The Al-Hilal superstar who once dreamed of Real Madrid move now stands against them | OneFootball

As Real Madrid prepare to face Al Hilal in their FIFA Club World Cup opener, all eyes are not just on the Spanish giants, but also on one of their opponents’ standout players, Sergej Milinkovic-Savic.

The Serbian midfielder, now 30, has become a key figure for Al Hilal, showing consistent brilliance since making the switch from Lazio.

Since joining the Saudi club, Milinkovic-Savic has already lifted four trophies and scored 31 goals in just 96 appearances. However, things could have turned out very differently for him.

When Real Madrid expressed interest

According to MARCA, the talented midfielder had once been on Real Madrid’s radar as early as 2018.

Back then, after a standout season at Lazio, top European clubs such as Juventus, PSG, Manchester United, and Milan all showed interest in him, but no one could make the deal happen.

The reason? Lazio president Claudio Lotito refused to budge. He placed a €150 million price tag on Milinkovic-Savic and made it clear he wasn’t planning to sell.

Sergej Milinkovic-Savic wanted to play for Real Madrid. (Photo by Yasser Bakhsh/Getty Images)

“I don’t feel obliged to sell,” he said on several occasions. And so, Milinkovic-Savic remained in Rome.

His Real Madrid dream never came

During his eight years with Lazio, the midfielder made over 300 appearances and became one of the most admired talents in Serie A.

However, in a 2021 interview, he openly admitted: “It’s always been my dream to play for Real Madrid. I hope to wear that white shirt one day.”

But that day never arrived. After Zinedine Zidane left the club, Real Madrid changed direction and brought in younger midfielders like Eduardo Camavinga instead. The dream move faded.

In 2023, Milinkovic-Savic surprised many by moving to Al Hilal. The Saudi club paid €40 million for his services and handed him a lucrative deal.

Now, in June 2025, destiny brings him face to face with the club he once longed to join. On the pitch in the Club World Cup, he will finally meet Real Madrid, not as one of them, but as their rival.