploiting the numerical advantage. Al Nassr struggled to create clear chances, with their attacks often breaking down before reaching dangerous positions. The tactical discipline of Al Hilal proved decisive with a dominant performance from Milinkovic Savic.



<a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/cristiano-ronaldo">Cristiano Ronaldo</a> remained a threat throughout, but Al Hilal’s defense and midfield control limited his impact. The Al Hilal managed transitions effectively and converted their opportunities with clinical finishing. The result keeps them at the top of the Saudi Pro League standings.

Al Hilal and Al Nassr clash in Saudi Pro League showdown

Welcome to our live blog of today’s Saudi Pro League matchup.
Al Hilal face Al Nassr in a crucial league encounter with the title race at stake, as the top two sides in the standings go head-to-head. Al Hilal arrive as the league leaders, while Al Nassr look to close the gap behind Cristiano Ronaldo.
Stay with us for key information and minute-by-minute updates as Al Hilal and Al Nassr battle it out today.

Start time and how to watch

Al Hilal vs Al Nassr will get underway at 12:30 PM ET (PT:9:30 AM)
<a href="https://bolavip.com/en/soccer/where-to-watch-al-hilal-vs-al-nassr-live-in-the-usa-2025-2026-saudi-pro-league">Watch this Saudi Pro League match between Al Hilal and Al Nassr live in the USA</a> on Fubo, DirecTV Stream, FS2 and FOX Deportes.

Today’s referee

The match will be officiated by French referee François Letexier, who will be in charge on the field for this highly anticipated clash. He will be assisted by his compatriots Cyril Moine and Mehdi Rahmouni, while Saudi referee Abdullah Al-Owaidan has been appointed as the fourth official.
Video Assistant Referee duties will be handled by French official Bastien Dechepy, with support from Nicolas Rainville.

Today’s venue

Kingdom Arena is the home of Al Hilal and is a modern multi-purpose stadium located in the Hittin neighborhood of Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The venue has a seating capacity of approximately 30,000 and is designed to host a wide range of events, including soccer matches, music concerts, professional boxing bouts, and professional wrestling events.

Al Nassr confirmed lineup!

Al Nassr will line up as follows: Nawaf Al-Aqidi; Sultan Al-Ghannam Boushal, Iñigo Martínez, Mohamed Simakan, Ayman Yahya; Marcelo Brozović, Abdullah Al-Khaibari; Ângelo Gabriel, Kingsley Coman, João Félix; Cristiano Ronaldo.

Al Hilal confirmed starting XI

Al Hilal will line up as follows: Mohammed Al-Yami; Saud Abdulhamid, Hassan Altambakti, Moteb Al-Harbi, Theo Hernández; Nasser Al-Dawsari, Rúben Neves, Sergej Milinković-Savić; Salem Al-Dawsari, Malcom, Darwin Núñez.

Head-To-Head records

Al Hilal and Al Nassr have faced each other 64 times across all competitions, with Al Hilal holding a clear historical advantage. Al Hilal have claimed 33 victories in the rivalry, while Al Nassr have recorded 15 wins, with 16 matches ending in draws.
However, recent meetings have favored Al Nassr. The most recent encounter saw Al Nassr earn a 3-1 victory at Kingdom Arena, and Cristiano Ronaldo’s side remained unbeaten in both league meetings last season, including a 1-1 draw in the home fixture.

How Cristiano Ronaldo arrives to the match

Cristiano Ronaldo comes into the encounter in strong form, having scored two goals across Al Nassr’s last three matches. The Portuguese star has stayed healthy and available, and he enters the game chasing his 15th goal of the 2025–26 season, while continuing to lead Al Nassr as their top scorer.

Teams take the field

Al Hilal and Al Nassr are already on the field for the pre-match protocol, as both sides line up for the formal greetings ahead of kickoff at Kingdom Arena.

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

The match kicks off at Kingdom Arena as Al Hilal and Al Nassr get underway in this highly anticipated Saudi Pro League showdown.

2' - Early pressure from Al Hilal (0-0)

Al Hilal have started on the front foot, creating two early dangerous moves without a clear chance on goal. Most of the attacking threat has come down the left flank, where Theo Hernández has been heavily involved and pushing play into Al Nassr’s defensive third.

8' - Al Nassr push forward and earn a corner (0-0)

The roles have now shifted, with Al Nassr taking up positions in Al Hilal’s half as the hosts drop into a defensive shape. Kingsley Coman found himself trapped near the corner flag but managed to whip in a dangerous cross that nearly curled into the goal, earning a corner kick that ultimately came to nothing.

