Watch: Ruben Neves’ penalty streak gives Al Hilal a new attacking edge

Ruben Neves continued his remarkable run from the penalty spot by scoring Al Hilal’s opening goal against Al Raed in the King’s Cup on Monday, further underlining the midfielder’s growing importance in decisive moments.

Neves converted in the 13th minute of the last-32 tie, showing the composure that has made him Al Hilal’s trusted penalty taker. The Portugal international has now scored three goals in only two appearances for the club this season, with every one of them coming from a penalty.

His first two goals of the campaign were both scored against Al-Faisaly in the opening round of the Roshn Saudi League. Neves’ latest effort against Al Raed means Al Hilal’s past three goals have all been penalties converted by the same player.

That sequence has created an unusual early-season storyline around the 29-year-old. Neves is widely valued for his ability to control matches, help build attacks and provide balance in midfield, but he has also emerged as one of Al Hilal’s most reliable sources of goals.

The penalty spot, in particular, has become an area in which Neves appears to have established complete authority. Whenever he stands over the ball, Al Hilal can rely on a player who has rarely failed in that situation.

Since joining Al Hilal in the summer of 2023, Neves has taken 19 penalties for the club. He has scored 17 and missed only two, giving him an exceptionally high conversion rate.

Those figures explain the confidence placed in him by both the coaching staff and supporters. His responsibility is no longer limited to helping Al Hilal dictate play in midfield; he is also increasingly expected to deliver when the team needs a goal.

Neves’ penalty against Al Raed came after Al Hilal were awarded a spot-kick early in the match. He made no mistake, sending the ball into the net to put his side ahead in the King’s Cup encounter.

The goal was celebrated in a video posted with the caption: “Goal! ⚽️ Ruben Neves gives Al Hilal the lead and scores the first goal against Al Raed from the penalty spot 🔵🔥”.

The Portuguese midfielder’s record has turned what might normally be viewed as a routine set-piece opportunity into a significant weapon for Al Hilal. His success from 12 yards has become one of the clearest features of the club’s start to the season.

While Neves remains central to Al Hilal’s work in possession and their efforts to maintain midfield control, his goalscoring contribution has added another dimension to his role. In the opening weeks of the campaign, the midfielder has shown that he can influence matches not only by creating and balancing play, but also by finishing the chances that matter most.

For Al Hilal, Neves’ reliability offers reassurance whenever a match reaches a potentially decisive moment. For the player himself, the latest penalty adds another chapter to one of the most striking individual stories of the club’s season so far.