Al Hilal's declaration of power

Al Hilal becomes the biggest surprise at the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup.

Al Hilal did not come to the FIFA Club World Cup 2025™ to dream. They came to challenge, to affirm that Saudi Arabia is no longer an outsider, but a rewriter of the global football order.

At this year's Club World Cup, more than 20,000 Saudi Arabian fans flocked to Orlando (USA), turning Camping World Stadium into a fortress of blue - the traditional color of Al Hilal's jersey. The chants of "Al Hilal! Al Hilal!" lasting for more than 30 minutes after the match made people think they were witnessing a championship parade. But this team has not yet reached the final - that is the point.

Not Cinderella, this is a giant

The international media called Al Hilal "Tom Thumb" and "Cinderella" after their miracle of defeating Man City in the round of 16. But if you understand Al Hilal, you will immediately realize that they are not a one-season phenomenon. This is the most successful club in the history of Saudi Arabia, with 4 AFC Champions League titles, 19 domestic titles and never relegated. FIFA once recognized them as the best Asian club of the 20th century - an honor that no other team in the region could match.

Al Hilal did not suddenly become stronger. They were scientifically built, had depth and were backed by a national sports project. When the Public Investment Fund (PIF) - the financial arm of the Saudi royal family - started pouring money into football, everything changed. Not only Al Hilal, but also Al Nassr, Al Ittihad and Al Ahli were upgraded. The Saudi Pro League, from a regional tournament, is emerging as a new force in world football.

Cristiano Ronaldo - the man who started the wave of superstars coming to Saudi Arabia - once caused controversy when he declared: "Saudi Pro League is in the top 5 leagues in the world " . Back then, many people smiled. Today, those smiles have turned into skeptical looks. Because Ronaldo might be right.

Coach Simone Inzaghi raises Al Hilal's level.

Among the star-studded Al Hilal squad, the most talked about is coach Simone Inzaghi. After just 15 days in charge, he achieved a shocking feat - eliminating Man City from the tournament. As he entered and left the press conference room, Inzaghi was applauded by Saudi reporters like a victorious general.

"We climbed Everest without oxygen," he said. An image that was both arrogant and true: Al Hilal overcame the strongest opponent, with great courage and tactics.

What is remarkable is that they did this not through a single moment of brilliance, but through a coherent system of operation. Despite the absence of Neymar - the big signing - due to injury, Al Hilal still played organized and effective football. The real symbol on the pitch was Salem Al Dawsari - a local star who is considered a living legend of the team.

From symbol to identity

Before each match, fans paint the club's crescent moon symbol on their hands, cheeks and flags. "This is what makes us different. It's our pride," explains a young fan named Shana. In the modern football world , where fame and money dominate, Al Hilal still maintains its own identity - a commitment to the community, to national values and the Saudi spirit.

Al Hilal is making everyone wary.

Their story is not simply a football journey. It is a political , cultural and strategic event.

Saudi Arabia is using football to reposition itself on the world map. The 2034 World Cup is within their grasp. And Al Hilal - with their journey in the US - is the flagship of that ambition.

Next up is Fluminense, then perhaps Chelsea or Palmeiras. Further afield is the New York-New Jersey stage, where the final will take place. Saudi fans do not hide their expectations. “This club always wins. Why not this time?” one fan asked.

And they have reason to believe. Al Hilal is not here to play. They are here to compete. And if the miracle scenario happens, world football will have to rewrite the map of power - starting with a team with a crescent moon symbol, coming from the desert.

Source: https://znews.vn/loi-tuyen-bo-quyen-luc-cua-al-hilal-post1565636.html