13' - End-to-end start with no clear control (0-0)

The match has settled into an open, back-and-forth rhythm, with both sides relying on quick transitions rather than sustained possession. Despite the pace, neither attack has caused significant damage, as the final pass has been lacking and there is no clear control in midfield, leaving the forwards to drive the most dangerous moments.

17' - Defensive lines dominate early phases (0-0)

Both defensive lines have played a key role in limiting attacking progress, keeping the game tight and highly tactical. There have already been four offside calls—two for each side—and in the latest instance, Salem Al-Dawsari found himself alone to finish but sent his effort over the bar, with the play ruled offside anyway.

19' - Al Nassr with the clearest chance so far! (0-0)

Al Nassr come close to opening the scoring as Kingsley Coman bursts forward with pace, slips through the defensive line, and fires a powerful, low, cross-goal shot that whistles just wide of the post.

21' - Al Nassr threaten from a quick free kick (0-0)

João Félix draws a foul near the edge of the box, and Cristiano Ronaldo takes it quickly, firing a sharp effort on goal. Mohammed Al-Rubaie reacts well to make the save, pushing the ball out for a corner that ultimately leads to no danger, but it is a strong spell for Al Nassr.

28' - Dangerous free kick for Al Nassr (0-0)

Al Nassr earn a promising set-piece opportunity after Sergej Milinkovic-Savic commits a foul on Joao Felix near the edge of the penalty area.

29' - Al Hilal clear Brozović’s delivery (0-0)

Marcelo Brozovic takes the free kick and sends a cross into the box, but Al Hilal’s defense stays alert and clears the danger without allowing a shot on goal.

32' - Al Hilal produce their best build-up so far (0-0)

Al Hilal put together their best collective move of the match, finally finding Ruben Neves, who links up well with Sergej Milinkovic-Savic in a sharp sequence of quick passing. The move carries them deep into the attacking third and results in a corner kick, though it fails to produce a clear chance.

39' - Momentum swings with limited danger (0-0)

Al Hilal enjoyed their best spell of the match, putting together several attacking sequences but without creating real danger. The momentum then shifted toward Al Nassr, who sent in a series of crosses that lacked precision, following a risky build-up from the back that ended with a long ball released toward Coman.

42' GOOOOOOOAL FOR AL NASSR! (0-1)

Al Nassr take the lead as Cristiano Ronaldo finishes with ease after a brilliant sequence involving Kingsley Coman, who controls a long ball and delivers a quick, slightly acrobatic first-time pass that leaves CR7 alone in front of goal to put Al Nassr ahead.
<div class="ck-twitter"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true">¡APARECIÓ CRISTIANO RONALDO! 🤩 CR7 adelanta a su equipo en el duelo ante el líder de <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SPLenFOX?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SPLenFOX</a>. 💪 <a href="https://t.co/QIPlPiLvAG">pic.twitter.com/QIPlPiLvAG</a>— FOX Deportes (@FOXDeportes) <a href="https://twitter.com/FOXDeportes/status/2010778031728517314?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 12, 2026</a></blockquote></div><script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

45' - Halftime at Kingdom Arena (0-1)

The first half comes to an end with Al Nassr holding a narrow advantage thanks to Cristiano Ronaldo’s goal. After an open and tactical opening period, Al Nassr capitalized on their best chance, while Al Hilal now look to respond after the break.

45' - Second half is underway! (0-1)

The match resumes at Kingdom Arena as Al Hilal and Al Nassr are back on the field for the second half, with the hosts looking to push forward and Al Nassr aiming to protect their lead and strike on the counter.

48' - Al Nassr threaten again from open play (0-1)

Al Nassr come close once more with a well-worked collective move that ends with Kingsley Coman slipping a pass into the top of the box. Marcelo Brozovic meets it and fires a shot that rises just over the crossbar.

50' - Ruben Neves sends free kick over the bar (0-1)

Ruben Neves is brought down near the edge of the area and wins a dangerous free kick for Al Hilal. He steps up to take it himself and opts for a direct effort, but the shot sails over the crossbar without troubling the goalkeeper.

53' - Yellow card shown to Marcelo Brozovic (0-1)

Marcelo Brozovic becomes the first player booked in the match after protesting the referee’s decision and aggressively throwing the ball into the ground, earning a yellow card as tempers begin to rise.

