Saudi football fans will be glued to their screens this Sunday evening as King Khalid Sports City Stadium in Tabuk hosts a highly anticipated clash between NEOM FC and Al-Hilal FC, in the 16th round of the Saudi Professional League. However, this match carries a special significance beyond the mere competition for three points, as it marks the return of club legend Salman Al-Faraj to face the club where he forged a history of remarkable achievements. It's a match where nostalgia blends with professionalism and a fierce challenge.

Historical background: Al-Faraj's legendary journey with Al-Hilal

Salman Al-Faraj, the current captain of NEOM, is one of the most prominent names in the history of Al-Hilal and Saudi football. His journey with "The Boss" began in December 2008 when Romanian coach Cosmin Olăroiu gave him his first opportunity to play. From that moment, Al-Faraj embarked on a legendary career spanning more than 15 years, transforming from a promising young player into an inspirational leader and captain of a golden generation that dominated local and continental championships. During his time with Al-Hilal, Al-Faraj etched his name in the annals of history as the most decorated player in the Saudi Professional League with eight titles, in addition to winning the AFC Champions League twice, the Crown Prince Cup three times, and the Saudi Super Cup three times, becoming a symbol of victory in the hearts of Al-Hilal fans, who last witnessed him lifting the King's Cup in May 2024.

New chapter: Neom challenge and return from injury

In a move that surprised many at the start of last season, Salman Al-Faraj took the helm of NEOM FC's ambitious sporting project. However, this new chapter was not without its challenges, as he suffered a serious cruciate ligament injury that sidelined him for over a year. But with the determination of a champion, Al-Faraj gradually returned to the team, making his first appearance last December, and his technical and physical readiness has steadily increased, culminating in this highly anticipated match. The match also sees the return of his former Al-Hilal teammates, Mohammed Al-Breik and Khalifa Al-Dossari, all wearing the NEOM jersey, adding another layer of intrigue to the encounter.

The importance of the confrontation and its expected impact

The match holds immense importance for both teams. Al-Hilal aims to continue its title defense and reaffirm its dominance, while Neom, led by its experienced captain, aspires to achieve a historic victory that will establish it as a serious contender in the league. The result of the friendly match between the two teams last December, which ended in a 2-1 victory for Neom, adds to the excitement and anticipation surrounding the match, as Al-Faraj and his teammates seek to replicate that success in an official encounter. For the fans, it will be a poignant moment to see the captain who lifted Al-Hilal's last league trophy facing them in the jersey of another team – a scene that encapsulates the profound meaning of loyalty and professionalism in the world of football.

At precisely 8:30 PM, the language of emotions will cease, and the action on the pitch will begin. This is a match where there is no room for half-measures, a clash between Al-Hilal's glorious past and present, and NEOM's ambitious aspirations and promising future. The most pressing question remains: Will Al-Faraj succeed in leading his new team to a precious victory against his former club?

The Saudi Professional League is no longer just a destination for international football stars in the twilight of their careers; it has transformed into a true platform for producing champions who lift continental trophies with their national teams. The highly anticipated Africa Cup of Nations final between Morocco and Senegal, featuring a constellation of league stars, is the latest evidence of this radical shift in the league's standing on the global stage.

Historical background: From attracting heroes to creating them

Historically, Saudi clubs signed players with major titles like the World Cup or the Champions League to their credit, as a way to add quality to the domestic league. However, this equation has begun to change dramatically, especially with the launch of the sports transformation project within the Kingdom's Vision 2030. The transfer of Portuguese legend Cristiano Ronaldo to Al-Nassr in late 2012 served as the spark that opened the door for the arrival of some of the world's best players at the peak of their careers, raising the level of competition and media attention of the league to unprecedented levels.

Summer 2024: Dori Roshen's imprint on the Euros and Copa America

The summer of 2024 witnessed historic moments that underscored this shift. While Colombian goalkeeper David Ospina, formerly of Al-Nassr, was enduring a heartbreaking night on the bench in the 2024 Copa America final against Argentina, two players from the Saudi Professional League were achieving glory in Europe. Aymeric Laporte, Al-Nassr's defender, and Nacho Fernandez, Al-Qadisiyah's captain, won the 2024 European Championship with Spain, with Laporte playing the full 90 minutes in the final. They became the first Saudi Pro League players to achieve this feat while under contract with their respective clubs. This was no ordinary event; it sent a clear message that playing in Saudi Arabia is no longer an obstacle to excelling at the highest international level.

Global impact: Enhancing the league's brand

The presence of Roshan League players in major continental finals directly enhances the league's global brand. It is no longer perceived merely as a local or regional league, but as an integral part of the global football system. This international prominence attracts more talent, increases sponsorship and broadcasting deals, and elevates the league to the ranks of the major leagues. Furthermore, it completely refutes the notion that moving to Saudi Arabia is a step towards "retirement," demonstrating instead that it is a competitive environment capable of keeping players at the peak of their physical and technical abilities.

An African final with a purely Saudi flavor

Today, the world is witnessing a new chapter in this inspiring story, as the Africa Cup of Nations final pits Morocco, led by their reliable goalkeeper Yassine Bounou (Al-Hilal) and defender Jawad El Yamiq (Al-Najma), against Senegal, a team brimming with stars from the Saudi Professional League, including goalkeeper Edouard Mendy (Al-Ahli), captain Sadio Mane (Al-Nassr), and defender Kalidou Koulibaly (Al-Hilal). This encounter is not merely a battle for the African title; it is a mini-derby of the Saudi Professional League on African soil, guaranteeing that, regardless of the winner, the trophy will return with a champion playing in Saudi Arabia. Yassine Bounou has confirmed his readiness for the final, while Sadio Mane has expressed his strong desire to bring the cup back to Dakar, promising a fiery encounter that reflects the strength and influence of the Saudi Professional League on the international stage.