In a strategic move reflecting the long-term vision of Al-Hilal's board of directors, the club has secured the services of one of its key players during the current winter transfer window. The club officially announced the contract renewal of Portuguese star Ruben Neves, the first-team midfielder, extending his stay with the Blues until 2029. This renewal is not merely a routine signing, but a clear declaration of continued technical dominance and administrative stability within the club.

The cornerstone of the Saudi sports project

Since joining Al-Hilal from the English Premier League, Ruben Neves has been more than just a professional player; he has been an integral part of the transformation taking place in the Saudi Professional League. Neves has established himself as one of the region's most prominent midfielders, rightfully earning the title of "Maestro" from Al-Hilal fans in recognition of his exceptional ability to control the tempo of the game, the precision of his long passes, and his calm leadership that provides the team with a unique tactical balance in the most difficult matches.

Record numbers reflect quality

Numbers don't lie, and Neves has provided impressive statistics that confirm his high market and technical value while wearing the Al-Hilal jersey, where the player has played:

• 121 matches in various competitions.
• 52 direct goal contributions.
• 19 decisive goals, most of which were long-range shots.
• 33 assists that put his teammates in front of goal.

These numbers reflect the comprehensiveness of his performance, as he combines defensive solidity in winning back possession with an attacking tendency in creating plays from deep, making him a rare commodity in modern football.

A record full of championships

Neves didn't just focus on individual performances; he translated his efforts into team titles that adorned Al-Hilal's trophy cabinet in record time. The Portuguese star played a key role in achieving:

• The Saudi Professional League title.
• The Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques Cup.
• Saudi Super Cup (twice).

He also had a prominent presence in international and continental events, including the AFC Champions League, the FIFA Club World Cup, and the Arab Club Championship, confirming that he is a man for big occasions.

Signs of renewal until 2029

Extending the contract for a long period carries significant implications both domestically and internationally. Domestically, it ensures Al-Hilal's continued dominance in midfield for years to come, thwarting any external attempts to acquire the player. Regionally and internationally, maintaining the core of the team strengthens Al-Hilal's chances of fiercely competing for continental titles and making a respectable showing in the revamped Club World Cup, where technical stability is a crucial factor in achieving sustained success.

The technical staff of Al-Nassr Saudi Club and the fans of “Al-Aalami” received a huge morale boost hours before the anticipated crucial match against the traditional rival Al-Ittihad Club, after it was definitively confirmed that the Portuguese legend Cristiano Ronaldo is ready to participate in the match scheduled to be held next Friday, as part of the twenty-first round of the Saudi Professional League competition.

The Portuguese star had missed the team's previous match against Al-Taawoun, in which Al-Nassr displayed the character of champions and secured a 1-0 victory. However, a sense of unease had gripped the Al-Nassr supporters, fearing their captain's continued absence from the upcoming crucial match. Recent medical and technical reports have dispelled these concerns, confirming the "Madeira Rocket's" complete and full readiness to lead the team's attack in the highly anticipated derby.

The importance of El Clásico and the history of the conflict

The matches between Al-Nassr and Al-Ittihad hold exceptional importance, transcending the mere value of a three-point game. They represent the "Saudi Arabian football classic," attracting a massive following not only domestically but also across the Arab and Asian football scenes. Historically, encounters between the two teams have been characterized by intense rivalry and sustained excitement until the final whistle, with each side striving to assert its dominance and prove its historical superiority over the other. This makes the return of a star of Ronaldo's caliber a decisive factor in tipping the scales in his team's favor.

Ronaldo's impact and the league's market value

The return of Al-Nassr's captain is an invaluable asset to the coaching staff, given Ronaldo's immense technical and leadership qualities both on the pitch and in the locker room. Since joining the club, Ronaldo has played a pivotal and influential role in the team's journey this season, contributing crucial goals and pinpoint passes to keep Al-Nassr in contention.

On a broader scale, Ronaldo's presence in the Saudi League has significantly boosted the competition's marketing value and drawn global attention to the "Roshan League," resulting in unprecedented international media coverage for top matches like Al-Nassr vs. Al-Ittihad. This match comes at a crucial juncture in the season, as Al-Nassr aims to maintain pressure and compete strongly for the league title, recognizing that a victory in this derby would provide the team with a morale boost that could fuel their continued pursuit of championships.

Sports fans of all persuasions are eagerly awaiting this match to enjoy a rich football feast featuring a selection of the brightest stars of world football, in light of the tremendous development witnessed by Saudi sports and stadium infrastructure, which promises a match befitting the reputation of the advanced Saudi football.

Turkish media reports have sparked a major surprise in the world of football, revealing that Fenerbahçe is close to finalizing an agreement with Uruguayan international striker Darwin Núñez, currently playing for Al-Hilal in Saudi Arabia. These rapid moves come as the Turkish club seeks to bolster its squad with high-profile players capable of making a difference in both domestic and continental competitions.

According to reports, Fenerbahçe's management has made signing a world-class striker their top priority during the current transfer window to fill the significant void left by the departure of Moroccan striker Youssef En-Nesyri. Darwin Núñez has been chosen as the key player in the team's new project, especially after the recent success in securing the signing of French star N'Golo Kanté, a move that was widely welcomed and restored the fans' confidence in the club's ability to attract top players.

According to beIN SPORTS, negotiations between Fenerbahçe officials and Darwin Núñez's representatives have made significant and positive progress in the past few hours. There is a sense of cautious optimism within the Turkish club that they can finalize the deal, capitalizing on their desire to build an invincible team. Sources indicate that the offer made to the player reflects his considerable market and technical value.

In a related development, Fenerbahçe's management didn't limit themselves to Núñez alone, but also devised alternative plans to bolster their attack. The same report indicated that the name of Brazilian Marcos Leonardo, Núñez's teammate at Al-Hilal, was also put forward as a potential option. However, current indications suggest that the chances of signing Darwin Núñez appear significantly higher than Leonardo's, given the Uruguayan's extensive European experience and the coach's desire for a striker with specific physical attributes.

It's worth noting that Darwin Núñez joined Al-Hilal at the start of this season from Liverpool in a massive deal worth €53 million. During his time with the Saudi club, the 26-year-old has made his mark, scoring 7 goals and providing 5 assists in 21 appearances across all competitions this season. This potential transfer, if completed, would be one of the most significant in Turkish football, reflecting the growing financial power of Turkish clubs and their ongoing ambition to compete with Europe's elite.