Inzaghi and Al-Hilal put future talks on hold as title challenge continues

Al-Hilal and head coach Simone Inzaghi have agreed to postpone any decision over his future until the end of the current season.

The Saudi Pro League leaders reached the agreement with the Italian coach in recent hours, bringing an end to speculation over whether he will remain in charge beyond the campaign.

Some reports had suggested this would be Inzaghi’s final season at Al-Hilal, with the former Inter Milan manager keen to return to Italy next season. Other reports claimed the club itself was unwilling to renew his contract immediately and wanted to assess his performance before making a final decision.

Saudi newspaper Al-Riyadh reported that both parties had agreed to delay the renewal discussions so the team can concentrate on its upcoming matches and competitions. The manager’s future will be settled definitively once the season is over.

Al-Hilal currently lead the Saudi Pro League with 30 points, two ahead of second-placed Al-Nassr and Al-Qadsiah.

In the AFC Champions League Elite, Inzaghi’s side are second in the West region with nine points, three behind leaders Al Ain.

The club have also reached the last 16 of the King Cup after beating Al-Raed 2-0. Their next fixture in the competition is against Al-Hazem on Tuesday, 12 January, at Kingdom Arena in Riyadh.

Inzaghi took charge of Al-Hilal in the summer of 2025, succeeding Portuguese coach Jorge Jesus. He guided the club to the quarter-finals of the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup, where they were beaten 2-1 by Brazilian side Fluminense.

However, Al-Hilal missed out on the Saudi Pro League title last season, losing it to city rivals Al-Nassr on the final matchday by a margin of two points.

The Italian’s only trophy with Al-Hilal so far is last season’s King Cup, secured with victory over Al-Kholood in the final.

The club’s most disappointing campaign under Inzaghi came in the previous edition of the AFC Champions League Elite. Al-Hilal were eliminated in the last 16 by Qatar’s Al Sadd on penalties after the match finished 3-3 following extra time.

Despite those setbacks, the team have lost only three matches since Inzaghi arrived at Kingdom Arena. The defeats came against Fluminense, who won 2-1 in the Club World Cup quarter-final, and in domestic and continental competition against Neom, who prevailed 2-0, and Qatar’s Al-Shamal, who won 3-1 in the AFC Champions League Elite.

Published 23 November 2026