Five stars of the Roshn Saudi League continue to be protagonists in the 2026 World Cup, even after the early elimination of Saudi Arabia. The notable presence of several players from the top Saudi league has been strongly felt on the pitches of the United States, Canada, and Mexico, with performances that are shaking expectations and reigniting the pride of their club supporters. As the knockout stages get underway, the stars of the RSL have become indispensable figures, achieving historic feats and delivering eye-catching displays that keep attention focused on the Saudi championship.
The group stage of this World Cup left no doubt about the influence of players from Al Nassr, Al Hilal, Al Ittihad, and Al Ahli, as well as the surprising Al Qadsiah. The standout player is undoubtedly Julian Quinones, the Mexican forward who was the top scorer of the last edition of the RSL and carried his goal-scoring prowess to the host nation. Quinones was crucial to Mexico’s unprecedented achievement, winning all their matches in Group A—something never before accomplished by the Mexicans in World Cup history. He scored in the opening match against South Africa, netting the first goal of this expanded edition of the tournament, and found the back of the net again in the final duel against the Czech Republic, solidifying his reputation as a finisher and fully justifying the 33 goals he scored in the Saudi championship in 2025-26.
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Mexico, galvanized by Quinones’ performance, is now preparing to face Ecuador in the round of 16, in a clash that will take place at the Estadio Azteca in Mexico City. The anticipation is enormous, as the Mexicans are seeking only their second victory in World Cup knockout matches — the last was in 1986, precisely the year they last hosted the tournament. The pressure is at its peak, but Quinones and his teammates seem ready to challenge tradition and write a new golden chapter in Mexican football.
On the Moroccan side, the standout name is Bono, the goalkeeper who swapped the Spanish league for Al Hilal after the last World Cup and continues to raise the bar of his career. Named CAF Goalkeeper of the Year and voted the best in the RSL for 2023-24, Bono shone in the opening draw against Brazil, making four crucial saves that kept Moroccan hopes alive. The Moroccan coach did not hold back in praising his number 1 after the match, emphasizing: “Bono is absolutely decisive. When called upon, he always responds with world-class ability.” Now, Morocco faces the powerful Netherlands national team in Monterrey, where Bono once again becomes the main weapon for the Africans in an attempt to replicate (or surpass) the historic run of 2022.
Franck Kessié, the midfield boss of Al Ahli and captain of the Ivory Coast, also made his mark at the World Cup. After a demanding group stage, the Ivorians secured qualification by finishing second in Group E, just behind Germany. Kessié particularly stood out in the clash against the Germans, opening the scoring and giving his team an unexpected lead before they were betrayed by a late goal. At the end of the match, Kessié acknowledged: “We knew it would be difficult, but we showed that we never give up. This team has soul, and I am proud of what we have done.” The Ivory Coast is now preparing to face Norway in a high-stakes showdown in Arlington, where Kessié’s experience and leadership will once again be crucial.
A performance of these players highlights the extraordinary quality and competitiveness of the Roshn Saudi League, which increasingly positions itself as a showcase of global talent. The success of RSL athletes on the biggest stage in world football not only enhances the league’s prestige but also anticipates a rise in international interest and potential market movements in the post-World Cup period. With the round of 16 approaching, all eyes are on Quinones, Bono, and Kessié, who could continue to make history and elevate the name of the RSL even higher. The immediate future promises strong emotions and new epic chapters, as the teams of the Saudi protagonists strive to extend their World Cup dream.
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