Darwin Nunez looks to rebuild career after difficult Al Hilal spell

Darwin Nunez says he would not wish his experience at Al Hilal on any other player after returning to regular football with Al-Diriyah and scoring twice against Al-Ettifaq in the Roshn Saudi League on Saturday.

The Uruguay striker marked his comeback with two impressive goals in the fourth round of the competition, in a match that carried particular significance after several months without consistent first-team football.

Nunez joined Al Hilal during the summer 2025 transfer window, arriving with expectations that he would become one of the club’s leading attacking players. However, he struggled to establish himself in the starting line-up and gradually saw his involvement reduced.

After being left out of the team’s main plans, Nunez was moved to Al Hilal’s Asian squad only about six months after joining the club.

His situation became more difficult at the start of the new season, when he fell further down the pecking order under Italian manager Simone Inzaghi. He subsequently left Al Hilal on loan for Al-Diriyah in an attempt to revive his career and secure a genuine opportunity to play.

That chance arrived against Al-Ettifaq, where his two goals provided an immediate return on the move. But speaking to Saudi broadcaster Thmanyah after the match, Nunez said the most important part of the evening was not the goals themselves.

Instead, he highlighted the feeling of being back on the pitch after a prolonged period on the sidelines.

“First of all, I am very happy to be back playing football. The past six months at Al Hilal were very difficult for me and my family because I was unable to play matches,” said Nunez.

He added: “Honestly, I would not wish anyone to go through an experience like mine, because in the end we are all players who want to compete, play and enjoy what we do.”

Nunez’s comments underline how his difficulties went beyond a lack of appearances. His extended absence affected both his family and his life away from the pitch, despite arriving at Al Hilal with a significant reputation and considerable expectations.

The striker said, however, that he had moved beyond the most challenging stage and was now focused on the present rather than viewing the setback as the end of his career.

For Nunez, the period at Al Hilal had become a painful experience, but one he believes he has managed to overcome through the support of those closest to him.

“Now I have overcome that difficult period. I thank my family because they stood by me and did not allow me to fall during that difficult time, but I always say: after the storm, the sun will shine,” he said.

His two-goal display for Al-Diriyah gives him an opportunity to regain momentum and rebuild his confidence after a spell in which regular competitive football had become increasingly difficult to find.