This summer has seen a relatively quiet transfer window, but the dynamic nature of soccer means anything can happen until it closes on September 2. For Al-Hilal, the anticipated return of Neymar is seen as a significant boost, akin to securing a top-tier new signing.
Cristiano Ronaldo—a name synonymous with goals and records—is gearing up for another competitive season in the Saudi Pro League. His aspiration? To drive Al-Nassr to break the stronghold of their fierce rival, Al-Hilal. Since joining Al-Nassr in December 2022, Ronaldo has yet to capture a domestic trophy with the club. Undeterred, he recently voiced his unwavering determination on social media, stating, “New season, same goal.”
The task ahead is monumental. Al-Hilal clinched the league title last season, boasting an impressive 31 wins and three draws, putting them a substantial 14 points ahead of second-place Al-Nassr. To add insult to injury, Al-Hilal bested Ronaldo’s team 4-1 in the Saudi Super Cup final last weekend. As the 18-team league kicks off its new season this Thursday, the stakes are higher than ever.
“I’m feeling a lot of apprehension because this season is going to be very difficult,” said Kalidou Koulibaly, an Al-Hilal defender who joined from Chelsea last year. “Last year was a tough championship, but we managed to come out on top. This year, all the teams will be gunning to beat Al Hilal.”
The previous summer saw a parade of marquee signings from Europe’s elite leagues flooding into the Saudi Pro League, a trend highlighted by a Deloitte Sports Business Group report revealing a staggering $957 million expenditure. However, this summer has been relatively subdued on the transfer front, even though the window remains open until early September.
For Al-Hilal, the return of Neymar is eagerly awaited, almost like acquiring a new star player. The Brazilian maestro featured in just five games for the Riyadh-based club before a serious knee injury sidelined him during a World Cup qualifier last October. “Neymar’s return is highly anticipated by our players,” continued Koulibaly.
. “We know there’s still a little bit of waiting because of his injury, but people will see a great Neymar. He still has this motivation, which is clear from his training.”
Neymar has indeed resumed training as of last month, with local media suggesting he might be fit for action by September. In his absence, Serbian forward Aleksandar Mitrovic stepped up, scoring an impressive 28 league goals last season, second only to Ronaldo’s record-setting 35. Al-Hilal also boasts other star talents like Portuguese international Ruben Neves and Moroccan goalkeeper Yassine Bounou.
Al-Nassr has made key signings to bolster their chances this season. Brazilian goalkeeper Bento has come in to replace Colombian international David Ospina. Ronaldo will be accompanied by Senegalese sensation Sadio Mane, Croatian midfielder Marcelo Brozovic, and Spain’s Aymeric Laporte, who played a pivotal role in Spain’s European championship victory in July.
Meanwhile, other potential title challengers come from Jeddah’s prestigious clubs—Al-Ahli, led by Riyad Mahrez, and Karim Benzema’s Al-Ittihad. Al-Ittihad made headlines by signing French winger Moussa Diaby from Aston Villa for over $60 million, this transfer being the biggest of the summer so far.
All four of these teams, rejuvenated by the Saudi Arabia Public Investment Fund takeover in 2023, are among the nation’s most-supported clubs. League officials likely bank on a more competitive title race this season to boost average attendances, which hovered just above 8,000 per game last year.
Beyond domestic glory, Al-Hilal harbors international ambitions, including representing Asia in the expanded FIFA Club World Cup, set to commence on June 15 in the United States. Al-Hilal reached the final of the 2022 edition but fell short against European giants Real Madrid. “The narrative going into that competition is that it’s going to be Neymar’s team,” added Koulibaly. “So we’re going to do everything in training to ensure he’s out there in peak condition to help us win trophies.”
With intense competition shaping up and high stakes on both domestic and international stages, the new season promises gripping drama. As Cristiano Ronaldo seeks to dismantle Al-Hilal’s longstanding dominance, all eyes will undoubtedly be on how the league unfolds from its kickoff this Thursday.
