How Al Hilal 'took it to the world' for RSL at FIFA Club World Cup | OneFootball

Sergej Milinkovic-Savic recognised the enormity of the result. Not simply for his club, but for the country within which he plays.

“Let's see now if they will criticise us,” the defiant Serbian said moments after Al Hilal had stunned the football world by defeating Manchester City 4-3 in an all-time FIFA Club World Cup classic.

On a steamy night in Orlando, Al Hilal were running hot, producing a win for the ages. For sure, it was one that will be remembered for years to come.

Al Hilal celebrate incredible win v Manchester City at FIFA Club World Cup

Al Hilal, the Roshn Saudi League and Saudi football overall had been increasing in profile, and stature, during the past few years.

From the Green Falcons historic win against Argentina at the 2022 FIFA World cup, to Cristiano Ronaldo’s arrival at Al Nassr and subsequent splash caused by the likes of Karim Benzema, Neymar and Riyad Mahrez, who followed in the five-time Ballon d'Or winner’s footsteps.

And now we can add the Club World Cup to that list, for this was a campaign that put Al Hilal and the RSL up in lights.

Right from the opening game against Real Madrid, where Al Hilal dominated for large parts against the European heavyweights and could easily have come away with all three points, everyone has been talking about Al Hilal.

“I wasn't surprised because I've seen a number of games, with the new coach too,” said Real Madrid manager Xabi Alonso after watching Simone Inzaghi guide Al Hilal to a 1-1 draw against the Spaniards in his first match in charge.

“They have players who have been at the very top level - they're a really good side."

Al Hilal’s multitude of stars were also making it known they were playing to make a statement, not simply to make up the numbers.

Opportunities on the global stage – this represented the inaugural edition of the expanded, 32-team Club World Cup - like this are few and far between, so they weren’t going to let it go to waste.

"Our ambition was to win, but we played a good match,” star winger Salem Al Dawsari said in the aftermath of the Madrid match.

“We didn’t come here for tourism; we came from Saudi Arabia to win and make our country proud. We don’t pay attention to criticism or pressure. We’re a united team, we focus on the pitch, and we play together as one unit.”

Al Dawsari, captain of both Al Hilal and Saudi Arabia, added: “Our goal is to reach the Round of 16, then take things step by step. Today, we proved that the Saudi league has quality and talent. We played a great game."

While the 2024-25 RSL runners-up earned another draw against another European side, FC Salzburg, and then defeated Mexico’s CF Pachuca to make the last 16 unbeaten, it was the performance and result against Manchester City in the first knockout stage that has had everyone in world football talking.

While some were surprised by Al Hilal’s 4-3 victory, City’s Bernardo Silva insists he wasn’t one of them.

“I have friends there, I know most of their players; we knew exactly the individual quality they have,” he said immediately after the defeat in Orlando.

“We were expecting this… and when you don't control those [transitions] well against good players like Al Hilal has, they punish you. And, today, that’s what happened.”

New Al Hilal manager Simone Inzaghi debuted in the dugout at FIFA Club World Cup

One of the players Silva was no doubt referencing is Kalidou Koulibaly, who knows what it takes to play at the highest level.

And, at the Club World Cup, he showed it again throughout, but particularly against City. A defender by trade, of course, he even got on the scoresheet, putting Al Hilal 3-2 up in extra-time.

“We knew that it would be a difficult game against one of the best teams in the world and we wanted to show our ideas, our talents and our power,” the former Chelsea centre-back said.

“We wanted to show that Al Hilal have the power and the talent to be here, and we showed a great mentality.”

Magnanimous in defeat, City manager Pep Guardiola also paid tribute to the rapid rate of development within Saudi football.

“In the last two or three years, the Saudi league has improved incredibly. Not just Al Hilal or Al Nassr; there are plenty of teams that have quality players,” the managerial titan said.

The defining image of that historic win might just be that of a 22-year-old Marcos Leonardo, bare chested, hoisting the corner flag holding his kit high above his head.

Al Hilal react to Yassine Bono's brilliant penalty stop v Real Madrid in FIFA Club World Cup opener

It was an image dripping in symbolism; like a victorious knight saluting in celebration. Al Hilal, and by extension the RSL, had planted its flag on the global platform.

While the Riyadh club’s campaign concluded in the quarter-finals at the hands of wily Brazilians Fluminense, Inzaghi had nothing but admiration for their display in the United States.

“I congratulate my players on their heroic performance, both in tonight's match and in the tournament in general,” the former Inter Milan manager said. “I really want to congratulate my squad for the way they played.

“They poured their hearts out on the pitch tonight. And, of course, we are sorry, but we need to be proud. I am proud to coach Al Hilal and proud of all the players in the team, and I congratulated them all without exception for the wonderful level they presented in the Club World Cup."

After so many had voiced their criticisms regarding Europe- and South American-based players choosing to continue their careers in Saudi Arabia, this was the ultimate rebuttal. It was a tournament that showcased what Saudi football is capable of, and the direction it is headed.

And, as Al Hilal formed one of the stories of this historic Club World Cup that brings down its curtain on Sunday, the feeling is that this is only the beginning.