6 Al Hilal players to watch at the FIFA Club World Cup | OneFootball

The new-look FIFA Club World Cup gets under way later this week in the United States, with Al Hilal flying the flag for Saudi Arabia and the Roshn Saudi League.

The Riyadh giants are no strangers to the international scene having participated in the previous format of the FIFA Club World Cup on three occasions, with their best result being runners-up in 2022 in Morocco.

But, as we look ahead to this year’s campaign that will see the 2023-24 RSL champions take on Real Madrid, CF Pachuca and Red Bull Salzburg, here are six of their stars to keep an eye on.

--------

Salem Al Dawsari

There are few bigger names in this Al Hilal squad than superstar Al Dawsari. The 33-year-old needs little introduction given his previous exploits on the biggest stage, namely that winning goal against Argentina at the 2022 FIFA World Cup.

But, if anything, Al Dawsari has taken his game to another level since, and comes into the FIFA Club World Cup on the back of his most prolific season in his 14-year career having bagged 15 goals and 15 assists in the RSL.

His 30 goal contributions were equalled only by Karim Benzema, while his 15 assists saw him ranked No.1 in the league through 2024-25. Deservedly, Al Dawsari was named the season’s best Saudi.

When factoring in all competitions, he finished with 26 goals and 18 assists, on the back of 24 goals and six assists in the 2023-24 campaign. Just maybe, Al Dawsari is only getting better with age.

--------

Ruben Neves

Fresh off winning the UEFA Nations League for Portugal, the midfielder is primed to deliver for Al Hilal on club football’s grand stage.

Since arriving in Riyadh ahead of the 2023-24 season, the Portuguese international has been one of the standout players in the RSL, controlling the midfield for Al Hilal and being the conduit for so many of their attacking forays.

This season, Neves ranked No.1 in the league for completed passes, with 2086, and that’s despite missing eight matches of through injury. With eight assists, which also ranks him in the top 10 in the league, there are few more important players to Al Hilal than Neves.

The former Wolverhampton Wanderers star sets the tempo for his current employers and allows the supremely talented Sergej Milinkovic-Savic to get forward and coast into the opposition penalty area – often to devastating effect.

--------

Musab Al Juwayr

The 21-year-old made a name for himself at the FIFA Club World Cup 2022 when, as an 18-year-old, he converted the fifth penalty for Al Hilal in their penalty-shootout victory against Wydad Casablanca. The young star’s bravery, and ability, set up a semi-final clash with Brazilian giants Flamengo.

Already flagged as an emerging talent, Al Juwayr spent the past two seasons on loan at Al Shabab, where he has flourished to establish himself as one of the hottest talents in Saudi Arabia.

With five goals and 10 assists in the RSL this season, it’s little wonder he completed a clean sweep of the Young Player of the Month awards – and was latterly named the season’s Best Young Player.

Meanwhile, Al Juwayr also scored for the Saudi Arabia national team in last week’s crucial 2-0 win against Bahrain in 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying, giving him an added boost of confidence ahead of the expanded 32-team tournament in the United States.

--------

Marcos Leonardo

The young Brazilian made an instant impact after arriving from Benfica last summer, showcasing why he was one of the game's most precocious talents that had clubs from all around the world chasing his signature.

Having only just turned 22, the former Santos star completed a career-best season with 17 RSL goals for Al Hilal, and 25 across all competitions including the AFC Champions League Elite and King’s Cup.

What was so impressive was the way Leonardo deputised for lead striker Aleksandar Mitrovic when the Serbian spent a significant period out injured.

Then, Leonardo led the line superbly to keep Al Hilal in the title fight – they eventually finished runner-up to Al Ittihad – when they could easily have conceded their championship crown earlier.

--------

Hassan Al Tambakti

When you’re coming up against the best teams in the world, you’re going to need a solid defence - and Al Hilal have one of the best in the RSL thanks in part to 26-year-old Al Tambakti.

A central defender who reads the game expertly, he was one of a number who saw their reputation enhanced by their performance in Saudi Arabia’s historic victory against Argentina at the most recent FIFA World Cup.

Hassan Al Tambakti could thrive in Simone Inzaghi's back three at Al Hilal

Since then playing alongside Senegalese powerhouse Kalidou Koulibaly, Al Tambakti has only improved from that starry afternoon in Qatar.

With new manager Simone Inzaghi likely to prefer a back three, Al Tambakti’s role may well change slightly at Al Hilal, but it’s not one completely unfamiliar to him having also played in a back three for then national-team head coach Roberto Mancini.

--------

Ali Al Bulayhi

Speaking of that defence, few embody Al Hilal more than this uncompromising centre-back, who revels not only in the spotlight, but against the game’s starriest names, too.

Yes, Al Bulayhi was the guy who confronted Lionel Messi during the 2022 FIFA World Cup, then has spent the past two-and-a-half seasons trying to get under the skin of Al Nassr captain Cristiano Ronaldo.

Ali Al Bulayhi tussles for ball with Lionel Messi at 2022 FIFA World Cup

That does, however, mask a defender of some calibre; Al Bulayhi is often throwing himself into last-ditch tackles, clearances, blocks and is excellent in both penalty areas when it comes to getting his head on set-pieces.