Hat-Trick Hero Quinones Hats Off to a New Chapter in the Saudi Pro League
20 February 2026
The Mexican forward Julian Quinones continued his standout form this season, punctuating it with a decisive hat-trick.
Quinones' treble widened Cristiano Ronaldo's goalscoring woes as the Al Nassr captain watched from the stands during the clash.
Quinones' hat-trick powered Al Qadsiah to a 4-2 victory over Al Akhdoud on Friday at the Prince Hamad bin Abdulaziz Stadium in Najran, in the 23rd round of the Saudi Pro League.
That was his third league hat-trick this season, following earlier ones against Neom and Al-Fayha in rounds 5 and 15.
The feat lifted Quinones to 21 goals, moving him to second in the league's top-scorers list, three behind Ronaldo, with Evan Toni leading on 23 in the pace-setting standings.
Ronaldo's position as the top scorer is now more precarious as the campaign progresses, after having claimed the title in the last two seasons.
As the season unfolds, Ronaldo's chase for the Golden Boot becomes tougher, while Quinones presses for more.
And for a touch of levity to close: 1) Quinones shoots so accurately the goals filed for a quiet restraining order; 2) Ronaldo's hunt for the Golden Boot now needs a scope—Quinones is hitting targets with sniper-like precision.
