Al-Hilal stuns the world and faces Fluminense in the Club World Cup; CEO Esteve Calzada praises Saudi project

Al-Hilal’s historic 4-3 victory over Manchester City in 2025, during the Club World Cup quarterfinals, marked a defining moment for Saudi football. Led by CEO Esteve Calzada, the Riyadh club now prepares to face Fluminense on July 4 at 4 p.m. at Camping World Stadium in Orlando, vying for a semifinal spot. The match, held in the United States, reflects the growth of the Saudi project, driven by investments and global ambitions. Calzada, with experience at Barcelona and Manchester City, highlighted the significance of the achievement for the Saudi Pro League’s valuation. The game against the Brazilian side promises to be a new test for the star-studded squad, including Marcos Leonardo and Malcom. The outcome could further solidify Al-Hilal’s reputation on the international stage, as the club plans major market moves for the future.

Al-Hilal arrived in Orlando with a roster blending local and international talents, many with experience in top European leagues. The victory over City, led by Pep Guardiola, shocked the world but not the club’s players and board. The competitive mindset, according to Calzada, was built over two years of transformations in the country’s football.

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• Marcos Leonardo scored two decisive goals against City.
• The absence of key players like Mitrovic and Al Dawsari did not hinder performance.
• The match against Fluminense will be broadcast globally, boosting the Saudi league’s visibility.

Preparations for the Fluminense duel involve detailed tactical analysis, especially after the Brazilian side’s win over Inter Milan. Al-Hilal approaches the match with respect but confidence in its potential.

Victory tastes even better in the dressing room 😃💙 pic.twitter.com/X2eDg20Gzr

— AlHilal Saudi Club (@Alhilal_EN) July 1, 2025

Rise of Saudi football

Al-Hilal’s project mirrors a broader transformation in Saudi Arabian football, which began taking shape about two years ago. Since then, the Saudi Pro League has attracted high-caliber players like Neymar, Cristiano Ronaldo, and Karim Benzema, alongside renowned coaches like Simone Inzaghi, recently hired by Al-Hilal. Esteve Calzada, in an interview, emphasized that the goal extends beyond marquee signings. The focus is on building a competitive league capable of rivaling the world’s top championships by the 2034 World Cup, to be hosted in the country.

The win over Manchester City served as a global showcase. The intense, tactically varied match showed that Al-Hilal relies not just on individual stars but on a well-structured collective. Players like João Cancelo, Rúben Neves, and Kalidou Koulibaly, all with established European careers, brought experience and quality to the squad.

The club also invests in local talent development. The presence of Saudi players like Salem Al Dawsari is vital to the project, which seeks to balance foreign talent with homegrown growth. The board plans to expand its fanbase, already surpassing 40 million on social media, targeting markets like Brazil, where the club has strong appeal.

Marcos Leonardo in the spotlight

Marcos Leonardo, a 22-year-old Brazilian striker, became one of Al-Hilal’s protagonists in the World Cup. His two goals against Manchester City not only secured the win but also marked his journey at the club. The young player, who joined from Santos, faced initial criticism about the Saudi league’s competitiveness. However, his performance in Orlando silenced skeptics.

The striker revealed that the City match will remain etched in his career. He highlighted the squad’s unity and physical preparation, which allowed the team to maintain its pace despite the end of the Saudi season. Other Brazilians, like Malcom and Renan Lodi, also play key roles, reinforcing Al-Hilal’s connection to Brazilian football.

• Marcos Leonardo has 15 goals in the 2024/2025 season.
• Malcom leads the team in assists, with 12 decisive passes.
• Renan Lodi provides defensive solidity, with 85% pass accuracy.
• Kaio Jorge, another Brazilian, is a frequent substitute.

Preparation for Fluminense

Fluminense, Al-Hilal’s opponent, impressed by eliminating Inter Milan in the round of 16. The Brazilian side, led by experienced players like Germán Cano and Marcelo, displayed defensive solidity and attacking efficiency. Calzada praised Fluminense’s tactical organization and acknowledged the match’s difficulty.

The game will be a clash of styles. While Al-Hilal relies on possession and quick transitions, Fluminense prioritizes defensive compactness and counterattacks. Coach Simone Inzaghi, known for his meticulous tactical approach, is already studying ways to neutralize the opponent’s strengths.

Al-Hilal also faces physical challenges. With the Saudi season nearing its end, players are dealing with accumulated fatigue. In contrast, Fluminense, mid-season, arrives with a more intense game rhythm. This difference could influence on-field performance.

Investments and future ambitions

Al-Hilal’s board plans to maintain its pace of high-profile signings. While Calzada avoided commenting on rumors involving Lionel Messi, names like Victor Osimhen and Bruno Fernandes have been linked to the club. The summer transfer window, opening after the World Cup, will be crucial for squad reinforcement.

The club also invests in infrastructure. The Kingdom Arena stadium in Riyadh is one of the most modern in the Middle East, with a capacity for 26,000 fans. Additionally, Al-Hilal expanded its youth academy, aiming to develop local talents capable of competing globally.

The Saudi Pro League, as a whole, continues to draw attention. The arrival of young players like Marcos Leonardo and veterans still at peak performance, like Koulibaly, shows the league is not just a destination for career endings. Recent data indicate that the average kilometers covered per match in the SPL surpasses some European leagues, reinforcing its competitiveness.

Locker room celebration

The celebration after the Manchester City victory gained worldwide attention. Al-Hilal’s president, Fahad bin Nafel, announced a significant bonus for the players, sparking buzz, especially in Brazil. The scene, captured on video, showed euphoria in the locker room, with players and staff celebrating the achievement.

Calzada explained that the reaction reflects the game’s importance. The lack of titles in the 2024/2025 season increased pressure on the squad, and the City win was a relief for the board. The president, a central figure in the project, is known for his closeness to the players and dedication to the club.

• The bonus amount was not officially disclosed.
• Fahad bin Nafel has led Al-Hilal since 2019.
• The win was the club’s first against an English team in official competitions.

Connection with Brazil

Al-Hilal maintains a historic bond with Brazilian football. Since the 1970s, with Rivelino’s stint, the club has valued Brazilian players. Currently, alongside Marcos Leonardo, Malcom, Renan Lodi, and Kaio Jorge, Al-Hilal previously featured Neymar, who left in 2024 after a season marred by injuries.

The Brazilian fanbase is significant. With over 2 million followers in Brazil, Al-Hilal invests in Portuguese-language social media content. The 2023 victory over Flamengo in the World Cup semifinal fueled rivalry with Brazilian clubs, and the Fluminense match could deepen this connection.

Simone Inzaghi’s role

Simone Inzaghi’s arrival at Al-Hilal in 2025 marked a new phase. The Italian coach, who won Serie A with Inter Milan, brought a sophisticated tactical approach. His experience in international competitions was key to the team’s World Cup preparation.

Inzaghi adjusted the playing system, adopting a 4-3-3 with emphasis on quick transitions and high pressing. Choosing a renowned coach reflects the club’s ambition to compete on equal terms with European giants.

Global visibility

The 2025 Club World Cup, held in the United States, is a unique opportunity for Al-Hilal. The competition, with its new format, drew millions of viewers, and the Manchester City match was among the most watched. The Fluminense game, at an accessible time for global audiences, could solidify the club’s image as an emerging powerhouse.

The Saudi Pro League also benefits from the exposure. Clubs like Al-Nassr, Al-Ittihad, and Al-Ahli follow Al-Hilal’s success, but the Riyadh team stands out as the main ambassador of Saudi football. The goal is to make the league one of the world’s top five by 2030.