Al Hilal, the defending Saudi Super Cup champions and one of Saudi Arabia’s footballing powerhouses, have officially withdrawn from the 2025/26 Saudi Super Cup, scheduled to take place in Hong Kong from August 19 to 23. The Riyadh-based club cited player fatigue and contractual obligations as the primary reasons for their decision, sparking widespread discussion within the football community about the growing demands on players in modern football. The Saudi Arabian Football Federation (SAFF) has acknowledged the withdrawal and is now exploring replacement options to ensure the tournament proceeds as planned.
Al Hilal’s decision comes on the heels of an exhausting season that saw them compete on multiple fronts, both domestically and internationally. Having finished second in the Saudi Pro League behind champions Al-Ittihad, the club also reached the quarter-finals of the King’s Cup and the semi-finals of the AFC Champions League Elite. Their campaign culminated in a remarkable run at the FIFA Club World Cup in the United States, where they made history by defeating Manchester City 4-3 in the round of 16, becoming the first Asian club to beat a Premier League side in an official FIFA tournament. However, their journey ended with a 2-1 loss to Fluminense on July 4, followed by travel complications that further strained their schedule.
In a statement released on their official website, Al Hilal detailed the reasoning behind their withdrawal, emphasizing the need to prioritize player welfare. “The decision was made to ensure the health and readiness of our international players ahead of the Saudi national team’s training camp for the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers in October,” the club stated. They highlighted that participating in the Super Cup would reduce their players’ annual leave to just 21 days, violating SAFF’s Professionalism and Player Status Regulations, which mandate a minimum of 28 days. “Our players have endured a demanding season lasting over a year, and medical assessments revealed signs of extreme fatigue, increasing the risk of injuries,” the statement added.
The Saudi Super Cup, set to feature high-profile semi-final clashes between Al Hilal and Al Qadsiah, and Al Nassr and Al Ittihad, was poised to showcase Saudi football’s growing global influence in Hong Kong. Al Hilal’s absence, however, has thrown the tournament’s format into question. The SAFF has confirmed it will review the matter through its Competitions Committee, with Al Ahli emerging as a likely replacement, according to local media reports. A potential fine of 500,000 Saudi Riyal (approximately $133,300) and a ban from the next edition loom as possible consequences for Al Hilal, though the club has urged the federation to explore alternative solutions to maintain the tournament’s promotional objectives.
Senegalese defender Kalidou Koulibaly, a key figure in Al Hilal’s Club World Cup campaign, expressed support for the club’s decision. “We’ve shown the world what Saudi football is capable of, but we’re human, not machines. The schedule has been relentless, and rest is crucial to keep performing at this level,” he told reporters after the Fluminense defeat. Head coach Simone Inzaghi, who joined Al Hilal shortly before the Club World Cup, echoed these sentiments, stating, “The players gave everything in the United States. Protecting their health is not just about this season but about ensuring they’re ready for the national team and the challenges ahead.”