Al Hilal SFC-Season Deep Dive-Al Hilal Saudi Football Club, known as the Blue Waves, is the most decorated club in Saudi Arabia and a powerhouse in Asian football. Based in Riyadh, Al Hilal boasts a storied history, with 67 official titles, including a record 19 Saudi Pro League (SPL) championships and four AFC Champions League trophies. The 2024-25 season, however, has been a challenging one for the defending champions, with inconsistent performances threatening their title defense. This article explores Al Hilal’s current standings, key matches, player performances, and what fans are searching for online, including YouTube highlights, as they navigate a pivotal campaign under manager Jorge Jesus.
Club Overview and Legacy
Founded in 1957, Al Hilal is Saudi Arabia’s most successful club, with a fanbase spanning the Middle East. Nicknamed “The Leader” for their dominance, they’ve won the SPL 10 times since 2000 and hold a record 46-match unbeaten streak in the league, set in 2023-24. Their home, the Kingdom Arena (capacity: 26,000), is a fortress, hosting electrifying matches like the Riyadh Derby against Al Nassr. Al Hilal’s global profile has soared with high-profile signings like Neymar (2023-2025) and Aleksandar Mitrović, cementing their status as a Saudi football giant.
The 2024-25 season, Al Hilal’s 68th, began with ambitions to defend their SPL title and reclaim the AFC Champions League Elite (ACLE). However, injuries, departures, and unexpected losses have tested their resolve, making this a season of redemption and reinvention.
Current Standings in the Saudi Pro League
As of April 16, 2025, Al Hilal sit second in the SPL with 58 points from 27 matches (17 wins, 7 draws, 3 losses). They trail leaders Al Ittihad by seven points with seven games remaining, making their title defense a steep challenge. Their goal difference stands at +36, with 65 goals scored—led by Marcos Leonardo’s 17—and 29 conceded.
SPL Table Snapshot
| Position | Team | Played | Won | Drawn | Lost | GF | GA | GD | Points |
| 1 | Al Ittihad | 27 | 20 | 5 | 2 | 62 | 25 | +37 | 65 |
| 2 | Al Hilal | 27 | 17 | 7 | 3 | 65 | 29 | +36 | 58 |
| 3 | Al Qadsiah | 27 | 15 | 6 | 6 | 48 | 31 | +17 | 51 |
| 4 | Al Nassr | 27 | 14 | 9 | 4 | 53 | 34 | +19 | 51 |
Note: Standings reflect data up to April 16, 2025.
Al Hilal’s form has been inconsistent, with only three wins in their last nine games, including a 1-1 draw against Al Ettifaq on April 11 and a 3-1 loss to Al Nassr in the Riyadh Derby on April 4. A historic 9-0 thrashing of Al Fateh on January 16, matching their own SPL record, remains a highlight, but recent dropped points have fans anxious.
Season Performance and Key Matches
The 2024-25 season began with promise, as Al Hilal topped the table early with wins like a 3-0 rout of Al Riyadh. October’s 4-0 victory over Al Ahli, with Mitrović scoring twice, showcased their firepower. However, a shock 3-2 loss to Al Khaleej in November, ending their 46-match unbeaten run, marked a turning point. Led by former Al Hilal manager Georgios Donis, Al Khaleej staged a comeback, with Abdullah Al Salem scoring twice.
Notable Matches
Al Hilal 9-0 Al Fateh (January 16, 2025): Marcos Leonardo’s hat-trick, alongside goals from Kalidou Koulibaly, Renan Lodi, Sergej Milinkovic-Savic, Malcom, and Abdullah Al-Hamdan, equaled the SPL’s record scoreline.
Al Hilal 1-3 Al Nassr (April 4, 2025): Cristiano Ronaldo’s brace and Ali Al Hassan’s goal handed Al Hilal their first Riyadh Derby loss since 2021, with Ali Al Bulayhi’s header a mere consolation.
Al Ittihad 4-1 Al Hilal (February 22, 2025): Karim Benzema’s brilliance exposed Al Hilal’s defensive frailties, widening Al Ittihad’s lead at the top.
Al Ettifaq 1-1 Al Hilal (April 11, 2025): Malcom’s equalizer salvaged a point, but the draw further dented title hopes.
Al Hilal face Al Khaleej on April 17, 2025, at Kingdom Arena, a must-win to keep pressure on Al Ittihad. Fans are searching for “Al Hilal vs Al Khaleej highlights” on YouTube, expecting a response after November’s upset.
AFC Champions League Elite Campaign
Al Hilal’s ACLE journey has been turbulent. They reached the quarter-finals, facing South Korea’s Gwangju FC on April 21 (first leg) and April 29 (second leg). However, a shock exit against Al Ahly in the group stage, as reported on X, raised concerns about their continental form. Despite this, their 2023 Club World Cup final appearance (losing 5-3 to Real Madrid) and past ACLE titles (2019, 2021) keep expectations high.
Fans search YouTube for “Al Hilal Champions League highlights,” particularly clips of Mitrović’s goals and Malcom’s flair, though the Al Ahly loss has sparked debate about Jorge Jesus’s tactics.
