RIYADH — Julian Quinones wasted little time getting back among the goals in the Roshn Saudi League, scoring as Al Qadsiah came from behind to defeat Al Shabab on Thursday in their opening match of the 2026-27 season.The reigning RSL Golden Boot winner struck Al Qadsiah’s second goal in Riyadh, continuing a remarkable scoring run that carried him from a 33-goal league campaign last season to a starring role for Mexico at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.”It’s always important to start on the right foot,” Quinones said after the victory. “Today we showed it.”Al Shabab took the lead through Hammam Al Hammami in the 15th minute, but Al Qadsiah responded to turn the match around and leave the capital with all three points.For Quinones, the goal represented a seamless return to Saudi club football after an impressive summer on the global stage.The 29-year-old finished last season with a hat-trick that took his tally to 33 goals and secured the RSL Golden Boot. He carried that form into the World Cup, scoring in the tournament opener for co-hosts Mexico before finishing the competition with four goals.Back with Al Qadsiah, Quinones believes the cohesion that helped the club finish fourth last season remains intact as they target another challenge near the top of the table.”The team has worked well; they had a good pre-season,” Quinones said. “We are still united like last season; we are still working constantly. And that is what brings us good results.”Quinones also welcomed the presence of Mexican supporters in Riyadh, saying the growing international attention surrounding the Saudi league provided additional motivation.”For me, it is important that the Mexicans are here supporting,” he said. “That motivates more, to know that Saudi football is being seen everywhere. And all the people want to come and see it.”After finishing last season as the league’s leading scorer and carrying his form onto the World Cup stage, Quinones has needed only one match to open his account in the new RSL campaign.
RIYADH — Julian Quinones wasted little time getting back among the goals in the Roshn Saudi League, scoring as Al Qadsiah came from behind to defeat Al Shabab on Thursday in their opening match of the 2026-27 season.The reigning RSL Golden Boot winner struck Al Qadsiah’s second goal in Riyadh, continuing a remarkable scoring run that carried him from a 33-goal league campaign last season to a starring role for Mexico at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.”It’s always important to start on the right foot,” Quinones said after the victory. “Today we showed it.”Al Shabab took the lead through Hammam Al Hammami in the 15th minute, but Al Qadsiah responded to turn the match around and leave the capital with all three points.For Quinones, the goal represented a seamless return to Saudi club football after an impressive summer on the global stage.The 29-year-old finished last season with a hat-trick that took his tally to 33 goals and secured the RSL Golden Boot. He carried that form into the World Cup, scoring in the tournament opener for co-hosts Mexico before finishing the competition with four goals.Back with Al Qadsiah, Quinones believes the cohesion that helped the club finish fourth last season remains intact as they target another challenge near the top of the table.”The team has worked well; they had a good pre-season,” Quinones said. “We are still united like last season; we are still working constantly. And that is what brings us good results.”Quinones also welcomed the presence of Mexican supporters in Riyadh, saying the growing international attention surrounding the Saudi league provided additional motivation.”For me, it is important that the Mexicans are here supporting,” he said. “That motivates more, to know that Saudi football is being seen everywhere. And all the people want to come and see it.”After finishing last season as the league’s leading scorer and carrying his form onto the World Cup stage, Quinones has needed only one match to open his account in the new RSL campaign.
