Al Hilal from Saudi Arabia exited the Club World Cup on Friday following a 2-1 loss to Fluminense. However, their unexpected journey to the quarter-finals has certainly made a statement on the international football scene.
Under the guidance of Simone Inzaghi, the team achieved a stunning 4-3 victory over Manchester City in the round of 16, marking the tournament’s most significant upset and one of its most exhilarating matches.
Al Hilal kicked off their campaign with a draw against Spanish powerhouse Real Madrid, progressing through the group stage unbeaten. They secured a draw with Champions League perennial contenders Salzburg and earned a solid 2-0 victory against Mexico’s Pachuca, six-time winners of the CONCACAF Champions Cup.
With a squad that blends local Saudi talent and international signings, Inzaghi, recently appointed, guided the team to the edge of the semi-finals.
Kalidou Koulibaly, a former Napoli defender and Senegal international who is among the well-paid foreign recruits, emphasised that the performances in this inaugural 32-team Club World Cup convey a clear message: the Saudi league is not merely a lucrative retirement destination for European and South American players.
“We demonstrated that Saudi teams are incredibly strong and possess numerous talented players. People assume that we are only there for financial gain, but we have shown that we are dedicated to our craft,” he told journalists.
“Our performance at this World Cup has illustrated our talent; every team that faced us can verify that. We’re committed to enhancing the league, and we have made significant strides in just two years,” he added.
Koulibaly was among the first to join the Saudi Pro League after leaving Chelsea and has observed rapid developments in the league since his arrival.
“I was there from the outset, and the league has become quite competitive. We witnessed that last year, and with more players arriving, next year will be even harder. The Saudi league is carving out an important niche in the global football landscape, and we are thrilled to be part of this exciting project, showcasing the improvement in football,” he commented.
Inzaghi, who transitioned from Inter Milan to lead Al Hilal shortly before the tournament commenced, expressed his admiration for his players’ performances thus far.
“For my staff and me, participating in this World Cup has been crucial. We have realised the quality of our squad and the enthusiasm with which they train every day. We’re now looking ahead to an exciting season,” he stated.
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