Georginio Wijnaldum is back among the goals in the Saudi Pro League after ending a five-month wait to find the net. The Dutch midfielder scored for Al-Ittihad as the Tigers secured a comfortable 2-0 victory over Al-Diriyah at Al-Inma Stadium in Jeddah on Friday.
Wijnaldum sealed the win in the 77th minute, confidently converting a penalty to double Al-Ittihad’s advantage and put the result beyond doubt. The goal was a welcome moment for the experienced midfielder, who had gone several months without scoring in the competition.
It was also his first Saudi Pro League goal for Al-Ittihad since joining the club on a free transfer last summer. The move came after his contract with fellow Saudi side Al-Ettifaq expired, bringing an end to his previous spell with the club.
Wijnaldum Finally Finds His Scoring Touch Again
Before Friday’s match, Wijnaldum’s last Saudi Pro League goal had come on May 9, when he scored during Al-Ettifaq’s emphatic 5-0 victory over Al-Khaleej in the 32nd round of last season’s competition.
Since then, the Netherlands international had struggled to make an impact on the scoresheet. He featured in two league matches for Al-Ettifaq against Al-Ittihad and Neom before making three appearances for his new side against Al-Faisaly, Al-Hilal and Al-Ettifaq. None of those outings produced a goal.
His penalty against Al-Diriyah finally brought that frustrating run to an end and gave him another reason to celebrate in his new colours.
Although he had yet to score in the league for Al-Ittihad, Wijnaldum had already opened his account for the club in continental competition. He found the net in a 1-1 draw against Qatar’s Al-Shamal during the opening round of the AFC Champions League Elite league stage.
Al-Ittihad Look Ahead to Their Next Challenge
The victory over Al-Diriyah provides Al-Ittihad with another positive result as they continue their Saudi Pro League campaign. Wijnaldum’s return to scoring form could also prove valuable as the club balances its domestic ambitions with its commitments in Asian competition.
Al-Ittihad’s next scheduled fixture is against Neftchi Farg’ona in the AFC Champions League Elite on October 26, 2026. Meanwhile, Al-Diriyah are due to face Neom in the Saudi Pro League on October 30.
For Wijnaldum, the immediate priority will be to build on this breakthrough. After months without a league goal, the midfielder will hope that his penalty against Al-Diriyah marks the beginning of a more productive spell with the Tigers.