Marcos Leonardo, the top scorer of the latest Club World Cup with four goals, is set to leave Al Hilal. The Saudi club has cleared the path for the transfer of the 22-year-old Brazilian striker, who will not be registered in the Saudi League due to the limit of eight foreign players over 21 per team. The decision, confirmed on August 22, 2025, aims to prevent the player’s devaluation, as he has a contract until June 2029 and is attracting interest from European clubs. The move reflects Al Hilal’s strategy to maintain a competitive squad, while Leonardo seeks to resume his career in European football after a stint at Benfica. Revealed by Santos, the player has 29 goals and three assists in 49 games for the Riyadh-based club.
Marcos Leonardo’s departure from Al Hilal marks a turning point in his career. After shining in the Club World Cup with decisive goals, the striker faces uncertainty at the Saudi club. The foreign player limit in the local league reduces his chances of playing regularly, prompting the club’s decision.
- Factors in the decision:
- Limit of eight foreign players over 21 in the Saudi League.
- Coach Simone Inzaghi’s focus on continental competitions.
- Al Hilal’s strategy to avoid player devaluation.
The player, however, remains focused on returning to Europe, where he has already attracted interest from major clubs before joining Al Hilal.
Marcos Leonardo’s football journey
Marcos Leonardo Santos Almeida, born on May 2, 2003, in Itapetinga, Bahia, began his career in Santos’ youth academy. His professional debut came in 2020, at 17, in a 1-0 win against Sport Recife in the Brazilian Championship. Still young, he made an impact in the 2020 Copa Libertadores, scoring a decisive goal against Defensa y Justicia, becoming the sixth-youngest scorer in the competition’s history.
At Santos, Leonardo became a starter in 2022 after renewing his contract until 2026. He emerged as one of the club’s top scorers, joining the list of Santos’ 50 all-time leading goal scorers with a strike against Palmeiras in 2023. His time at the Brazilian club led to an 18-million-euro transfer to Benfica in January 2024, where he played 24 matches and scored eight goals.
His move to Al Hilal in September 2024, for 40 million euros, marked his entry into Saudi football. Under Jorge Jesus, the striker showcased his scoring instinct, particularly in the Club World Cup, where he was pivotal in a 4-3 victory over Manchester City, netting two goals in the round of 16.
Reasons for the potential exit
Al Hilal’s decision to release Marcos Leonardo stems from strategic and regulatory factors. The Saudi club, reigning champions of the Saudi League, faces restrictions imposed by the local federation, limiting the number of foreign players in the squad. With stars like Aleksandar Mitrovic, Malcom, and Neymar, Al Hilal must carefully manage its foreign player slots.
Despite his Club World Cup performance, Leonardo is not in coach Simone Inzaghi’s immediate plans for the domestic league. The priority is to use the Brazilian in continental competitions, such as the AFC Champions League, but limited minutes in the national championship could hinder his development and market value.
- Reasons for the exit:
- Foreign player restrictions in the Saudi League.
- Preference for other strikers, like Mitrovic, in the squad.
- Player’s interest in returning to European football.
- Club’s strategy to maintain the player’s market value.
Al Hilal, aware of Leonardo’s potential, seeks a transfer that benefits all parties, with a preference for European clubs willing to invest in a young, goal-scoring talent.
European interest and market prospects
Marcos Leonardo’s exit from Al Hilal reignites interest from European clubs. Before his move to Benfica, the striker was scouted by teams like Manchester United, Arsenal, and Roma. His four-goal performance in the Club World Cup boosted his international visibility.
Manchester United, for instance, showed interest in the player in 2023, before his Benfica transfer. English media noted that his struggle to compete with Mitrovic at Al Hilal could push Leonardo toward a new challenge in the Premier League. Clubs from other leagues, such as Serie A and Ligue 1, are also monitoring the Brazilian’s situation, with his market value estimated at 18 million euros, according to Transfermarkt.
- Possible destinations:
- Manchester United, with historical interest in the player.
- Serie A clubs, such as Roma and Napoli.
- Ligue 1 teams seeking young strikers.
- Premier League clubs, drawn by his Club World Cup performance.
The August 2025 transfer window, currently open, is seen as the ideal time for Leonardo to secure a return to Europe.
Impact on Al Hilal and Saudi football
Marcos Leonardo’s potential departure raises questions about Al Hilal’s transfer market strategy. The club has heavily invested in high-profile signings, like Neymar and Mitrovic, to bolster its competitiveness in national and international tournaments. However, the foreign player limit forces tough choices, especially for young players like Leonardo, who are still seeking consolidation.
Al Hilal, under Jorge Jesus and now Simone Inzaghi, maintains a star-studded squad, but Leonardo’s exit could free up space for new signings. The club recently announced the arrival of Theo Hernández, showcasing its ability to attract global talent.
- Effects on Al Hilal:
- Freeing up a foreign player slot.
- Potential for new squad investments.
- Focus on continental competitions with an adjusted roster.
Saudi football continues to draw global attention, but cases like Leonardo’s highlight the challenges of balancing star-heavy squads with local regulations.
Player’s success and challenges
Marcos Leonardo is known for his finishing ability and versatility in attack. Standing at 1.77 meters and favoring his right foot, the player excels as a center-forward but can also play as a second striker. His stint at Benfica, though brief, showcased his potential, with eight goals in 24 matches, including a penalty against Moreirense.
At Al Hilal, Leonardo faced competition from Mitrovic, one of the Saudi League’s top scorers. Despite this, he posted impressive numbers, with 29 goals in 49 games, including a hat-trick in January 2025, as highlighted by fans on social media. His ability in international competitions, like the Club World Cup, strengthens his market appeal.
- Career highlights:
- Breakthrough at Santos, joining the top 50 all-time scorers.
- Decisive goals in the 2025 Club World Cup.
- Eight goals in 24 matches at Benfica.
- Five-year contract with Al Hilal, until 2029.
The challenge now is finding a club that offers regular minutes and a sporting project aligned with his ambitions.
Next steps and expectations
With the transfer window open, Marcos Leonardo and his representatives are working to define his future. Represented by Dodici Sports BR, the player has a contract with Al Hilal until 2029, but the club’s willingness to negotiate opens doors for a transfer. The 40-million-euro fee paid to Benfica in 2024 serves as a benchmark, though Al Hilal may accept a lower amount to facilitate the move.
European clubs are expected to intensify talks in the coming weeks, particularly in England, where the Premier League offers visibility and competitiveness. Leonardo’s experience in competitions like the Libertadores and Club World Cup makes him a valuable asset for teams looking to bolster their attacks.
- Future expectations:
- Negotiations with Premier League and Serie A clubs.
- Possible return to Europe in 2025.
- Maintaining market value with regular playing time.
Marcos Leonardo’s journey, marked by rapid rise and challenges, promises new chapters soon, with the player determined to reclaim his place in European football.
