Ivan Toney’s Debut Denied by Al-Nassr’s 99th-Minute Equalizer as Ronaldo Celebrates 900 Goals ⚽🎖️

Ivan Toney’s highly anticipated debut for Al-Ahli was spoiled in the dying moments as a 99th-minute own goal resulted in a 1-1 draw against Cristiano Ronaldo’s Al-Nassr. Toney, who made a £40m move from Brentford to Al-Ahli, started his first game in Saudi Arabia, eager to make an immediate impact. Franck Kessie’s thunderous strike gave Al-Ahli the lead after 57 minutes, and Toney looked set for a winning start. However, a last-ditch own goal from Bassam al Hurayji ensured the points were shared at Al-Awwal Park.

Toney’s debut follows months of speculation that linked him with a big-money move to Arsenal, but the England international ultimately opted for a fresh start in Saudi Arabia. Now one of the highest-paid English footballers, with a reported salary of £400,000 a week, Toney joins a star-studded Al-Ahli squad that includes Roberto Firmino, Riyad Mahrez, and Edouard Mendy. Despite the late disappointment, Toney will be looking to find his feet quickly in the Saudi Pro League.

Meanwhile, the spotlight was also on Cristiano Ronaldo, who was honored before the game with a special shirt to commemorate his remarkable 900 career goals. The 39-year-old football legend, who reached the milestone during the international break with Portugal, was celebrated by fans in the stadium with a tifo tribute before kick-off. Ronaldo scored his 900th goal against Croatia and followed it up with his 901st in Portugal’s 2-1 victory over Scotland.

Ronaldo’s continued success and Toney’s introduction to Saudi football both set the stage for an exciting season ahead. As Toney looks to make his mark in a new league, all eyes will be on whether he can quickly adapt and help lead Al-Ahli to more victories.