55' - Penalty awarded to Al Hilal! (0-1)

Al Hilal are given a golden opportunity to equalize after Malcom is brought down inside the box by Yahya.

57' - GOOOOOOAL FOR AL HILAL (1-1)

Salem Al Dawsari calmly converts the penalty with a solid strike to the goalkeeper’s left, leveling the score for Al Hilal and bringing Kingdom Arena to life as the hosts get back into the match.
<div class="ck-twitter"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true">¡PENAL PARA LOS DE CASA! 🤯🫢 Malcom provoca la falta dentro del área y el árbitro no duda la infracción. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SPLenFOX?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SPLenFOX</a> <a href="https://t.co/HKxWS6lJVh">pic.twitter.com/HKxWS6lJVh</a>— FOX Deportes (@FOXDeportes) <a href="https://twitter.com/FOXDeportes/status/2010788003698929868?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 12, 2026</a></blockquote></div><script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

63' - Red card for Al Nassr goalkeeper (1-1)

Controversy follows the equalizer as Al Nassr goalkeeper Nawaf Al-Aqidi is sent off after striking Joao Neves. The visitors are reduced to ten men, forcing an immediate change as backup goalkeeper Al Buainain comes on to replace Angelo Borges.

68' - Al Hilal raise the pressure after the red card (1-1)

The match shifts dramatically as Al Hilal respond to the sending off by pushing their lines higher. Head coach Simone Inzaghi instructs his side to apply intense high pressure, taking advantage of Al Nassr being down a man and having sacrificed their most creative midfielder to reorganize defensively.

72' - Substitution for Al Nassr (1-1)

Al Nassr make a change as Mohamed Simakan, clearly fatigued, is taken off. Ali Al Hassan comes on as the visitors look to regain balance while playing with ten men.

76' - Substitutions for Al Hilal (1-1)

Al Hilal make a double change as Salem Al Dawsari and Saud Al-Harbi are replaced. Mohamed Kanno and Pablo Mari come on to inject fresh legs.

79' - Play resumes after check on Al Nassr player (1-1)

The game was briefly stopped for a review of Al Nassr’s Ayman Yahya, but play has now resumed with the player returning to the field and the match continuing at Kingdom Arena.

81' GOOOOOOAL FOR AL HILAL! (2-1)

Al Hilal take the lead as Ruben Neves delivers a corner that is initially cleared but falls to Theo Hernandez, who lays it back for Neves. He sends in a precise cross that Mohamed Kanno meets to finish, putting the hosts ahead at Kingdom Arena.
<div class="ck-twitter"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true">¡LE DAN VUELTA! 🤩🔥 Mohamed Kanno aparece en el momento clave y rompe el empate. Ahora el equipo de CR7 está abajo en el marcador. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SPLenFOX?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SPLenFOX</a> <a href="https://t.co/j4pK4xTbH8">pic.twitter.com/j4pK4xTbH8</a>— FOX Deportes (@FOXDeportes) <a href="https://twitter.com/FOXDeportes/status/2010792919477912002?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 12, 2026</a></blockquote></div><script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

84' - Substitutions for Al Nassr (2-1)

Al Nassr make two changes as Cristiano Ronaldo and Ayman Yahya are taken off, with Wesley and Sultan Al Ghanam coming on. Ronaldo leaves the field visibly frustrated, expressing his displeasure at being substituted.
<div class="ck-twitter"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true">¡SE VA CRISTIANO! 🤨🤯 El entrenador decide que es todo para Cristiano Ronaldo y es sustituido. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SPLenFOX?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SPLenFOX</a> <a href="https://t.co/d1hrIYL28o">pic.twitter.com/d1hrIYL28o</a>— FOX Deportes (@FOXDeportes) <a href="https://twitter.com/FOXDeportes/status/2010794039855939697?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 12, 2026</a></blockquote></div><script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

90' - Penalty awarded to Al Hilal! (2-1)

Al Hilal earn a penalty following a swift counterattack that catches Al Nassr’s defensive line off guard. Sergej Milinkovic-Savic delivers a precise pass, and Mohamed Kanno is brought down in the box, giving the hosts another chance from the spot.

