Predictions
30 November, 2025
Rob Dawson opines that Pep Guardiola must be satisfied with his squad after their stellar performance against Juventus. (2:04)
ORLANDO, Fla. — Following a goalless draw with FC Salzburg that secured their place in the FIFA Club World Cup’s round of 16, new Al Hilal manager Simone Inzaghi took a moment to express the significance of this tournament for his team.
Many European clubs participating in the U.S. this summer seem primarily driven by the substantial financial incentives at stake. However, Al Hilal, backed by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund valued at nearly $100 billion, doesn’t lack for funds.
What they truly desire, as Inzaghi stated, is to demonstrate their worth on football’s grand stage. They’ve already made their mark with a respectable 1-1 draw against Real Madrid in the group phase, setting the stage for a round-of-16 clash with Manchester City on Monday.
“Our aim was to be recognized among the elite clubs worldwide,” Inzaghi remarked. “We didn’t come here merely for enjoyment; we came to compete in a World Cup and reach this level.”
Inzaghi’s presence at Audi Field, representing Al Hilal, underscores their high aspirations. Just a month ago, he witnessed his Inter Milan team lose to Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League final. His impressive track record at Inter – featuring two Champions League finals and a Serie A title in four years – along with his tactical brilliance made him one of the most coveted coaches in Europe, previously linked with roles at Manchester United and Barcelona.
Yet, it was Al Hilal that secured his services. Discussions about his appointment were shrouded in secrecy before the Champions League final, and just four days after Inter’s defeat, the announcement was made.
“This reflects our ambitions,” Al Hilal’s CEO Esteve Calzada told ESPN. “It positions us strongly for competition.”
Established in 1957, Al Hilal is not starting from ground zero; they have been revitalized by significant investments in Saudi football. Cristiano Ronaldo’s transfer to Al Nassr in January 2023 brought attention to the Saudi Pro League, and Al Hilal followed suit with their own significant signing, acquiring Neymar from PSG for €90 million eight months later. Though injuries limited the 33-year-old Brazilian to just seven appearances before he returned to Santos, this transfer placed Al Hilal on the global football radar.
Where once few outside Saudi Arabia could name any of their domestic teams, Al Hilal jerseys are now commonly spotted across Europe. They boast over 40 million social media followers, comparable to some Premier League clubs.
The squad heading to the Club World Cup includes notable names such as Kalidou Koulibaly, Renan Lodi, Sergej Milinkovic-Savic, Aleksandar Mitrovic, Rúben Neves, and João Cancelo.
Calzada is not alone in transitioning from Europe; he was part of City’s success for over a decade alongside CEO Ferran Soriano and sporting director Txiki Begiristain. Before joining Al Hilal in January 2024, he served as the group chief commercial officer at City Football Group.
“It will be emotional to reconnect with my friends during the match against City,” Calzada expressed. “I dedicated 12 years there, and this is the first time I hope Manchester City loses.”
The SPL aspires to be recognized among the top five leagues globally, and for Calzada and Inzaghi, the Club World Cup represents an opportunity to gauge Al Hilal’s standing.
“It’s a genuine chance, especially against teams like Real Madrid and now Manchester City,” Calzada noted. “This tournament is monumental for us, not just for competition, but to showcase our quality.”
Al Hilal made headlines attempting to sign Manchester United’s Bruno Fernandes and Napoli’s Victor Osimhen during FIFA’s unique transfer window in June. Despite missing those additions, the team progressed from Group H with five points from three matches, having conceded just one goal, making them one of three groups that saw a European side eliminated.
Back in Saudi Arabia, the mission to represent the SPL on a global scale has transcended traditional club rivalries, with reports of Al Nassr and Al Ittihad fans publicly supporting Al Hilal.
“It’s no surprise to us as we recognize our team’s quality and its progress,” Calzada stated. “When we have the opportunity to showcase it, it’s fantastic. This isn’t just a marketing strategy; it’s about competition, and we aim to advance as far as possible.”
As City prepares for the match in Orlando on Monday as the favorites, Al Hilal faces challenges with increasing injuries. Nonetheless, expectations remain high for the historically most successful club in Saudi Arabia.
Inzaghi’s appointment came after Jorge Jesus was dismissed in May for failing to secure the SPL title against Al Ittihad and losing in the Asian Champions League semifinals. Locally, finishing second is not deemed a success.
“Al Hilal is often referred to as the Real Madrid of Saudi Arabia,” Calzada remarked. “There’s an expectation to win every match; merely finishing as runners-up last season is not sufficient for us.”
Success at the Club World Cup has already been achieved. The goal was to measure themselves against the best, and a strong performance against City will reinforce the notion that Al Hilal is not far from joining Europe’s elite.
“It doesn’t feel lesser than the major clubs I’ve worked with,” Calzada concluded. “The club has been managed effectively, and now there’s a more ambitious vision. We are striving for greater global recognition. With our new stadium and modernization efforts, the foundation is strong, and we can only improve with our evolving plans.”
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