MW9 Talking Points: Wow Ronaldo, classic Kessie, Al Hazem make history | OneFootball

As the Roshn Saudi League breaks for the 2025 FIFA Arab Cup, it is going out on a high thanks to a simply stunning strike from Cristiano Ronaldo that has reverberated around the globe.

Matchweek 9 also included derby drama, some last-minute thrillers and potentially season-shaping results. So, here is a recap of the major talking points from another huge round of action.

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The goal that’s gone global

If you had any doubt as to whether Cristiano Ronaldo still had it at age 40, his acrobatic effort for Al Nassr’s fourth goal in their 4-1 win at home to Al Khaleej answered any lingering doubts.

How anyone could doubt a player of Ronaldo’s pedigree is another question. However, to produce that incredible display of power and agility proves he remains at the top of his game - and isn’t going to be giving up his mantle any time soon.

By now everyone has surely seen his wonderous overhead kick, hit with such might that it gave Anthony Moris in the Al Khaleej goal absolutely no chance. But, if you haven’t, then check this out.

Almost a full three years after putting Saudi football on the global map, Ronaldo continues still to deliver.

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Late drama dashes NEOM SC hopes

As they made the trek south to Buraidah to face high-flying Al Taawoun, NEOM Sports Club knew nothing short of three points were required to keep within touch of the top four.

Little more than a quarter of the way through their historic debut RSL season, the club’s fast start had started to slow in recent weeks, with one win from their previous four.

Played in front of a full-house at the beautifully intimate Wolves Park, it was never going to be easy against Pericles Chamusca’s third-placed side. But, when Said Benrahma scored from the spot in the fifth minute of stoppage-time, the three points appeared to be theirs.

However, Al Taawoun defender Waleed Al Ahmed headed home in the 17th minute of added time, ensuring bedlam broke out among the hosts. On the other end of this dramatic draw, NEOM SC were left to rue more dropped points.

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Derby delight for Al Hazem

Winning a derby is always about more than purely the three points; there’s local pride and bragging rights at stake. Yet, when you’re anchored near the foot of the table, the victory is extra sweet - and that was the case for Al Hazem.

In the RSL’s first-ever Ar Rass Derby, Al Kholood drew first blood in the opening minutes in front of a lively crowd that showed the health of the game in the regions.

However, it was the Al Hazem who had the last laugh, thanks to an impressive display from South Africa international Elias Mokwana and RSL all-time leading scorer Omar Al Somah, who each bagged a goal to completely flip the result.

They also hauled Al Hazem across the line for a record-setting win against their closest rivals. For now, at least, Ar Rass was theirs.

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Kessie cracker keeps Al Ahli in hunt

After claiming continental silverware last season, expectations were heightened for Al Ahli heading into this campaign as they eyed their first RSL title since 2016.

The increased spotlight looked like it might be too much early in the season, though, with two wins from their first five matches. As a result, Al Ahli slide down into eighth place, staring at the gulf between themselves and those at the summit.

But Matthias Jaissle’s men have slowly clawed their way back. With three victories in their past four, they are up to fourth, the latest triumph coming in the 2-1 victory at home to Al Qadsiah.

It was Franck Kessie’s stunning strike from the edge of the away penalty area that sealed it. Down to 10 for the second half, as well, it showed a resilience that suggests Al Ahli are well and truly in the hunt.

While most coaches would bemoan a break in the schedule for the fourth time in nine matchweeks, for Al Fateh’s Jose Gomes, it will likely be seen as a blessing.

After completing a miracle survival last term, when they came from dead last to finish the season as one of the league’s most in-form clubs and catapult themselves to 10th, it was hoped that momentum would carry over into the new campaign.

Instead, history is repeating. With a solitary victory from their first nine RSL outings, the most recent loss - this time, 2-1 at Al Hilal - has the 2012-13 champions firmly entrenched in the relegation zone.

Heading into the hiatus, Al Fateh are probably asking: “How do we get out of this mire for a second straight season?”