Ivan Toney’s Rise in Saudi Arabia: Is a World Cup Return on the Cards?
Ivan Toney is rapidly becoming a dominant force in the Saudi Pro League, eclipsing even Cristiano Ronaldo in the goalscoring charts. His recent hat-trick for Al Ahli against Al Bajma, bringing his season total to 23 goals, has not only piled pressure on Ronaldo but also ignited speculation about a potential England recall for the 2026 World Cup.
Toney’s Prolific Form Outshines Ronaldo
The 29-year-classic’s performance is a stark contrast to Ronaldo, who currently trails with 18 goals alongside Julián Quiñones of Al Qadsiah. Toney’s move to Al Ahli, alongside established stars like Édouard Mendy and Riyad Mahrez, has clearly paid dividends, propelling the team to the top of the Saudi Pro League standings, level on points with Al Hilal.
A Golden Boot Battle Heating Up
The competition for the Golden Boot is fierce. While Ronaldo remains a formidable presence, Toney’s consistent goalscoring – including three hat-tricks this campaign – has given him a significant advantage. Even a missed penalty during the Al Najma match couldn’t derail his momentum, as he converted a subsequent spot-kick to complete his hat-trick.
World Cup Dreams Rekindled
Toney hasn’t given up on representing England on the biggest stage. He has seven England caps already, and openly expressed his desire to be part of Thomas Tuchel’s squad for the 2026 World Cup. “It would be a dream to play there… imagine if we were to win the World Cup? That would be for my country,” Toney stated to Sky Sports. He emphasized that continuing to score goals is his primary focus in achieving this ambition.
Saudi Pro League: A New Stage for Global Talent
The influx of high-profile players like Ronaldo, Neymar, and now Toney, into the Saudi Pro League is raising the league’s profile and competitiveness. This increased competition is not only benefiting the league itself but also providing a platform for players to showcase their talents on a global stage.
Ronaldo’s Response and Al Nassr’s Challenges
Cristiano Ronaldo recently returned to action for Al Nassr after a brief dispute with the Public Investment Fund (PIF). He scored in their 2-0 victory over Al Fateh, but the focus remains on Toney’s superior goalscoring record. Al Nassr currently sits one point behind Al Ahli and Al Hilal in the league table.
Did you know?
Ivan Toney previously played for Newcastle and Brentford in the English Premier League before making the move to Al Ahli.
Saudi Pro League Top Scorers (February 20, 2026)
| PARTIDOS | GOLES | JUGADOR | EQUIPO |
|---|---|---|---|
| 21 | 23 | Ivan Toney | Al Ahli |
| 18 | 18 | Julián Quiñones | Al Qadsiah |
| 19 | 18 | Cristiano Ronaldo | Al Nassr |
| 20 | 15 | Roger Martínez | Al Taawoun |
| 20 | 14 | Joshua King | Al Khaleej |
| 21 | 13 | Joao Félix | Al Nassr |
| 20 | 12 | Mateo Retegui | Al Qadsiah |
| 21 | 11 | Georginio Wijnaldum | Al Ettifaq |
| 16 | 11 | Karim Benzema | Al Hilal |
| 21 | 11 | Ramiro Enrique | Al Kholood |
FAQ
Q: How many goals has Ivan Toney scored for Al Ahli this season?
A: Ivan Toney has scored 23 goals for Al Ahli this season.
Q: How many goals has Cristiano Ronaldo scored this season?
A: Cristiano Ronaldo has scored 18 goals this season.
Q: Is Ivan Toney in contention for the England World Cup squad?
A: Ivan Toney has expressed his desire to be included in the England squad for the 2026 World Cup and his recent form is increasing his chances.
Q: What is the current league standing of Al Ahli?
A: Al Ahli is currently level on points with Al Hilal at the top of the Saudi Pro League.
Pro Tip: Preserve an eye on the Saudi Pro League as it continues to attract top talent and elevate its competitive level.
What do you think? Will Ivan Toney’s form be enough to earn him a spot in the England squad? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
