Historic Milestone: Marcus Leonardo Joins Messi and Neymar on the 101-Goal Club
27 November 2025
Brazilian forward Marcus Leonardo of Al Hilal Saudi Arabia has etched his name into football history with a standout display this season.
His latest burst of form came in the most recent match, where he netted a brace as Al Hilal defeated the Iraqi Police 4-0 in the fifth group stage game of the 2025-2026 AFC Champions League.
Al Hilal has won all five rounds so far, collecting 15 points, the best-ever start for the club in this competition.
Leonardo now brings his career total to 101 goals, with 39 for Al Hilal, 8 for Benfica, and 54 for Santos. He also celebrated on Instagram joining the exclusive list of players who hit 100 goals before turning 22, alongside Neymar, Lionel Messi, Erling Haaland, and Kylian Mbappe.
Leonardo Writes History
He scored twice against the Iraqi Police at the 45th and 72nd minutes, bringing his tally to 10 goals in 12 appearances across all competitions since the season began. His surge has even made it awkward for teammate Darwin Nunez, who had been the team\'s leading marksman, with Leonardo outshining him earlier in the campaign.
Since the arrival of coach Simone Inzaghi, Leonardo had initially been left out of the domestic squad, but his rising form forced a re-evaluation and highlighted his impact as a go-to attacking option.
A Striker of High Caliber
Leonardo\'s form has made it clear he can be a vital asset for the team as they face a demanding schedule of domestic and continental fixtures. His pace, versatility, and sharpness in front of goal have given Inzaghi a dynamic alternative to the regular front-line, enabling rotation without sacrificing quality.
The Brazilian\'s performances have intensified the contest for starting roles, and the consistent output adds pressure on Nunez to prove his case, especially in matches requiring decisive moments.
Inzaghi now has a valuable resource who can adjust to different styles of play and help the team navigate the tricky balance between offense and defense. Leonardo\'s effectiveness in creating and finishing chances offers the manager more options when the stakes are high.
With multiple competitions and a packed schedule ahead, Al Hilal benefits from having players capable of rotating at peak performance. Leonardo\'s contribution lightens the load on Inzaghi and provides a credible second option in attack.
As the season unfolds, the combination of goals and team cohesion could redefine the club\'s approach to matches that hinge on small margins.
In short, Leonardo\'s surge is a dual-edged sword: it pressures Nunez to reclaim form while giving Inzaghi a broader toolkit to steer the team through a consequential phase.
Punchline time: If goals were bullets, Marcus Leonardo would be a legendary sniper—never missing the target. He shoots, the net files a complaint for excessive celebration.