Key Players and Performances
Al Hilal’s star-studded squad, bolstered by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund, features global talents:
Marcos Leonardo: The Brazilian striker leads the SPL with 17 goals in 23 games, including a hat-trick against Al Fateh. His clinical finishing is central to Al Hilal’s attack.
Aleksandar Mitrović: The Serbian forward, signed for £50 million in 2023, has 12 SPL goals, with standout performances against Al Ahli and Al Riyadh.
Malcom: The Brazilian winger’s equalizer against Al Ettifaq and consistent creativity (three goals, five assists) make him a fan favorite.
Sergej Milinkovic-Savic: The midfielder’s vision and goals, like his Al Fateh strike, drive the team’s tempo.
Kalidou Koulibaly: The Senegalese defender’s leadership and rare goals, including one against Al Fateh, anchor the backline.
Departures and Injuries
Neymar’s exit in January 2025, after seven appearances due to injuries, was a blow. His £322 million stint (including a £77 million transfer fee and £2.5 million weekly salary) yielded one goal and three assists, prompting his return to Santos. Injuries to João Cancelo and Wesley Teixeira have also strained the squad, with fans searching “Al Hilal injury updates” for news.
Jorge Jesus’s Management and Tactics
Jorge Jesus, in his second stint since 2018, faces scrutiny despite leading Al Hilal to the 2023-24 SPL title. His 4-2-3-1 formation relies on Leonardo’s finishing and Malcom’s wing play, but defensive lapses—evident in the Al Ittihad and Al Khaleej losses—have drawn criticism. The Al Hilal board’s decision to retain Jesus ahead of the Gwangju clash reflects short-term faith, though fans on X question his future if results falter.
Jesus’s praise for rival Cristiano Ronaldo as a “perfect example for footballers” shows his respect for the game, but fans want tactical adjustments. YouTube searches for “Jorge Jesus Al Hilal tactics” reveal fan-made analyses of his high-pressing style.
Fan Sentiment and Online Searches
Al Hilal’s global fanbase, amplified by their 2023-24 unbeaten season, is vocal online. Common Google and YouTube searches include:
“Al Hilal standings 2024-25”: Fans track their SPL position, with Sofascore and Goal.com offering real-time updates.
“Al Hilal highlights YouTube”: The club’s official channel (@AlhilalFC) posts match clips, with the 9-0 Al Fateh win nearing 500,000 views. Ronaldo’s brace in the Al Nassr loss also trends, despite the defeat.
“Al Hilal next match”: Queries focus on the Al Khaleej game and Gwangju ACLE tie.
“Why is Al Hilal losing?”: Posts on X reflect frustration, with some blaming Jesus’s tactics and others citing Neymar’s absence.
“Al Hilal Ronaldo goals”: Fans revisit Ronaldo’s Al Nassr brace, with highlight reels on channels like BeIN Sports.
YouTube is a hub for Al Hilal content, with fans seeking Mitrović’s headers, Leonardo’s hat-trick, and pre-season friendlies like the 4-1 win over Al Sadd. The club’s 2019 AFC Champions League final clips also resurface, fueling nostalgia.
Off-Field Developments
Financial Powerhouse
Backed by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund, Al Hilal’s budget exceeds £200 million annually, funding signings like Mitrović and Koulibaly. Neymar’s costly exit hasn’t dented their finances, with reports of interest in Al Nassr’s Ali Lajami for 2025-26. Fans search “Al Hilal transfer news” for updates on potential targets like Xavi Simons, rumored to join from RB Leipzig.
Kingdom Arena and Fan Experience
The Kingdom Arena, opened in 2024, is a state-of-the-art venue. Its atmosphere during the Al Nassr derby, captured in YouTube vlogs, has fans searching “Kingdom Arena matchday.” Plans for capacity expansion surfaced in March 2025, exciting supporters.
Global Ambitions
Al Hilal’s leadership, under president Fahad bin Saad bin Nafel, aims to elevate Saudi football globally, with the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup as a target. Their 2023 final loss to Real Madrid remains a motivator, with fans seeking “Al Hilal Club World Cup highlights” on YouTube.
Cup Competitions and Other Ventures
King’s Cup
Al Hilal reached the King’s Cup quarter-finals but lost 2-1 to Al Ittihad in January 2025, with Neymar missing due to an abdominal issue. Fans search for “Al Hilal King’s Cup highlights,” particularly Malcom’s assists, though the defeat stung.
Saudi Super Cup
Al Hilal won the 2024 Saudi Super Cup, defeating Al Ittihad 4-1 in April 2024, with Mitrović scoring twice. Clips of this triumph trend on YouTube, with fans reliving Salem Al Dawsari’s goal.
Esports and Community
Al Hilal’s esports team, competing in the Saudi Esports Federation’s 2025 World Cup, expands their brand. Community initiatives, like youth academies, resonate with fans searching “Al Hilal youth team” after their U18 side’s draw with Al Hazm.
