Julian Quinones has claimed the Saudi Pro League Golden Boot in a stunning upset, finishing the 2024-25 season with 33 goals and denying both Cristiano Ronaldo and Ivan Toney the individual honour. The Mexico international's dramatic final-day hat-trick against Al Ittihad proved decisive in the thrilling three-way battle for the award.
Quinones Steals the Prize on Final Day
The Al-Qadsiah forward entered matchday 34 trailing Ivan Toney, who held 32 goals, while Ronaldo sat third with 26. Few observers anticipated Quinones would overhaul both rivals in a single fixture. Yet the Mexico striker delivered a masterclass, scoring three times in a 5-1 demolition of Al Ittihad to reach 33 goals and seize top spot. Toney, leading the line for Al-Ahli, failed to score against Al-Khaleej and finished second, while Ronaldo added two in Al-Nassr's 4-1 win over Damac to end on 28 goals.
Quinones arrived at Al-Qadsiah last summer from Mexican club Club América with undisclosed fee details. His prolific run in the Saudi Pro League underscores the competitive depth of a division stacked with global attacking talent. The 33-goal haul ranks him among the elite finishers in world football this season, achieved across a league featuring defenders who ply their trade at the highest levels of European football.
Ronaldo's Record Remains Untouched
While Quinones claimed the Golden Boot, one milestone remains beyond reach: Ronaldo's historic 35-goal record from the 2023-24 campaign. The Portuguese icon set that benchmark across just 31 appearances, establishing a standard that neither Quinones nor Toney could eclipse despite their exceptional seasons. This achievement reinforces why Ronaldo holds three consecutive Golden Boot awards in Saudi Arabia, even as rivals edge him out individually in 2024-25.
For the Mexico international, this accolade arrives at a critical juncture. With the 2026 World Cup approaching, Quinones has sent a powerful statement to Mexico manager Javier Aguirre about his readiness to lead El Tri on the international stage. His form against world-class defensive units in the Saudi Pro League suggests he possesses the composure and finishing prowess required at tournament football's highest level.
