June Recap: Saudi Pro League’s Global Rise, Inzaghi at Al Hilal, Club World Cup Action & International Stars
Simone Inzaghi Replaces Jorge Jesus at Al Hilal
After taking part in the Champions League final against PSG, albeit ending up on the losing end, Inter Milan’s Simone Inzaghi was confirmed as the new head coach at Al Hilal, replacing the Portuguese manager Jorge Jesus.
That change is coming to Al Hilal is self-evident, with the Italian tactician looking to stamp his influence, after the club failed to defend their Saudi Pro League crown in the just-ended 2024-25 season, as rivals Al Ittihad pipped them to the title.
Inzaghi will bring his adaptable and flexible approach to tactics, where formations are only strict on paper. His style, however, is more fluid, with defenders bombing forward, midfielders dropping back, and full-backs pressing high up the pitch.
His first task will be to make an impression at the revamped FIFA Club World Cup, where Al Hilal are locking horns with some of the best from across the world, including Europe and South American clubs.
Saudi Arabia National Team in the CONCACAF Gold Cup
The Saudi Arabia national team is in action, competing on invitation at the CONCACAF Gold Cup. Hervé Renard’s men have made an impression in the competition.
They opened their campaign with a 0-1 win over Haiti before losing to the USA (0-1). They were held to a 1-1 draw against Trinidad and Tobago. Hervé Renard and his charges had to come from behind to claim a point, which allowed them to progress from Group D as runners-up, behind group winners USA.
Their reward for progressing is a quarter-final clash against Mexico. Saudi Arabia are in a good position to make a real impression in this competition and underline their credentials as they take on one of North America’s football powerhouses on Sunday, 29th.
Al Hilal at the FIFA Club World Cup
The revamped FIFA Club World Cup has been a tournament of firsts. Al Hilal, flying the flag of the Saudi Pro League, has had an encouraging start to their Group H campaign.
Grouped with Real Madrid in Group H, Simone Inzaghi’s side had their work cut out for them. Their opening match against Real Madrid was eventful. Real Madrid took the lead in the 34th minute before Ruben Neves equalized for Al Hilal from the spot.
The match, which was evenly contested, saw Al Hilal make a good account for themselves, holding the La Liga giants to a draw. Their second match against less fancied RB Salzburg was underwhelming for Inzaghi’s men, ending in a 0-0 draw.
Al Hilal must get maximum points from their last group match against Pachuca to stand a chance of progression as they are currently third in Group H with 2 points, 2 behind joint leaders Real Madrid and RB Salzburg with 4 apiece.
William Troost-Ekong, Nigeria’s National Football Team Captain, Reflects on the Saudi Pro League
Beyond the football pitch, Nigeria’s Troost-Ekong has lifted the veil on life in Saudi Arabia for elite footballers who make the Saudi Pro League their home.
Ekong joined Al Kholood after a standout performance at the 2024 Africa Cup of Nations, where he was named Player of the Tournament. The defender says he was drawn to the SPL by the opportunity to grow both personally and professionally.
Ekong indicates that football has connected him to diverse languages and cultures. His move to Saudi Arabia and the SPL has deepened his appreciation for community and hospitality. He credits fellow Nigerian striker Odion Ighalo for helping him navigate the transition.
Ekong focuses on giving back through his recently launched Troost-Ekong Foundation, designed to empower youth in Nigeria and across Africa through football and education. Troost-Ekong’s story captures the link of the Saudi Pro League to the rest of the world through football, and how the game has become a platform for a multifaceted cultural integration and interaction globally.
Saudi Pro League Stars Represented in International Football Around the World
The Saudi Pro League has increasingly become global, as evidenced by its fingerprints on national teams all around the globe.
Cristiano Ronaldo and Ruben Neves led Portugal to the UEFA Nations League for the second time. The two stars were pivotal for Portugal’s triumph, with Al Nassr’s Ronaldo equalizing against Spain to send the game into extra-time and then penalties. On his part, Al Hilal’s Ruben Neves stepped up to take the fifth and decisive penalty for Portugal, sending Unai Simon the wrong way and burying it in the bottom left corner to secure the silverware.
Al Fayha midfielder Otavek Shukurov helped his Uzbekistan national side to qualify for the FIFA World Cup for the first time ever.
Al Ahli’s Ivan Toney had mixed results. Thomas Tuchel’s England side beat Andorra 1-0 in a World Cup qualifier before losing 3-1 against Senegal in a friendly clash. The winning Senegalese side featured Toney’s teammate, Edouard Mendy, alongside Al Hilal’s Kalidou Koulibaly.
This cross-section of internationals plying their trade in the Saudi Pro League, representing their national teams in different competitions and friendly matches, highlights the fast-emerging global nature of the RSL.
