Al Hilal maintain perfect start as owner predicts a long era of success

Al Hilal owner Prince Alwaleed bin Talal says the club’s winning run can continue for many years after they defeated Al Shabab 2-0 in the Riyadh derby to make it five victories from five in the Roshn Saudi League.

The result, secured at SHG Arena on Friday, moved Al Hilal to the top of the table with 15 points. They are three points clear of second-placed Al Nassr, who face a difficult clash with Al Ittihad on Saturday.

Following the match, Prince Alwaleed posted on his official X account, describing Al Hilal as a club entrusted to him by Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince and expressing his belief that the team’s success would last.

“Al Hilal is a trust from my brother, the Crown Prince, so all we have is the word: consider it done. The storm has become a hurricane, and the hurricane will continue for many years,” he wrote.

The owner also highlighted the international make-up of Al Hilal’s squad, calling the side a global team built from players representing national teams around the world.

“Global Al Hilal, a team of national teams from different countries: 19 players represent 11 countries. Al Hilal, the global champions,” he added.

In the post, Prince Alwaleed referred to players representing England and Brazil, naming Watkins and Martinelli respectively, before continuing with further references to Al Hilal’s international squad.

Al Hilal’s victory over Al Shabab means they have won every league match so far this season. Their unbeaten start has placed them at the summit as they pursue a return to the Saudi league title after missing out during the previous two campaigns.

Al Ittihad won the championship in 2024-2025, before Al Nassr claimed the title last season. Al Hilal are now attempting to regain the trophy, with their early form giving them an immediate advantage over the clubs challenging them.

The Riyadh derby was the latest step in a sequence of five consecutive league wins, while Al Nassr have the opportunity to reduce the gap when they meet Al Ittihad in Saturday’s high-profile fixture.

Prince Alwaleed’s comments underline his confidence that Al Hilal’s current momentum is not a short-term surge. By describing the team’s progress as having developed from a “storm” into a “hurricane”, he presented the club’s latest run as the beginning of an extended period of dominance rather than simply the outcome of a strong opening to the season.