In the world of modern football, championships are no longer decided solely by the players' skills on the pitch; the real story begins in the administrative offices. When championships are managed with a sound strategy before being decided on the field, the name of Al-Hilal Saudi Club stands out as an exceptional example. It is unfair to reduce this entity to a single victory or one championship, for the story is deeper than just ninety minutes, and bigger than the name of a coach who comes and goes or a star who shines and then fades.

An empire run by reason, not emotion

Al-Hilal today represents an administrative empire managed according to a purely institutional and sporting strategy, achieving victory through a professional mindset that brooks no improvisation. While many clubs falter at the first loss, their crucial decisions shifting with the fickle mood of their fans, Al-Hilal proceeds with remarkable steadfastness, as if knowing the outcome from the outset. This confidence is not a product of the moment, but rather the cumulative result of years of organized administrative work that prioritizes the club's interests above all individual considerations.

Historical context: Continental leadership that did not come from nowhere

Given its historical context, Al Hilal's current success is inextricably linked to its rich legacy. The club, nicknamed "The Leader," reigns supreme in Asia as the most decorated club in the continent's history, and boasts the most domestic league titles. This historical dominance is no accident; it is conclusive proof that Al Hilal possesses the "genes" of a champion, nurtured by a stable administrative system that has seen different names at the helm, yet the core principles have remained consistent. This stability has made Al Hilal a shining example for Saudi Arabian football, especially with its global reach and runner-up finish in the Club World Cup, reflecting the development of Saudi football and its ability to compete with the world's best.

Governance versus “trends”

No emotional outbursts, no hasty reactions, and no decisions made under the pressure of trends and social media; this is where the true distinction lies in the charisma of visionary management. Al-Hilal doesn't dwell on past glories; it builds for the future with a system governed by good governance, guided by planning, and managed with a logic of continuity, not by sensational media headlines. Therefore, when names change within the club, the strategy remains the same, and when a star departs, another star is immediately born. This is not a coincidence, but rather a deeply ingrained practice and policy within the Al-Hilal empire.

The management model and its impact

What might be frustrating for rivals is that Al-Hilal doesn't need to justify its superiority; it doesn't shout, it doesn't complain, and it doesn't engage in distracting side battles. It leaves the noise to others and goes straight for the goal. And when the decisive moment arrives, it advances with the confident strides of someone accustomed to standing at the top and on the podiums of gold. Al-Hilal doesn't win because it's lucky, nor because it's favored, as some media outlets claim to justify failure, but because it's the most administratively mature and the most aware that modern football is an industry run with intellect before emotion.

Results may vary in some seasons, and Al-Hilal may experience setbacks—this is normal in the world of sports. However, it is unnatural for a project built on solid foundations to collapse. Clubs may lose a match, but institutional empires emerge stronger. Ultimately, anyone who wants to compete with Al-Hilal should first find a management team that shares its vision and planning, because those who lack sound decision-making will not win championships.

Your time is clear, O thirsty one...
Drink before the mud muddies its purity.

By: Abdulaziz Daraj

Recent international press reports have revealed that Brazilian star Neymar da Silva, former player of Saudi Arabia’s Al-Hilal and recently signed to Brazilian club Santos, has made a decisive and final decision regarding his career in the coming period, with the aim of maintaining his maximum technical and physical readiness in preparation for the 2026 World Cup finals.

Sources reported that Neymar informed the management of his club, Santos, of his categorical refusal to play any matches on artificial turf fields, justifying this by his extreme fear of suffering a new health setback or muscle injury that could thwart his great dream of representing his country in the upcoming World Cup, which is scheduled to be jointly organized by the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

Medical concerns and history of injuries

This decision stems from the player's desire to avoid risk, as he seeks to minimize injuries, especially after his long struggles with knee and ligament problems in recent years. It is medically known that playing on artificial turf increases pressure on joints and ligaments compared to natural grass, posing a greater risk to players returning from long-term injuries, such as the one Neymar previously suffered with Al-Hilal.

Last chance and sixth title

The 2026 World Cup holds exceptional importance for Neymar, as it is seen as the Brazilian maestro's "final dance" on the international stage. Brazil, which hasn't lifted the trophy since 2002, is striving to reclaim its former glory and win its sixth star. Neymar understands that leading the Seleção in this tournament requires him to be at his physical peak, far removed from the physiotherapy rooms that have plagued much of his career.

Ancelotti and the national team squad

The same source continued, explaining that Neymar has his sights set on the final list for the Samba team, noting that the Brazilian national team coach, Carlo Ancelotti, will announce the list at the beginning of next month, which puts additional pressure on the player to prove his readiness without suffering any sudden setbacks that would disrupt his international return.

Liverpool received unwelcome news from Ligue 1, as young defender Jérémy Jacquet , the Reds' new signing currently on loan at Rennes, suffered a serious shoulder injury. The injury occurred during his team's match against Lens in Ligue 1 on Saturday, raising concerns about the player's fitness ahead of his expected move to Anfield this summer.

Details of the injury and Rennes' fall

The match, which ended in a 3-1 defeat for Rennes, was a dramatic affair for the young defender. In the second half, Jacquet suffered a horrific fall on his shoulder, clearly in excruciating pain, and was forced to leave the pitch immediately. This wasn't Rennes' only injury; their woes were compounded by the injury to teammate Abdelhamid Aït Boudlal.

Habib Bey emphasized the seriousness of the situation, stating, "Jérémy injured his shoulder, while Abdelhamid Aït Boudlal suffered a muscle injury." The coach added, with a concerned tone, "We'll see what happens after the tests, but initial indications suggest that their injuries are indeed serious," raising questions about the players' recovery time.

Liverpool hit by a severe defensive crisis

This news comes at a particularly difficult time for Liverpool, who are already suffering from an unprecedented injury crisis in their back line. The team, currently sixth in the Premier League table, are preparing for a crucial match against Manchester City this Sunday.

Liverpool enters this crucial match missing four of its key defenders due to a series of injuries: Giovanni Leone , Joe Gomez , Jeremy Frimpong , and Conor Bradley . Jacquet's injury is a significant blow to the club's future plans, as the coaching staff had hoped for his return in the summer to bolster this weakened defense. However, this latest injury could disrupt preseason preparations and present additional medical challenges for Liverpool's medical team.

Impact of the injury on the player's future

Loan spells are crucial for the development of young players, and Jacquet's loan to Rennes was intended to provide him with experience and exposure in a competitive league like Ligue 1. However, his serious shoulder injury could hinder his physical development and delay his adaptation to the Premier League upon his return. Liverpool fans are anxiously awaiting the results of thorough medical tests to determine whether the injury will require surgery, potentially sidelining him for an extended period, or if it will only require an intensive rehabilitation program to allow him to return during pre-season training.