Al Hilal’s Ambitions in the FIFA Club World Cup
ORLANDO, Fla. — Al Hilal’s new head coach, Simone Inzaghi, took time to discuss the significance of the FIFA Club World Cup for his team following a scoreless draw with FC Salzburg that secured their spot in the knockout stage. In a summer where many European clubs participating in the tournament are largely driven by the prospect of lucrative financial rewards, Al Hilal, under the ownership of Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund—valued at nearly $100 billion—are driven by a different ambition: to prove they belong among the elite in global football.
Inzaghi’s Vision and Team Aspirations
Inzaghi emphasized their intent, stating,
“Our goal was to achieve being in the group of the best teams in the world. We were not just here to have fun; we were here to play at a World Cup and aimed to reach this stage.”
The match against Manchester City scheduled for Monday marks a crucial juncture for Al Hilal, who previously impressed with a 1-1 draw against Real Madrid during the group phase.
Strategic Leadership and Club Growth
The presence of Inzaghi at Audi Field underscores Al Hilal’s aspirations for greatness. Before taking up his role with the Saudi club, Inzaghi led Inter Milan to two Champions League finals and a Serie A title in just four years, making him a highly sought-after coach in Europe with associations to top clubs like Manchester United and Barcelona. Just days after Inter’s loss to Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League final, the deal with Al Hilal was finalized, signaling their desire to elevate their competitive profile.
Esteve Calzada, Al Hilal’s CEO, remarked on the significance of this hiring, asserting,
“It shows our ambition and puts us in a very good position to compete.”
Founded in 1957, Al Hilal has been reshaped by significant investment in Saudi football, particularly after Cristiano Ronaldo‘s high-profile transfer to Al Nassr in early 2023 sparked global interest in the Saudi Pro League. This was followed by Neymar’s move from PSG to Al Hilal for €90 million, further raising the club’s international profile despite Neymar’s injury struggles limiting his appearances.
Global Recognition and Competitive Spirit
With more than 40 million social media followers, comparable to that of several Premier League teams, Al Hilal is well-recognized outside of Saudi Arabia. Their roster includes well-known players like Kalidou Koulibaly, João Cancelo, and Rúben Neves, alongside strategic appointments, including Calzada, who previously contributed to Manchester City’s success before joining Al Hilal in January 2024.
Calzada expressed emotion about facing his former team, saying,
“It will be very emotional to reunite with my friends at City. I worked there for 12 years, and it’s probably the first time that I’d like Manchester City to lose.”
He believes the Club World Cup presents a vital chance for Al Hilal to gauge their competitiveness against top teams.
“It’s a real opportunity to compete at this level and showcase what we can do.”
Overcoming Challenges and Future Prospects
Despite the lack of certain high-profile signings, like Manchester United’s Bruno Fernandes and Napoli’s Victor Osimhen, during a recent FIFA transfer window, Al Hilal made it through the group stage with five points and only one goal conceded, an impressive feat considering these restrictions. The SPL and its clubs are uniting in support, with even rival fans cheering for Al Hilal as they represent Saudi football on international grounds.
As they prepare to face the reigning champions, Manchester City, Al Hilal carries the weight of expectations, given their historical success in Saudi football. Inzaghi’s appointment followed the dismissal of Jorge Jesus, aiming for a more successful season after falling short in recent domestic competitions.
Calzada noted,
“They call Al Hilal the Real Madrid of Saudi Arabia. There’s a responsibility because everyone expects us to win every game; finishing second last season isn’t deemed a success.”
Al Hilal’s participation in the Club World Cup is already seen as a victory in terms of testing their strength against superior opponents, with hopes that a commendable showing against Manchester City will highlight their potential to compete on Europe’s grandest stages.
“This club operates with a successful foundation that is now set to grow even further as we modernize and expand our global reach,”
Calzada concluded.
