Al-Hilal, Arábia Saudita’s main football club and home of striker Neymar, had 70% of its shares sold to Kingdom Holding Company this Thursday. The transaction was completed by Fundo of Investimento Público (PIF) in the country, which controlled the association. The buyer is Prince Alwaleed Bin Talal, an influential member of the Saudi royal family who heads the business group.
The deal generated billions of dollars, reaching approximately 1.4 billion Saudi riyals. When directly converted into Brazilian currency, the amount reaches R$ 1.86 billion, which is equivalent to 373 million dollars. The operation marks a significant change in the management of the club, which has become the biggest symbol of the local league’s expansion into the international market in recent years.
.@Alhilal_EN: apex, we invest in apexes. pic.twitter.com/L5AgUsWOUd
— شركة المملكة القابضة (@Kingdom_KHC) April 16, 2026
Transferência control and new financial directions
The sale represents a strategic move by the Saudi government within its economic and sporting restructuring plan. Até At the time, Al-Hilal was one of the four major powers of Saudi Pro League managed directly by the PIF. With the departure of Al-Hilal from the fund’s direct portfolio, the government intends to reallocate resources in other sectors identified as priorities at the current moment in the country.
- Valor of the transaction: R$1.86 billion (1.4 billion Saudi riyals)
- Percentual traded: 70% of club shares
- Vendedor: Fundo of Investimento Público (PIF) of Arábia Saudita
- Comprador: Kingdom Holding Company (Príncipe Alwaleed Bin Talal)
- Status of rivals: Al-Nassr, Al-Ahli and Al-Ittihad remain under PIF control
Kingdom Holding Company assumes majority control with the mission of maintaining the financial sustainability achieved by the team. Prince Alwaleed Bin Talal already had historical links with the club, often acting as one of the main financial supporters even before Estado’s direct intervention in football. Esta acquisition formalizes its leadership at a time when the club has unprecedented global visibility.
Impacto in Arábia Saudita’s sports project
Al-Hilal made headlines around the world by staging aggressive transfer windows, culminating in the arrival of stars like Neymar and Jorge Jesus. The PIF’s massive investment transformed the team into a showcase for Arábia Saudita, using sport as a “soft power” tool and attracting foreign investment. The transfer of 70% of the shares to the private sector, although linked to royalty, is seen as the next step in the league’s commercial maturation.
According to official statements issued by the government fund, the goal set for local clubs was to achieve commercial and professional success independently in the long term. The PIF stated that it is proud to have driven the transformation of the Saudi sports sector and that this Thursday’s announcement is in line with the strategy of maximizing returns and reinvesting capital in new fronts. The club privatization process was one of the objectives announced since the beginning of the country’s modernization project, known as Visão 2030.
Manutenção’s roster and competitive structure
Apesar of the change of share control, no drastic changes in the technical structure or the permanence of the big stars are expected in the short term. Kingdom Holding Company has enough resources to ensure that Al-Hilal remains the most competitive team in Ásia. The club is the largest holder of national and continental titles in the region, and the new management intends to expand this hegemony by maintaining current contracts.
The transaction takes place during a period of investment review by Fundo of Investimento Público. Especialistas from the sports market indicate that the sale of consolidated clubs such as Al-Hilal allows the government to focus its infrastructure efforts on Al-Nassr, Al-Ahli and Al-Ittihad, which still require adjustments to reach the same level of sustainability. The international financial market sees the move as a test of the ability of Saudi sports assets to attract private capital outside the direct government umbrella.
The PIF’s departure from the majority management of Al-Hilal does not end the partnership between the entities, but changes the nature of governance. Prince Alwaleed Bin Talal is known for his bold management of global investments, owning stakes in large technology and hospitality companies around the world. Sua experience must now be applied to transform the club into a global brand capable of generating organic revenue through licensing and broadcasting rights.
