Saudi Pro League Opening Weekend 4 Biggest Takeaways
Last updated: 23 October 2026. The 2026-27 Saudi Pro League season opened with defending champions Al-Nassr beating Al-Fateh 3-0, Al-Hilal winning 4-2 against Al-Faisaly behind a Karim Benzema penalty, and Al-Ahli grinding out a 1-0 win over promoted side Diriyah under new coach Marino Pusic.
Al-Ittihad was the only top-eight side from last season to drop points, held to a 1-1 draw by Al-Kholood. Below is a full round-up of results, storylines, and what they mean for the title race.
Opening Round Results at a Glance
| Match | Score | Key Moment |
|---|---|---|
| Al-Nassr vs Al-Fateh | 3-0 | Joao Felix scored a standout individual goal |
| Al-Hilal vs Al-Faisaly | 4-2 | Al-Hilal converted three penalties |
| Al-Kholood vs Al-Ittihad | 1-1 | |
| Al-Ahli vs Diriyah | 1-0 | Marino Pusic’s first win as head coach |
| Al-Shabab vs Al-Qadsiah | 1-3 | Julian Quinones opened his season account |
| Al-Feiha vs Neom SC | Loss for Al-Feiha | Neom SC signals top-six ambitions |
| Ettifaq vs Al-Riyadh | 4-2 | Winning start for coach Arthur Papas |
1. Cristiano Ronaldo and Al-Nassr Open Title Defense With Intent
Cristiano Ronaldo returned to Riyadh for the 2026-27 campaign after a packed off-season that included lifting the Saudi Pro League title in May, representing Portugal at the World Cup in June, and getting married. Now 41 and entering his 25th season as a professional, Ronaldo watched from the stands alongside his wife, Georgina, as Al-Nassr opened their title defense with a comfortable 3-0 win over Al-Fateh.
Joao Felix provided one of the highlights of the round with a well-taken individual goal, giving Al-Nassr fans an early signal that the squad’s attacking depth remains a strength heading into the new season. Ronaldo’s visible investment in the result, despite not playing a role in this fixture, reflects a squad culture built around one more push for silverware.
Why it matters:
A dominant opening result away from any of Ronaldo’s on-field involvement suggests Al-Nassr’s title defense doesn’t hinge on one player carrying the load.
2. Karim Benzema Stars for Al-Hilal: But Transfer Talk Follows Him
Al-Hilal began their pursuit of a 20th league title with a 4-2 win over Al-Faisaly, though the scoreline came with caveats. Three of Al-Hilal’s four goals came from the penalty spot, drawing criticism from rival fans on social media, and the Blues looked vulnerable defensively: an issue coach Simone Inzaghi will need to address after finishing runner-up last season.
Karim Benzema scored the opening penalty and had an otherwise strong performance, which made his substitution in the 70th minute a talking point of its own. Inzaghi downplayed any tension after the match, but reports continue to circulate that the 38-year-old, who has scored 10 goals in 14 appearances since his January move from Al-Ittihad, could leave before the transfer window closes.
Why it matters:
A shaky defensive display papered over by penalty conversions is a pattern Al-Hilal cannot rely on across a 34-game season, and unresolved speculation about Benzema’s future adds pressure to an already-changing squad under a new head coach.
3. Al-Ahli Get the Win, But Marino Pusic Has Work to Do
New head coach Marino Pusic needed a positive start, and got one narrowly with a 1-0 win at newly promoted Diriyah.
The result was far from convincing, but away trips to newly promoted sides chasing a statement result are rarely straightforward, and three points is three points to open a new coaching tenure.
Why it matters:
Asian champions Al-Ahli need to find form quickly under a new coach, and an unconvincing opening win raises early questions about squad cohesion during this transition.
4. Last Season’s Top Eight Mostly Hold Firm With One Exception
Of the teams that finished in the top eight of the 2025-26 season, only Al-Ittihad failed to win in round one, while Al-Taawoun also settled for a draw. Al-Nassr, Al-Hilal and Al-Ahli all collected three points, and fourth-placed finishers Al-Qadsiah were also among the round’s winners.
Under coach Brendan Rodgers, Al-Qadsiah beat Al-Shabab 3-1, with last season’s league top scorer Julian Quinones opening his account for the new campaign. Elsewhere, Neom SC, a club with top-six ambitions this season, beat Al-Feiha, and Ettifaq began life under Australian coach Arthur Papas with a 4-2 win over Al-Riyadh.
Why it matters:
An opening round largely free of upsets suggests the established hierarchy is intact for now, though it is still one round into a long season.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who won the opening round of the 2026-27 Saudi Pro League?
Defending champions Al-Nassr, along with Al-Hilal, Al-Ahli, Al-Qadsiah, Neom SC and Ettifaq, all won their opening matches. Al-Ittihad and Al-Taawoun were the only top-eight sides from last season held to draws.
Did Cristiano Ronaldo play in Al-Nassr’s opening match?
Ronaldo attended the match against Al-Fateh from the stands with his wife, Georgina, as Al-Nassr won 3-0, with Joao Felix scoring a standout goal.
Is Karim Benzema leaving Al-Hilal?
As of this report, Benzema remains at Al-Hilal, but reports suggest he could depart before the transfer window closes, despite scoring in the opening match and recording 10 goals in 14 appearances since joining from Al-Ittihad in January 2026.
Key Takeaways
- Al-Nassr opened their title defense with a 3-0 win, with Ronaldo watching from the stands and Joao Felix on the scoresheet.
- Al-Hilal won 4-2 but leaned heavily on penalties, and Karim Benzema’s long term future at the club remains uncertain.
- Al-Ahli’s Marino Pusic era began with a narrow, unconvincing 1-0 win at newly promoted Diriyah.
- Only Al-Ittihad and Al-Taawoun among last season’s top eight failed to win in round one, keeping the established order largely intact.