Challenges and Title Prospects
Al Hilal’s title hopes hinge on winning all seven remaining SPL games, starting with Al Khaleej. Key fixtures include:
Al Hilal vs. Al Khaleej (April 17, 2025): A chance to avenge November’s loss.
Al Shabab vs. Al Hilal (April 24, 2025): A tough away clash against a top-six side.
Al Hilal vs. Al Taawoun (May 1, 2025): A must-win at home to close the gap.
The ACLE quarter-finals against Gwangju are crucial for Champions League qualification, with fans hoping for a fifth title. Challenges include:
Inconsistent Form: Only three wins in nine games signal tactical issues.
Injuries: Cancelo and Teixeira’s absences strain the defense.
Rivals’ Strength: Al Ittihad’s Benzema-led attack and Al Nassr’s Ronaldo pose threats.
Analysts give Al Hilal a 30% chance of overtaking Al Ittihad, with a likely second-place finish securing ACLE qualification. A play-off for the title, if points level, remains a long shot.
Al Hilal’s YouTube presence is massive, with the official channel and BeIN Sports posting:
Match Highlights: The 9-0 Al Fateh rout and 4-1 Super Cup win are top videos, with Leonardo’s hat-trick clips trending.
Player Compilations: Mitrović’s headers and Malcom’s dribbles dominate, with fan channels like Saudi Football Hub compiling “Best of 2024-25.”
Riyadh Derby Clips: Despite the 3-1 loss, Ronaldo’s goals and Al Bulayhi’s header draw views.
Tactical Analyses: Videos like “Why Al Hilal Are Struggling” by Tifo Football dissect Jesus’s tactics, gaining 100,000+ views.
Fan Vlogs: Channels like Al Hilal World capture Kingdom Arena’s atmosphere, especially during the Al Fateh game.
Searches for “Al Hilal full match replay” are limited due to broadcast restrictions, but highlights satisfy most fans.
Al Hilal SFC’s 2024-25 season is a tale of resilience amid adversity. Second in the SPL with 58 points, they face an uphill battle to defend their title, trailing Al Ittihad by seven. Marcos Leonardo’s goals, Malcom’s flair, and Mitrović’s presence keep hopes alive, but losses to Al Nassr and Al Khaleej expose vulnerabilities. Off the pitch, the Kingdom Arena’s buzz and global ambitions elevate their brand, with YouTube highlights fueling fan passion. As searches for “Al Hilal standings” and “Kingdom Arena goals” soar, the Blue Waves aim to reclaim their throne in the SPL and Asia, proving why they’re Saudi Arabia’s greatest club.
FAQS
What is Al Hilal SFC?
Al Hilal Saudi Football Club, commonly known as Al Hilal SFC, is a professional football club based in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Founded in 1957, the club is one of the most successful in Asia, having won 70 official trophies, including 19 Saudi Pro League titles and 4 AFC Champions League titles .Wikipedia
Who is the current manager of Al Hilal?
As of April 2025, the club is managed by Jorge Jesus, a Portuguese coach known for his tactical acumen and success in European football .
What is Al Hilal’s home stadium?
Al Hilal’s home matches are primarily held at the King Fahd International Stadium in Riyadh, which has a seating capacity of 67,000 spectators. The club also occasionally plays at the Prince Faisal bin Fahd Stadium .
What is Al Hilal’s recent performance in the Saudi Pro League?
In the 2023–24 season, Al Hilal clinched the Saudi Pro League title, finishing 1st out of 18 teams .Wikipedia
Who are some of the star players at Al Hilal?
Al Hilal boasts a squad featuring several high-profile players, including:
Neymar Jr. – Brazilian forward, joined in 2023 from Paris Saint-Germain.
Kalidou Koulibaly – Senegalese defender, signed from Chelsea.
Rúben Neves – Portuguese midfielder, transferred from Wolverhampton Wanderers.
Sergej Milinković-Savić – Serbian midfielder, acquired from Lazio.
João Cancelo – Portuguese right-back, linked with a move from Barcelona .
Has Al Hilal signed any notable players recently?
Yes, in the 2024–25 season, Al Hilal signed several prominent players:
Renan Lodi – Brazilian left-back, joined from Atlético Madrid.
Miteb Al Harbi – Saudi Arabian left-back, added to the squad.
Jhon Durán and Kaio César – Young talents brought in to bolster the team’s future prospects .
What is Al Hilal’s kit sponsor?
Al Hilal’s kits are manufactured by Puma, and the main sponsor is Savvy Games Group, a prominent Saudi gaming company .
Where can I watch Al Hilal’s matches?
Al Hilal’s matches are broadcast on the Saudi Broadcasting Authority’s SBC Channel and the Shahid streaming service. Additionally, SSC Sports holds broadcasting rights for the Saudi Pro League .
What is the club’s mascot?
Al Hilal’s mascot is a blue shark, symbolizing the club’s dominance and ambition in football .
How can I follow Al Hilal on social media?
You can follow Al Hilal on various social media platforms:
Instagram: @AlHilal_FC
Twitter: @AlHilal_FC
YouTube: Al Hilal Official Channel
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