Paulinho Surpasses Ronaldo & Rivals: 2025-26 Season Stats

Mexico’s national team faces a potential shift in forward dynamics as Paulinho’s prolific form this season eclipses that of several players previously favored by coach Roberto Martínez. Through March 22, 2026, Paulinho has amassed 27 goals in 39 games across all competitions, surpassing Cristiano Ronaldo’s 22 goals in 26 appearances for Al-Nassr during the same period.

The comparison extends to other attacking options Martínez has utilized. Gonçalo Ramos, currently with PSG, has recorded 11 goals in 38 games, while Gonçalo Guedes of Real Sociedad has found the net nine times in 35 appearances. Even Rafael Leão, the AC Milan star recently replaced by Paulinho in the squad, trails with 10 goals in 24 games.

Paulinho’s success isn’t limited to the current season. Since joining Toluca for the Apertura 2024, he has tallied an impressive 55 goals, 12 assists and secured four titles in 81 games. This performance has also earned him three Liga MX scoring titles.

The situation surrounding Cristiano Ronaldo at Al-Nassr adds another layer to the discussion of forward performance. Reports from February indicated Ronaldo missed two Al Nassr games, initially attributed to load management, but later revealed to be a protest against the Saudi Public Investment Fund (PIF). According to multiple reports, Ronaldo was unhappy that the PIF does not sanction as much spending at Al Nassr as they do at other clubs under their umbrella, including Al Hilal, who recently signed Karim Benzema.

Ronaldo subsequently returned to the Al Nassr lineup on February 14th, scoring 18 minutes into the match against Al Fateh. Sources indicate he decided to return after the PIF addressed his concerns, including the payment of overdue salaries and the restoration of management autonomy to the club’s executives. However, the Saudi Pro League issued a statement emphasizing the financial independence of all clubs.

As of February 5, 2026, the future of Ronaldo at Al Nassr remained uncertain, with sources describing the situation as “totally impossible to predict” and suggesting a “day by day” approach. He has a €50 million release clause in his contract, but his long-term commitment to the club is in question despite signing a new two-year contract last summer.