90+2' GOOOOOOAL FOR AL HILAL!! (3-1)

Ruben Neves calmly converts the penalty, sending the goalkeeper the wrong way and extending Al Hilal’s lead, putting the host in complete control of the match.
<div class="ck-twitter"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true">¡JAQUE MATE! 🤯🔥 Rúben Neves convierte el penal y el equipo de Darwin Núñez amplía la ventaja. El equipo de CR7 se aleja del liderato. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SPLenFOX?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SPLenFOX</a> <a href="https://t.co/CuOK0PEvZw">pic.twitter.com/CuOK0PEvZw</a>— FOX Deportes (@FOXDeportes) <a href="https://twitter.com/FOXDeportes/status/2010795611176476722?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 12, 2026</a></blockquote></div><script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

90+6' - Substitutions for Al Hilal (3-1)

Al Hilal make two changes as Malcom and Darwin Nunez are taken off. Marcos Leonardo and Sultan Ahmed Mandash come on to inject fresh energy.

90+10' - Al Nassr struggle to create chances (3-1)

Al Nassr push forward in search of a goal, but their efforts are largely ineffective. The absence of a key player is clearly felt, making it difficult for them to break down Al Hilal’s organized defense.

90' - Full time! (3-1)

Al Hilal secure a convincing 3-1 victory over Al Nassr in the Saudi Pro League. Despite Cristiano Ronaldo’s goal for the visitors, the hosts controlled the match after the red card and decisive strikes from Mohamed Kanno and Ruben Neves.

Thanks for joining us!

Al Hilal beat Al Nassr 3-1 in today’s Saudi Pro League match and you lived every moment of this exciting game here, on Bolavip.
Thanks for staying with us, see you next time!

Cristiano Ronaldo’s goal not enough as Al Nassr fall to Al Hilal 3-1 in key Saudi Pro League clash: Highlights and goals

Cristiano Ronaldo’s goal not enough as Al Nassr fall to Al Hilal 3-1 in key Saudi Pro League clash: Highlights and goals - Bolavip US

Although Al Nassr are still in the fight for first place in the Saudi Pro League, their start to 2026 has been far from promising. Two consecutive losses have put them further behind their main rivals, and <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/cristiano-ronaldo">Cristiano Ronaldo</a> knows there’s room for improvement.



Following the defeat to Al Qadisiya, CR7 used his official X account to send a strong warning to the rest of his competitors: “This fight isn’t over. We keep working and we will rise together!”



Today’s 2-1 home defeat marks <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/al-nassr">Al Nassr</a>’s second consecutive loss this year. They fell 3-2 to Al Ahli in their opening match, and they will need to bounce back quickly if they want to stay in contention at the top of the standings.



<h2>The goal that wasn’t enough</h2>



Despite Cristiano Ronaldo clinical finish from the spot to secure his 958th career goal, Al Nassr failed to find a comeback in their latest outing. Ultimately, <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/soccer/video-cristiano-ronaldo-scores-from-penalty-to-pull-al-nassr-back-against-al-qadisiya">Ronaldo’s penalty goal wasn’t enough</a> to spark a turnaround, as the club fell 1-2 to Al Qadisiya in a frustrating start to the 2026 campaign.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1920" height="1080" src="https://media.bolavip.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/01/08150946/cristiano-ronaldo-8-1920x1080.webp" alt="Cristiano Ronaldo Al Nassr" class="wp-image-558816"></figure><figcaption>Cristiano Ronaldo of team Al-Nassr FC.</figcaption></figure>



<h2>What’s next for Al Nassr?</h2>


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Al Nassr face a grueling schedule as they look to bounce back from their rocky start to 2026. Following today’s match, the club will travel for a massive showdown against league leaders Al Hilal on January 12, followed by home fixtures against Al Shabab (Jan 17) and Al-Taawoun (Jan 26).



These upcoming games in the Saudi Pro League will be critical for Cristiano Ronaldo and his teammates to regain momentum before they shift their focus to the AFC Champions League knockout stages in February.

Cristiano Ronaldo issues strong warning to Al Nassr rivals after starting 2026 with two losses

Cristiano Ronaldo issues strong warning to Al Nassr rivals after starting 2026 with two losses - Bolavip US

In a match where Al Nassr have struggled to find their footing at home, <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/cristiano-ronaldo">Cristiano Ronaldo</a> once again made his mark on the scoresheet. This time, with just minutes remaining, he scored a penalty to make it 1-2 against Al-Qadisiya.



With this goal, the Portuguese forward continues to boost his professional stats: he has reached 13 goals so far this season, tying his compatriot Joao Felix at the top of the Saudi Pro League’s scoring chart.



