Al-Hilal: All about the club the Brazilian soccer player Neymar is transferring to

Explore the surprising transfer of Neymar Jr, to Saudi Arabian club Al-Hilal and the influx of star players into the Saudi Pro League. Learn about Al Hilal's rich football legacy and their strategic steps to elevate the club's prowess on the national and continental stage.

Outlook International Desk

Updated on: 14 August 2023 10:21 pm

Al-Hilal Fans during an Arab Club Champions Cup game against Wydad FC

The soccer world is surprised at the sudden transfer of Brazilian striker Neymar Jr. to the Saudi Arabian club Al-Hilal. Having spent six seasons at the French club Paris Saint-Germain, Neymar has reportedly agreed to the deal offered by the Saudi club and is set to undergo his medical very soon. Neymar joins the long list of star soccer players who have accepted lucrative deals from clubs that compete in the Saudi Pro League, including Cristiano Ronaldo, Kalidou Koulibaly, Karim Benzema, Sergei Milinkovic-Savic, and Sadio Mané. These clubs are shelling out astonishing amounts for these A-list players in an effort to widen the popularity of the Middle Eastern kingdom’s domestic league.

Al-Hilal was at the forefront to make some surprising acquisitions, which included bids to buy Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbappe. Messi chose to play for the US club Inter Miami, while Mbappe will continue at PSG. It is one of the four clubs in the Saudi Pro League, owned by Saudi’s Public Investment Fund (PIF).

Al Hilal stands as one of the most illustrious Saudi football clubs, boasting a rich legacy in local, regional, and continental competitions. Established in 1957, the club has clinched the Saudi League championship 18 times, the King’s Cup on ten occasions, the Crown Prince’s Cup 13 times, the Saudi Federation Cup seven times, the Saudi Founder’s Cup thrice and the Saudi Super Cup three times.

On the grand stage of continental football, Al-Hilal's prowess is undeniable, with four AFC Champions League titles, two Asian Cup Winners’ Cup victories, and two Asian Super Cup triumphs under their belt.

Al Hilal's team now showcases a quartet of internationally acclaimed players, all enticed from the European stage: Ruben Neves, Sergej Milinkovic-Savic, Kalidou Koulibaly, and Neymar's Brazilian compatriot, the skilled Malcom. Elevating the team's prowess remains a top priority for the Riyadh-based club. This initiative gained more significance with the Saudi Public Investment Fund's announcement in June, outlining a groundbreaking investment and privatization endeavor aimed at bolstering sports clubs. Notably encompassing league champions such as Al-Ittihad, Al-Ahli, Al-Nassr, and Al-Hilal, this strategic move marks a new chapter in the club's journey.
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