This summer has been relatively quiet in the Saudi Pro League, although the transfer window is still open until September 2. For Al-Hilal, the return of Neymar will be akin to a new signing. Cristiano Ronaldo, the world-renowned Portuguese player, is preparing for another season in the Saudi Pro League with a primary objective: to help his team, Al-Nassr, dethrone their formidable Riyadh nemesis, Al-Hilal.
Ronaldo, who joined Al-Nassr in December 2022, has yet to secure a domestic trophy with the club. In a recent social media post, he conveyed his unwavering focus, stating, “New season, same goal.” Last season, Al-Hilal clinched the title with an impressive record of 31 wins and three draws, ending the season 14 points clear of second-placed Al-Nassr. Adding to Al-Nassr’s woes, Al-Hilal triumphed over them with a decisive 4-1 victory in the Saudi Super Cup final last weekend. As the new 18-team league season kicks off on Thursday, anticipation and tension are palpable.
“I’m feeling a lot of apprehension because this season is going to be very difficult,” said Kalidou Koulibaly, Al-Hilal’s trusted defender who joined from Chelsea last year. “Last year, it was a tough championship, but we managed to come out on top. This year, all the teams will be gunning to beat Al Hilal.”
Last summer saw an influx of high-profile talent from Europe’s elite leagues joining Ronaldo in Saudi Arabia. According to Deloitte’s Sports Business Group, the Saudi clubs collectively spent a staggering $957 million on transfers. However, the current summer has been markedly quieter, at least thus far.
For Al-Hilal, an exciting prospect is the anticipated return of Neymar. The Brazilian superstar has been sidelined due to a severe left knee injury sustained during a World Cup qualifier in October. His return, touted as transformative for Al-Hilal, is eagerly awaited. “Neymar’s return is highly anticipated by our players,” Koulibaly said.
. “We know that there is still a little bit of waiting due to his injury, but people will see a great Neymar. He still has this motivation when we see him in training.”
Neymar resumed training last month and, according to local media reports, could be back in action by September. In his absence, Serbian striker Aleksandar Mitrovic took up the mantle, netting 28 league goals last season, second only to Ronaldo’s 35. Al-Hilal’s squad also features Portuguese international Ruben Neves and Moroccan goalkeeper Yassine Bounou, bolstering their strength in key positions.
Meanwhile, Al-Nassr’s significant addition for the season has been the signing of Brazilian goalkeeper Bento, who replaces Colombian international David Ospina. The team also boasts new talent, including Senegalese star Sadio Mane, Croatian midfielder Marcelo Brozovic, and defender Aymeric Laporte, who played a pivotal role in Spain’s European championship victory in July.
However, the championship race is far from a two-team competition. Clubs from Jeddah, such as Al-Ahli, with Riyad Mahrez at the helm, and Al-Ittihad, featuring the formidable Karim Benzema, are expected to pose significant challenges. Al-Ittihad has particularly made headlines by securing French winger Moussa Diaby from Aston Villa for over $60 million, marking the summer’s biggest signing.
These clubs, along with Al-Hilal and Al-Nassr, were taken over in 2023 by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund, making them the nation’s most well-supported teams. League officials hope that a tightly contested title race will draw higher crowd attendance, an area that saw just over 8,000 spectators per game last season.
Apart from domestic success, Al-Hilal has eyes set on international glory. The club is set to represent Asia in the expanded FIFA Club World Cup, commencing on June 15 in the United States. Al-Hilal reached the final in the 2022 edition of the tournament but fell short to Real Madrid. “What will be expected going into that competition is that it’s going to be Neymar’s team,” noted Koulibaly. “So we’re going to do everything in training so that he’s out there and in his best conditions to help us win trophies.”
It remains to be seen how the season will unfold, but with Ronaldo and new signings on multiple fronts, the Saudi Pro League promises to be more competitive and thrilling than ever.