The defeat at Al-Awwal Park in Riyadh pushes <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/al-nassr">Al Nassr</a> further from first place, even though they had the chance to close in on current leaders Al Hilal. After 13 matches played so far, the gap between the two teams stands at four points.



The good news for Ronaldo and his teammates is that next Monday, January 12, they will face the league leaders, in what promises to be one of the most exciting matches of the week.



<div class="ck-twitter"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">That was Ronaldo’s 1st goal in 2026.<a href="https://t.co/trecddywkZ">pic.twitter.com/trecddywkZ</a>— Al Nassr Zone (@TheNassrZone) <a href="https://twitter.com/TheNassrZone/status/2009343120266448899?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 8, 2026</a></blockquote></div>



<h2>On the hunt for the record</h2>



Cristiano Ronaldo’s relentless pursuit of history reached another milestone today as he notched his 958th career goal, further narrowing the gap in his quest to become the first player to reach the 1,000-goal mark. 


 <div class="wp_fsn_relatedlinks" id="BUS#/soccer/cristiano-ronaldo-could-lose-key-al-nassr-teammate-to-the-premier-league"></div>


With this latest strike, the legendary forward has remarkably found the back of the net for the 25th consecutive calendar year, an unprecedented feat of longevity that spans from his early days in Portugal to his current dominance in the Saudi Pro League. As he continues to defy the aging curve, the football world is watching closely to see if 2026 will be the year CR7 finally hits the four-digit milestone.



<h2>Al Nassr’s poor start to 2026</h2>



Al Nassr have endured a nightmare start to 2026, dropping two straight games to open the new year. Following a narrow 2-3 defeat to Al Ahli, the club stumbled again today with a frustrating 1-2 defeat to Al Qadisiya, leaving the squad searching for answers as its title ambitions take an early hit.

Video: Cristiano Ronaldo’s penalty goal not enough vs Al Qadisiya as Al Nassr extend poor start to 2026

Video: Cristiano Ronaldo's penalty goal not enough vs Al Qadisiya as Al Nassr extend poor start to 2026 - Bolavip US

<a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/al-nassr">Al Nassr</a> are facing the possibility of losing a key player who has been crucial since his arrival, Brazilian goalkeeper Bento. His potential departure would leave uncertainty at a vital position and could complicate the club’s pursuit of silverware, one of Cristiano Ronaldo’s main objectives. Recent reports are linking the goalkeeper with a move to the Premier League.



According to Fabrizio Romano, <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/west-ham">West Ham</a> are showing concrete interest in Al Nassr’s goalkeeper. “West Ham have sent an official bid to Al Nassr for Brazilian GK Bento. Talks are underway,” Romano reported, confirming that the interest has already progressed into a formal proposal.



A transfer does not appear unrealistic, especially considering Bento is no longer viewed as a central piece under head coach Jorge Jesus. That situation could make a departure more appealing for the player, who has already earned international experience with Brazil and may be seeking a more competitive environment ahead of future tournaments.



Jesus has reportedly urged Al Nassr’s management to approve Bento’s exit during the winter transfer window. The move would allow the club to reorganize its foreign player slots and strengthen other areas of the roster as they look to rebalance the squad.



<div class="ck-twitter"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">🚨🇸🇦 West Ham have sent official bid to Al Nassr for Brazilian GK Bento. Talks are underway. <a href="https://t.co/KyT46esXT8">pic.twitter.com/KyT46esXT8</a>— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) <a href="https://twitter.com/FabrizioRomano/status/2008245128234996139?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 5, 2026</a></blockquote></div>



<h2>Bento’s career path</h2>



Bento Matheus Krepski, known simply as Bento, is widely regarded as one of Brazil’s most promising goalkeepers. He currently plays for Al Nassr in the Saudi Pro League, where he shares the locker room with <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/cristiano-ronaldo">Cristiano Ronaldo</a> and has delivered several strong performances since joining the club.


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Born in Curitiba, Parana, Bento joined Athletico Paranaense’s youth academy in 2013 at the age of 14 and was promoted to the senior team in 2020. After four seasons with Athletico Paranaense, he signed with Al Nassr on July 17, 2024. He made his debut on August 14 in a 2–0 away victory against Al Taawoun in the Saudi Super Cup semifinal, keeping a clean sheet.



