By Seyi Babalola
The 2025 FIFA Club World Cup has drawn substantial attention to Saudi clubs, notably Al Hilal, the Saudi Pro League’s lone representative.
Critics have frequently questioned Saudi teams’ competitive credibility on the international stage, citing worries about their financial support and high-profile acquisitions.
However, Al Hilal’s involvement, as well as the larger backdrop of Saudi football’s expansion, shows how these clubs are defying sceptics.
Here are five ways Saudi clubs have proven critics wrong in the ongoing Club World Cup tournament.
1. Competitive Squad Strength
Al Hilal boasts a strong squad, including international talents João Cancelo, Aleksandar Mitrović, Rúben Neves, and Kalidou Koulibaly.
Their squad breadth and talent call into question the concept that Saudi teams rely entirely on individual star power rather than seamless teamwork.
The team’s recent 1-1 draw against heavyweights Real Madrid provides an opportunity to demonstrate their ability to compete with elite international teams.
2. Historical Success in Continental Competitions
Al Hilal qualified for the 2025 Club World Cup by winning the 2021 AFC Champions League, one of their four titles in the competition (1991, 2000, 2019, 2021).
Their consistent success in Asian football, with eight AFC trophies overall, counters the narrative that Saudi clubs lack a competitive pedigree.
The runner-up finish in the 2022 Club World Cup against Real Madrid further underscores their ability to perform on the world stage.
3. Strategic Coaching Changes
Al Hilal’s appointment of Simone Inzaghi as coach, despite the challenging timing of his first match against Real Madrid, reflects a bold commitment to tactical excellence.
Inzaghi’s experience with Inter Milan in the UEFA Champions League brings a high level of expertise, challenging the perception that Saudi clubs lack top-tier managerial talent.
The move signals their ambition to compete strategically, not just financially.
4. Elevating the Saudi Pro League’s Reputation
The participation of Al Hilal, the only Saudi representation, demonstrates the Saudi Pro League’s rising global prominence.
Since 2023, the league’s makeover has been led by smart investments and signings like Cristiano Ronaldo, Neymar, and Karim Benzema, elevating it to Asia’s finest football league.
Al Hilal’s participation in the Club World Cup provides an opportunity to demonstrate that the league’s growth is supported by on-field success rather than merely off-field investment.
5. Resilience Amid Criticism of Financial Backing
Critics have pointed to Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF), which owns 75% of Al Hilal, as evidence of “sportswashing” or financial overreach.
However, Al Hilal’s consistent domestic dominance (19 league titles, never relegated) and their ability to attract global talent demonstrate a sustainable model of success.
Their $9.55 million appearance fee and potential to advance in the tournament show they can translate financial support into competitive results, silencing doubters who question their legitimacy.
While some say that Saudi teams’ success is fuelled by money rather than talent, Al Hilal’s track record, smart recruitment, and competitive results in the 2025 Club World Cup indicate otherwise.