Al Hilal’s Dramatic Week Blends Late Goals With Major Transfers

Al Hilal’s rollercoaster week in the world of football has been nothing short of electrifying. From a dramatic late equalizer in the Saudi Pro League to blockbuster transfer news and a looming continental clash, the Saudi giants have kept fans on the edge of their seats. Let’s unpack a week that saw Al Hilal’s resilience, ambition, and star power take center stage both on and off the pitch.

It all started on January 29, 2026, at the Prince Mohammed bin Jalawi Stadium, where Al Hilal faced Al Qadsiah in a high-stakes Saudi Roshan League encounter. The Blues, currently leading the league, were looking to extend their advantage at the top. The match kicked off with a bang as Portuguese midfielder Ruben Neves, a lynchpin in Al Hilal’s midfield, delivered an Olimpico goal just eight minutes in. His right-sided corner curled spectacularly over the heads of defenders, clipped the inside of the right post, and nestled into the net. Talk about a statement of intent!

But Al Qadsiah were in no mood to roll over. Just two minutes after Neves’ opener, Nahitan Nandez latched onto a long ball over the top and coolly finished past Yassine Bounou, leveling the score at 1-1. The first half was a flurry of offensive exchanges, with both teams probing for weaknesses and setting a frenetic pace.

The second half brought even more drama. In the 53rd minute, Salem Al-Dawsari, Al Hilal’s inspirational captain, earned a penalty after a foul by Jehad Thikri. Stepping up to the spot, Al-Dawsari saw his tame effort saved by Belgian goalkeeper Koen Casteels, leaving the home fans stunned. Al Hilal’s missed opportunity seemed destined to haunt them, especially as Julian Quinones rose highest in the 76th minute to head home Musab Al-Juwayr’s delivery, giving Al Qadsiah a 2-1 lead. Was the league leader about to stumble?

Not if Al-Dawsari had anything to say about it. With the clock ticking into the 90th minute, the captain pounced on a rebound from Neves’ cleared free kick, rifling a shot into the top-left corner to rescue a crucial point. The stadium erupted. According to the match data, Al Hilal finished with 19 attempts and an expected goals tally of 2.6, reflecting their attacking intent and determination to keep their three-point cushion at the summit. “A point was the least my team deserved,” said head coach Simone Inzaghi after the game, reflecting the fighting spirit that has defined Al Hilal’s campaign.

The 2-2 draw means Al Hilal now sits on 46 points—three clear of second-placed Al-Ahli—and stretches their unbeaten run in the league to an impressive 26 games. Remarkably, the Blues have also secured 20 points from losing positions this season, underscoring their resilience. Their next domestic assignment? A blockbuster showdown against Al-Ahli in the twentieth round, a fixture that could have major implications for the title race.

But the action doesn’t stop there for Al Hilal. The club is set to host Mamelodi Sundowns in the fourth matchday of the 2025-2026 CAF Champions League group stage. Both clubs are tied atop Group C with five points each, each boasting one win and two draws. The stakes couldn’t be higher, with the match scheduled for Friday, January 30, kicking off at 19:00 GMT. Fans across the globe can catch the action live on beIN Connect MENA HD, beIN Sports MENA 1 HD, and SuperSport Variety 4 HD. The outcome could go a long way in determining who advances to the knockout rounds—will Al Hilal’s momentum carry over to the continental stage?

Off the pitch, Al Hilal have made headlines in the transfer market, landing one of Europe’s most coveted young talents. The club has reached a preliminary agreement with Rennes for the signing of 18-year-old French forward Mohamed Kader Meite. The deal, reportedly worth €30 million, sees Al Hilal beat out Premier League giants Manchester United, who had been monitoring the teenager as a potential replacement should they sell Joshua Zirkzee. According to renowned journalist Fabrizio Romano, personal terms have already been agreed, with Meite eager to join Simone Inzaghi’s ambitious project in Saudi Arabia. The transfer is expected to be finalized in the coming days, pending medicals and final paperwork.

“Meite is expected to play a key role in the club’s attacking plans and will bring youth and energy to the squad,” reports Romano. The signing is a clear statement of intent from Al Hilal, who continue to attract Europe’s top talent amid intense competition from traditional football powerhouses. Several Premier League clubs had shown serious interest in Meite earlier in the season, but it’s the Saudi side that has won the race for his signature.

Meanwhile, another major storyline is unfolding in Riyadh. Portuguese international Ruben Neves, who has been linked with a return to the Premier League—particularly Manchester United and even Real Madrid—looks set to snub Europe’s elite in favor of a new long-term contract with Al Hilal. Negotiations for a three-year extension are reportedly in their final stages, with the club eager to tie down a player who has been pivotal in their recent success. Neves, who joined Al Hilal in 2023 after 177 Premier League appearances for Wolves, has made 119 appearances, scored 18 goals, and lifted four trophies with the Saudi giants, including the 2023-24 league championship.

Despite the lure of European football, Neves has thrived in Saudi Arabia, maintaining his place in the Portugal national team and starting four of six World Cup qualifiers. Head coach Roberto Martinez continues to value Neves as an important squad member, and the midfielder is expected to join Cristiano Ronaldo at the FIFA World Cup in North America this summer. “Negotiations at final stages now between Ruben Neves and Al Hilal over new long term deal,” Romano reported, noting that the agreement is advancing despite significant interest from Europe.

It’s clear that Al Hilal is not just defending its domestic dominance but also building a squad capable of challenging for continental glory. With a blend of seasoned internationals and emerging stars, the club is positioning itself as a true powerhouse in Asian and world football. The coming days will be crucial, both on the pitch as the CAF Champions League group stage heats up, and off it, as the club looks to finalize its high-profile transfer business and secure key contract renewals.

With the league title race tightening, a pivotal Champions League fixture on the horizon, and the transfer window buzzing, Al Hilal’s ambitions are as lofty as ever. If recent performances are anything to go by, fans can expect more drama, excitement, and perhaps even more late heroics as the season unfolds.