<h2>International career</h2>



Bento received his first call-up to Brazil in August 2023 under interim head coach Fernando Diniz for the 2026 World Cup qualifiers against Bolivia and Peru. He made his senior debut on March 23, 2024, in a 1–0 friendly win over England, and later earned minutes against Argentina due to injuries to Alisson and Ederson, further strengthening his international profile.

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Barcelona are dealing with defensive complications during the current season, especially after losing last year’s cornerstone in Inigo Martinez. As a result, the club is actively looking to reinforce the back line and has turned its attention to a <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/portugal">Portugal</a> teammate of Cristiano Ronaldo, with an eye on both immediate impact and long-term performance ahead of the 2026 World Cup.



According to Fabrizio Romano, Barcelona are showing strong interest in Joao Cancelo and are moving closer to a deal. “Barca are on the verge of signing Joao Cancelo. An official proposal has been sent to Al Hilal and Joao’s camp expect it to be accepted soon with formal steps. Cancelo made it clear from the beginning, Barca are his absolute priority,” Romano reported.



Even so, the operation comes with several conditions. The only realistic path for Cancelo to join Barcelona is through a low-cost or free transfer agreement between the clubs, while his salary must fit within the limits set by Financial Fair Play. Cancelo is willing to significantly reduce his wages, understanding that <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/barcelona">Barcelona</a> need his contract to align with roughly 80 percent of the salary space created by the injured Christensen.



Inter Milan are also pushing hard for the defender and remain a serious competitor in the race. The Italian club is in a stronger financial position. It can offer a higher salary, which is notable given that Cancelo is currently earning close to 17 million euros at Al Hilal. Despite that, the player’s preference remains clear, as he continues to prioritize a return to Barcelona.



<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="1980" height="1080" data-id="320506" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20260105_BUS_556997_joao-cancelo_a16c9d79.webp&amp;width=1980&amp;height=1080" alt="Joao Cancelo during a Barcelona match." class="wp-image-320506" sizes="(max-width: 1980px) 100vw, 1980px"></figure><figcaption>Joao Cancelo during a Barcelona match.</figcaption></figure>
</figure>



<h2>How Joao Cancelo performed in his first spell with Barcelona</h2>



The 2023-24 season proved to be highly productive for the Portuguese defender, who joined the club on loan from Manchester City. Cancelo appeared in 42 matches across all competitions, including LaLiga, the Supercopa, the Champions League, and the Copa del Rey, surpassing 3,000 total minutes on the field.


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In addition to his defensive contributions, <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/joao-cancelo">Cancelo</a> made a strong offensive impact, registering four goals and five assists. One of his most memorable goals came in the Champions League round of 16 against Napoli, marking his second goal in that competition and highlighting his ability to deliver on big stages.



<h2>Cancelo targets a strong 2026 World Cup campaign</h2>



The overall level of competition in the Saudi Pro League still does not match that of Europe’s top leagues, which plays a role in Cancelo’s thinking. A return to a more demanding environment would help him regain peak form and maintain the intensity required to secure a place with Portugal for the 2026 World Cup.



That motivation is central to his decision. Cancelo is aiming to reestablish himself at the highest level to remain part of Portugal’s plans, in what is expected to be <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/cristiano-ronaldo">Cristiano Ronaldo</a>’s final World Cup cycle. Competition for fullback spots remains fierce, with Nuno Mendes on the left and options on the right, such as Diogo Dalot, Nelson Semedo, and Raphael Guerreiro, all pushing for minutes.

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Despite no longer competing at the elite level of world soccer, <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/lionel-messi">Lionel Messi</a> and Cristiano Ronaldo remain the sport’s two most influential figures, and the recurring debate over who is the best continues. In this context, Real Madrid legend Luka Modric shared his thoughts on the matter.



In a recent interview with Corriere della Sera, the AC Milan midfielder was asked who he preferred between the Argentine and the Portuguese, providing a completely honest response. “That is a question I don’t like. They marked an era,” <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/luka-modric">Modric</a> said bluntly.



However, the Croatian did not stop there and went into detail about his choice. “I feel closer to Cristiano because I played with him; he was my teammate at Madrid,” Modric noted.



“I assure you he is not only a great footballer; he is an incredible person. People don’t know it, but he has an enormous heart, always ready to help others. And he is a simple and normal man,” the 40-year-old midfielder added when referring to what makes the Portuguese forward special.



