Ronaldo Hits 985 Goals, CAF Reverses AFCON Decision And Martinelli Faces Injury Layoff

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From Cristiano Ronaldo’s latest hat-trick and João Félix’s record-breaking performance to a major AFCON decision and an Al Hilal injury setback, there’s plenty happening across regional sport. Ronaldo reached 985 career goals as Félix recorded four assists against Al Kholood, CAF reversed its decision to move AFCON to a four-year cycle, and Gabriel Martinelli is expected to miss Al Hilal’s AFC Champions League Elite clash against Shabab Al Ahli.

Ronaldo Scores Hat-Trick As Félix Makes Al Nassr History

What Is It About
Cristiano Ronaldo scored a 15-minute hat-trick as Al Nassr defeated Al Kholood 5-3 in the Saudi Pro League. The 41-year-old scored in the 66th, 72nd and 81st minutes, taking his official career tally to 985 goals.

Why It Matters
João Félix made Al Nassr history by becoming the first player to provide four assists in a single Saudi Pro League match for the club. Two of those assists set up Ronaldo, while Sadio Mané provided the third. Ronaldo also had goals disallowed for offside.

What’s Next
Ronaldo has now scored 67 career hat-tricks and moves closer to the historic 1,000-goal milestone. Meanwhile, Félix’s record-breaking display adds another major attacking achievement to Al Nassr’s season.

CAF Reverses Decision To Make AFCON A Four-Year Tournament

What Is It About
The Africa Cup of Nations will remain a biennial tournament after the Confederation of African Football reversed its December 2025 decision to move the competition to a four-year cycle after 2028.

Why It Matters
CAF’s Executive Committee unanimously approved a return to the traditional two-year format, reversing the proposed change less than a year after it was announced. The decision preserves the tournament’s established frequency for African national teams.

What’s Next
AFCON will continue to be held every two years rather than switching to the previously proposed four-year cycle, maintaining its regular place on the international football calendar.

Martinelli Set To Miss Shabab Al Ahli Clash

What Is It About
Al Hilal have confirmed that Gabriel Martinelli will undergo 10 to 15 days of treatment and rehabilitation after suffering a hamstring injury against Al Qadsiah. The Brazilian winger is expected to miss three upcoming fixtures.

Why It Matters
The injury interrupts Martinelli’s impressive start in Saudi Arabia, where he scored six goals in six Saudi Pro League appearances. His expected absence includes Al Hilal’s AFC Champions League Elite encounter against UAE champions Shabab Al Ahli.

What’s Next
Martinelli will begin his recovery programme as Al Hilal prepare for their upcoming domestic and continental matches without him. His return will depend on his rehabilitation progress.

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SMASHI MOMENTS

• 985 GOALS AND COUNTING!

• Jhon Duran gets into yet another fight since leaving Al Nassr.

• Nice jesture from Al Ahli players to mourn Damac's recently passed player Abdulaziz Alshahry⁠

• Fans get a close look inside King Fahd Stadium, which is almost finished and ready to use

• Shabab Al Ahli’s new signing Juan Bezerra shows the same passion and intensity he showed at his former club Zamalek

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