Al-hilalone of Saudi Arabia’s most successful football clubsMade headlines this week with a bold decision that can shape the future of Saudi’s football’s most ambitious project. With the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup on the horizon and speculation that swirls about the Cristiano Ronaldo’s next move, the Riyadh-based club is reportedly declined the chance to sign the five times Ballon d’Or-Winnaren-Trot a push from powerful backers and a potential media.
But why did al-Hilal reject the world’s most recognizable football icon? The reason, rooted in the latest history, says more about the club’s developing strategy than it does about Ronaldo’s lasting appeal.
According to several sources, including RMC Sport via journalist Sacha tableThe Saudi Public Investment Funds (PIF) -Will owns Al-Hilal, Al-Nassr, Al-Ahli and Al-Itihad- Is offered al-Hilal the chance to sign Cristiano Ronaldo in front Club -World Cupwhich starts in the United States in June.
PIF’s logic was clear: Ronaldo’s presence would increase visibility, international attention and audience involvement At a time when Saudi Pro League tries to establish herself as a global strength. The tournament, which will contain clubs such as Manchester City, Palmeiras and Al-Hilal as Saudi Arabia’s lone representative, was seen as the perfect stage.
But the club’s answers surprised many.
Neymar effect: painful lesson
Al-Hilal, despite the potential marketing value, rejected the Ronaldo proposal. According to reports are club leaders focused on younger attacking talentas like Nigerian star striker Victor Osimhen. The club’s leadership is careful about repeating a recently profiled mistake: Neymar transmission.
Neymar, signed in a record agreement just 18 months ago, left the blue waves earlier this year after a string of debilitating injuries and only Seven performances in a blue shirt. His short -lived enchantment reportedly cost the club $ 14.4 million per lookFactoring in both transfer and wage costs – a sum as now ranked him as the most expensive player per match in football history.
His departure – through a dismissal of mutual agreement – was an economic and considered kind. Against this background, the Board has become careful about investing in older stars, regardless of their status.
Why Al-Hilal doesn’t want Ronaldo
Beyond Age-Oro, reportedly al-Hilal Set strict conditions For any agreement with Ronaldo. According to prominent Arab journalist Walid al-FarajThe The five times Ballon D’or the winner would not be given the captain’s bracelet And would need Accept a rotation role. Not surprisingly, These conditions were not adapted to the expectations of the future.
With 91 goals in 103 matches Since he joined Al-Nassr in 2023 Ronaldo remains a potent goal score-but at 40 years oldQuestions about the squad balance and tactical fit have clearly affected al-Hilal’s thinking.