<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_20260103_BUS_555414_modric-ronaldo_85ed7baf.webp&amp;width=1920&amp;height=1080" alt="" class="wp-image-555468"></figure><figcaption>Luka Modric and Cristiano Ronaldo during their time at Real Madrid. (Getty Images)</figcaption></figure>



Modric and Cristiano Ronaldo shared six seasons at <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/real-madrid">Real Madrid</a>, recording 222 matches together, during which the Portuguese star scored 14 goals assisted by the Croatian. Together, they conquered 13 titles, highlighted by four Champions Leagues, three Club World Cups, one La Liga title, and one Copa del Rey.



<h2>What does Modric think about Messi?</h2>


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Modric’s decision to lean toward <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/cristiano-ronaldo">Cristiano Ronaldo</a> was logical, given their significant connection during their time together in Spain. However, the Croatian also spoke about Messi, whom he faced on numerous occasions during the Argentine’s tenure with Barcelona.



While the midfielder admitted he does not know him personally, he did not hesitate to designate the Argentine as a magnificent player. “I don’t know him personally, but I have no doubt that he is also extraordinary. As a player, he is magnificent,” Modric noted regarding Messi.



<h2>Modric broke Messi and Ronaldo’s dominance</h2>



Luka Modric is considered one of the greatest midfielders in soccer history, a status cemented by his 2018 Ballon d’Or win. The Croatian claimed the prestigious award after winning the UEFA Champions League with Real Madrid and leading Croatia to the final of the 2018 FIFA World Cup.



Furthermore, this individual accolade carries even greater significance because it ended a historic streak maintained by Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo. By 2018, the Argentine and the Portuguese stars had shared the Ballon d’Or for ten consecutive years, winning five each. However, their dominance finally came to an end with Modric’s breakthrough onto the podium.

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The debate that never seems to end in the world of soccer revolves around who is the greatest player of all time. Over the past two decades, the names most frequently mentioned have been <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/cristiano-ronaldo">Cristiano Ronaldo</a> and Lionel Messi, and opinions from former teammates or rivals often carry extra weight. This time, a former Cristiano Ronaldo teammate and Real Madrid legend made his choice clear.



In a recent interview with EDYYN, cited by Mundo Deportivo, Raul Gonzalez offered his perspective on the GOAT discussion. Despite sharing the field with some of the most iconic players in modern soccer, his answer surprised many fans.



“I was lucky to play with players like Zinedine Zidane, Cristiano Ronaldo, Ronaldo Nazario and Luis Figo, but I think Messi was the best, he was very different,” Raul said. His statement immediately stood out, given his deep ties to Real Madrid and his history alongside Ronaldo.



The names Raul mentioned defined an era at the club. All of them were key figures during different stages of his long professional career, yet when asked to choose the best player he had ever seen, he pointed to the Barcelona legend without hesitation.



<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="555311" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20260103_BUS_555300_raul-gonzales_88a242de.webp&amp;width=1920&amp;height=1080" alt="Raul Gonzalez during a Real Madrid match." class="wp-image-555311"></figure><figcaption>Raul Gonzalez during a Real Madrid match.</figcaption></figure>
</figure>



“He made everything look easy, things you thought were impossible, he made them look simple,” Raul explained. “It was like he was playing with friends on the street.” His description focused more on <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/lionel-messi">Messi</a>’s natural feel for the game than on trophies or statistics.



<h2>Raul Gonzalez and his legacy in Madrid</h2>



Raul Gonzalez Blanco became one of the most emblematic figures in Real Madrid history after spending 16 consecutive seasons with the club. He made his first-team debut in 1994 at just 17 years old under Jorge Valdano and quickly established himself as a key presence in attack.


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His leadership defined an entire generation. Raul captained the teams for seven seasons, taking over the armband from Fernando Hierro and guiding the squad through some of its most successful years, including three UEFA Champions League titles in 2000, 2002, and 2014, with decisive goals in two finals.



Individually, his numbers placed him among the club’s all-time greats. He played a record 741 official matches for <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/real-madrid">Real Madrid</a> and scored 323 goals, holding the club’s all-time scoring record until Cristiano Ronaldo surpassed it years later.



Beyond the trophies and statistics, Raul earned legendary status through his professionalism and work ethic. He never received a red card in his entire career, a rare achievement that underscored his discipline and respect for the game. For many supporters, Raul represented the identity of Real Madrid, a captain who consistently rose to the occasion on the biggest stages.

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<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>

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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.

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<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_a07eb6ea.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.

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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

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.

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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.



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<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>
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