Al-Hilal, one of Saudi Arabia’s most successful soccer clubs, made headlines this week with a bold decision that might shape the future of Saudi soccer’s most ambitious project. With the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup on the horizon and speculation swirling about Cristiano Ronaldo’s next move, the Riyadh-based club has reportedly declined the chance to sign the five-time Ballon d’Or winner — despite a push from powerful backers and a potential media windfall.
But why did Al-Hilal reject the world’s most recognizable soccer icon? The reason, rooted in recent history, says more about the club’s evolving strategy than it does about Ronaldo’s enduring appeal.
According to multiple sources, including RMC Sport via journalist Sacha Tavolieri, the Saudi Arabian Public Investment Fund (PIF) — which owns Al-Hilal, Al-Nassr, Al-Ahli, and Al-Ittihad — offered Al-Hilal the chance to sign Cristiano Ronaldo ahead of the Club World Cup, which kicks off in the United States this June.
PIF’s logic was clear: Ronaldo’s presence would boost visibility, international attention, and audience engagement at a time when the Saudi Pro League seeks to establish itself as a global force. The tournament, which will feature clubs like Manchester City, Palmeiras, and Al-Hilal as Saudi Arabia’s lone representative, was seen as the perfect stage.
But the club’s response surprised many.
The Neymar effect: Painful lesson
Al-Hilal, despite the potential marketing value, turned down the Ronaldo proposal. According to reports, club executives are focused on younger attacking talent, like Nigerian star striker Victor Osimhen. The club’s leadership is wary of repeating a recent high-profile misstep: the Neymar transfer.
Neymar, signed in a record deal just 18 months ago, left the Blue Waves earlier this year after a string of debilitating injuries and only seven appearances in a blue shirt. His short-lived spell reportedly cost the club $14.4 million per appearance, factoring in both transfer and wage costs — a sum that now ranks him as the most expensive player per match in soccer history.
His departure — via a mutual contract termination — was a financial and reputational blow. In light of that, the board has grown cautious about investing in older stars, regardless of their status.
Why Al-Hilal doesn’t want Ronaldo
Beyond age concerns, Al-Hilal reportedly set strict terms for any possible deal with Ronaldo. According to prominent Arab journalist Walid Al-Faraj, the five-time Ballon d’Or winner would not be given the captain’s armband and would have to accept a rotational role. Unsurprisingly, these conditions did not align with the forward’s expectations.
With 91 goals in 103 games since joining Al-Nassr in 2023, Ronaldo remains a potent scorer — but at 40 years old, questions about squad balance and tactical fit have clearly influenced Al-Hilal’s thinking.
