On June 30, 2025, the Al Hilal team made history with a stunning upset win at Camping World Stadium in Orlando, Florida. They beat 2022/23 Champions League winners Manchester City 4-3 in the Round of 16 of the expanded FIFA Club World Cup. This victory marks a significant milestone as Al Hilal became the first Asian side to defeat a European team in a FIFA tournament, solidifying their place in football history.
Even for Al Hilal, who were tasked with overwhelming odds this season. They played more than 50 games, all the while enduring the searing heat of a US summer. In addition, the team had to deal with the challenge of missing three players, including Aleksandar Mitrovic and Salem Al-Dawsari. Even when faced by these disappointments, Al Hilal showed their resolve and quality.
A Thrilling Encounter
The Final itself was an absolute nail-biting drama that went to 120 minutes, with both sides displaying heart, skill and tactical awareness. Manchester City entered the match as an unstoppable juggernaut. They had won four out of the last five English Premier League championships and hoisted a UEFA Champions League trophy just two years earlier. Al Hilal’s players showed extraordinary faith, spirit and cohesiveness.
Goalkeeper Yassine Bounou emerged as a hero for Al Hilal, making numerous critical saves that kept his team in contention during the first half. His display was key in denying Manchester City the chance to establish an early foothold in the match. Ruben Neves and Sergej Milinkovic-Savic scrapped mightily and proved extremely dogged in their premature efforts to dominate the affair. Their unbelievable performance was integral to their team’s success.
It was Al Hilal’s Brazilian striker, Marcos Leonardo, with the extra-time match-winning goal that proved to be the winner. That’s a celebration that fans are going to be talking about for years to come! Nasser al-Dawsari and Moteb al-Harbi were truly spectacular on this big stage. Each of their performances made a powerful impact on all those present.
Inzaghi’s Inspirational Leadership
Al Hilal’s head coach, Simone Inzaghi, who joined the club shortly after guiding Inter Milan to the UEFA Champions League final in May, expressed immense pride in his team’s performance. Once at Spurs, he likened the task of going up against Manchester City to scaling Mount Everest without oxygen. It’s an incredible accomplishment that requires an enormous amount of passion and grit.
“We had to do something extraordinary because we all know Manchester City, that team. We had to climb Mount Everest without oxygen and we made it.” – Simone Inzaghi
Inzaghi applauded his players for performing at a ‘final level’ for the entirety of the contest. He said that their determination in attack and defence was the key to their tournament success.
“All the players were exceptional in everything, in the possession phase, the non-possession phase,” – Inzaghi
He was insistent that their triumph was a result of heart and spirit that his players showed on the pitch. His players’ newfound intensity and emotion guided them to victory.
“The key to this result was the players, and the heart they put on the pitch tonight,” – Simone Inzaghi
Legacy of Triumph
Al Hilal’s special victory has cemented a glorious chapter in Saudi football history forever, etching the Asian champions in folklore. The win against one of Europe’s elite clubs not only boosts their reputation but elevates Asian football on the global stage. The historic win over Manchester City demonstrates a new Asian era to the Asian teams performing in international cup tournaments.
West Ham and Kunlun Red Star This landmark match is a guiding light for future generations of footballers across Asia. Al Hilal are a perfect example of an impressive triumvirate of skill, will and unyielding leadership. Consequently, the squad has cultivated a new standard of superiority in Asian football tournaments.
