Honestly, it's getting kind of ridiculous at this point. If you’ve been following the Saudi Pro League lately, you’ve noticed the gap isn’t just widening; it’s basically becoming a canyon. Al Hilal is playing a different game than everyone else in Riyadh.
While other clubs are scrambling to fix locker room drama or find a tactical identity, the Blue Wave just keeps rolling. The latest Al Hilal football club news confirms what we all suspected after that massive 3-1 win over Al Nassr on January 12: this is Jorge Jesus’s world, and everyone else is just paying rent in it.
The Derby Drama and the Seven-Point Gap
Let’s talk about that Riyadh Derby. It wasn't just a win; it was a statement. Seeing Cristiano Ronaldo walk off the pitch fuming after being subbed out in the 83rd minute tells you everything you need to know about the frustration Al Hilal is causing their rivals.
Al Nassr actually started the season with 10 straight wins. They looked unstoppable. But Al Hilal stayed patient. They didn't panic when they were four points back. Now, after that head-to-head victory, they sit seven points clear at the top of the table.
Thirteen wins. Two draws. Zero losses.
That’s the record after 15 games. They’ve scored 40 goals and only let in 14. When you have a +26 goal difference halfway through the season, you’re not just winning; you’re dominating.
📖 Related: How to watch vikings game online free without the usual headache
What’s New in the Transfer Market?
The January window is usually a time for desperate clubs to overpay for panic buys. Not Al Hilal. They make moves like a grandmaster playing chess. On January 10, they officially brought in Spanish defender Pablo Marí.
Why? Because even with Kalidou Koulibaly and Hassan Tambakti in the mix, Jorge Jesus wants depth for the AFC Champions League Elite knockout stages. Marí brings that European experience (Arsenal, Monza) and a left-footed presence that changes how they build from the back.
It’s a smart, calculated move. It’s also a bit of a flex.
While we're on the subject of the roster, the Neymar situation has finally reached a definitive conclusion—just not the one fans expected a year ago. Neymar is no longer in Riyadh. He’s back at Santos in Brazil, working his way back from yet another surgery to try and make the 2026 World Cup squad. The Al Hilal experiment with the Brazilian superstar ended with just seven appearances. It’s a blemish on the recruitment record, sure, but the fact that the team has actually looked better without him is a testament to the system Jesus has built.
Dominating the Continent
If you think the domestic league is the only place they’re winning, check the AFC Champions League Elite standings. Al Hilal is currently 6-0-0 in the group stage. Six matches, six wins, 18 points.
👉 See also: Liechtenstein National Football Team: Why Their Struggles are Different Than You Think
They’ve dismantled teams like Al-Shorta (4-0) and Al-Sadd (3-1) with a terrifying efficiency. With the Elite Finals set to be hosted in Jeddah this April, Al Hilal is the heavy favorite to lift the trophy on home soil.
The squad depth right now is insane:
- Yassine Bounou is still arguably the best keeper in Asia.
- Aleksandar Mitrović (or his replacements like Marcos Leonardo) provides a physical presence nobody can handle.
- Rúben Neves and Sergej Milinković-Savić run the midfield with a level of composure that feels unfair for this level of competition.
The Logic Behind the Super Cup Withdrawal
There was a lot of chatter back in July about Al Hilal pulling out of the Saudi Super Cup. Some people called it arrogant. Others said they were ducking the competition.
Kinda the opposite, actually.
The club management realized that after a brutal 2024/25 season and a deep run in the FIFA Club World Cup in the U.S. (where they actually beat Manchester City, lest we forget), the players were cooked. They legally had to give players 28 days of leave. Participating in the Super Cup in Hong Kong would have cut that to 21 days.
✨ Don't miss: Cómo entender la tabla de Copa Oro y por qué los puntos no siempre cuentan la historia completa
By pulling out, they protected their assets. Look at the results now. While Al Nassr and Al-Ittihad look leg-heavy and prone to muscle injuries, Al Hilal looks fresh. That decision in July is paying dividends in January.
What’s Next for the Blue Wave?
The schedule doesn't slow down. They’ve got Al-Fayha coming up at the Kingdom Arena on January 22, followed by a tricky trip to Al-Riyadh. But honestly, the real focus is on February 9th against Shabab AlAhli Dubai in the Champions League.
If you’re a fan, the next step is keeping an eye on the integration of Pablo Marí. If he fits into that backline as seamlessly as expected, the "Invincibles" talk is going to get very loud, very fast.
Actionable Insights for Fans:
- Watch the Rotation: Pay attention to how Jorge Jesus uses Theo Hernández and Moteb Al-Harbi on the left. The tactical flexibility there is why they haven't lost a game yet.
- Tickets: If you're planning to catch a game at Kingdom Arena, book at least 10 days in advance. Since the Al Nassr win, secondary market prices have spiked 40%.
- Monitor the AFC Finals: Clear your calendar for April 16-25. If Al Hilal maintains this form, the Jeddah finals will essentially be a coronation.
The reality is that Al Hilal has moved past being just a "rich club." They are a well-oiled machine that prioritizes sports science and tactical discipline over individual star power. That's why they're seven points clear, and that's why the rest of the league is worried.