After playing 56 matches in the 2024/25 season, Al Hilal withdraws from the Saudi Super Cup due to fixture overload and player fatigue. Al Ahli will replace them in the tournament held in Hong Kong this August.
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Al Hilal, the most decorated club in Saudi Arabian football and one of the dominant forces in Asia, has officially withdrawn from the 2024/25 Saudi Super Cup.
The decision, announced just two weeks after the end of a grueling season, comes as the club prioritizes the health and recovery of its players following an exhausting schedule that saw them play 56 competitive matches across all competitions.
The 2024/25 campaign concluded for Al Hilal on July 4, when they were eliminated by Brazilian side Fluminense in the quarter-finals of the FIFA Club World Cup, held in the United States. That match marked the end of a season filled with relentless pressure, as the club juggled responsibilities in the Saudi Pro League, the King’s Cup, the AFC Champions League, and international tournaments. Their demanding journey included long-haul travel, intense match frequency, and high-stakes encounters both domestically and abroad.
Among the stars who carried much of the load this season were Portuguese internationals João Cancelo and Rúben Neves, both of whom featured regularly in Al Hilal’s starting eleven. The heavy match schedule, combined with a limited off-season window before the start of the 2025/26 campaign, raised concerns among the club’s medical and coaching staff about overuse injuries, burnout, and long-term player well-being.
Originally, Al Hilal was set to face Al Qadisiyah in the semi-finals of the Saudi Super Cup, which will be held in Hong Kong from August 19 to 23. The other semi-final is a blockbuster clash between Al Nassr, led by Cristiano Ronaldo, and Al Ittihad, the 2022/23 league champions. Al Hilal’s presence was highly anticipated by fans and organizers, not only because of their pedigree but also because of their star-studded squad and global appeal.
However, after internal discussions and medical evaluations, Al Hilal made the difficult but strategic decision to withdraw from the tournament. The club cited calendar congestion and the urgent need for squad recovery and pre-season preparation as the primary reasons for stepping aside. This marks a rare instance where a top club voluntarily withdraws from a high-profile competition, prioritizing long-term objectives over short-term glory.
In response to Al Hilal’s withdrawal, the Saudi Arabian Football Federation moved quickly to fill the vacant spot. Al Ahli, another of the country’s historic clubs and a recent powerhouse in the Pro League, has been confirmed as Al Hilal’s replacement. With a revamped squad featuring global talents like Riyad Mahrez, Roberto Firmino, Allan Saint-Maximin, and Edouard Mendy, Al Ahli is more than capable of delivering high-level football and maintaining the tournament’s prestige.
For Al Ahli, this unexpected opportunity presents a chance to compete for silverware early in the season and showcase their evolution as a team under their current project. For fans in Hong Kong, where the Saudi Super Cup is being staged as part of the Saudi league’s global expansion strategy, this change offers the chance to witness a different brand of attacking, entertaining football brought by the Jeddah-based club.
Meanwhile, for Al Hilal, this decision reinforces their status as a professionally run organization that is focused on sustainability and success over time. The club is expected to use the coming weeks to focus on rest, rehabilitation, and a well-planned pre-season to prepare for another intense year, which will likely include deep runs in both domestic and continental competitions.
This incident also highlights a growing concern in modern football: the increasing strain of congested calendars, especially on clubs involved in multiple competitions. With the Saudi Pro League continuing to attract top talent and aiming for global prominence, managing fixture load and ensuring adequate recovery time will be critical for the league’s long-term credibility and the players’ physical health.
Ultimately, Al Hilal’s withdrawal may disappoint some fans hoping to see them in action, but it could prove to be a wise move that benefits the team over the long haul. Meanwhile, Al Ahli steps into the spotlight with a renewed opportunity to challenge for the first major trophy of the 2025/26 season.
Updated: 02:39, 23 Jul 2025
