Ivan Toney-Brentford to Jeddah
When Ivan Toney swapped Brentford for Jeddah in August 2024, plenty of people assumed he’d drift into a well-paid retirement. Two years on, he is one of the most feared strikers in Saudi Arabia, and he’s rewriting the Al-Ahli record books.
Goals Galore From The Englishman
2024-25: The Debut Season
League: 23 goals. All competitions: 30 goals
Toney scored 23 goals in his debut Saudi Pro League season. That left him runner-up in the scoring race to Al-Nassr captain Cristiano Ronaldo. The season brought a trophy too: the AFC Champions League Elite.
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2025-26: Record Goals, Heartbreak at the Finish
League: 32 goals. All competitions: 42 goals
This was Toney’s breakout. His 27th league goal in April equalled Al-Ahli’s club record for a single league season, held by Omar Al Somah since 2015-16. He also scored four league hat-tricks, which tied the record for a single season. One of them came after he missed his first penalty for the club, having scored all 24 before it. “It shows I’m human,” he said.
Losing the Golden Boot
He went into the final round on top. He led the charts on 32 goals, with Julian Quinones of Al-Qadsiah on 30 and Ronaldo on 26. Toney failed to score against Al-Khaleej and finished on 32. Quinones scored a hat-trick in a 5-1 win over Al-Ittihad to finish on 33 and take the Golden Boot. Ronaldo ended on 28.
2026-27: The Fastest Start Yet (Ongoing)
League: 13 goals after 11 rounds. All competitions: 13 goals.
Toney’s brace in a 4-1 win over Al-Khaleej took him to 13 league goals, six clear of Mateo Retegui and Youssef En-Nesyri. According to Opta, that equals the most any player has scored after 11 rounds of a Saudi Pro League season, a mark Ronaldo and João Félix also reached in 2025-26. He scored both goals on his return from injury. The injury was a pelvic problem that kept him out of the win over Al-Fayha. The win left Al-Ahli fifth on 21 points.
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Key Factors Behind His Success
Matchless Physicality & Aerial Presence
Toney’s transition to Saudi football was seamless largely because of his complete skill set. In a league featuring varied tactical styles, his physical presence allows him to act as a focal point. He consistently wins duels against physical defenders, pins centre-backs, and provides a target for Al-Ahli’s wide attackers.
Cold-Blooded Penalty Execution
Toney remains one of the most reliable penalty takers in world football. His signature stutter-step technique and composure under pressure have yielded a 100% conversion rate from 12 yards in the Saudi Pro League, adding guaranteed goals to Al-Ahli’s tally.
Elite Off-the-Ball Movement & Link-up Play
Rather than staying static inside the penalty box, Toney excels at dropping deep to link play and creating space for surrounding wingers. His intelligence off the ball and timing late runs to lose markers give Al-Ahli a dynamic edge during counter-attacks and sustained possession.
Silverware & High Stakes Drive
Toney’s output has translated directly to team success. He powered Al-Ahli to their first-ever AFC Champions League title, cementing his status as a key figure in the club’s continental achievements. His ongoing battle for the Golden Boot alongside elite peers keeps his competitive motivation consistently high.
The Golden Boot Motivation Remains
The Golden Boot he narrowly missed clearly still motivates him. Before the season began, the league noted he had been vocal about wanting the award.
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