KSAsportz report
RIYADH — In a surprise announcement on Tuesday, Fahad bin Nafel declared that he will not seek reelection as president of Al Hilal Football Club, culminating a historic six-year tenure marked by unprecedented success. His leadership has solidified his status as the most successful president in the club’s illustrious history.
In a statement shared on his official X account, Bin Nafel stated, “Every journey has a final station… I hand over the leadership of this great club just as it was handed to me or even better, God willing.”
He emphasized that his decision to step down is motivated by a desire to pave the way for new leadership and to ensure the continued progress of Al Hilal. “I announce today my absolute support for the next candidate for the presidency of Al Hilal,” he added.
Since his appointment in June 2019, Bin Nafel has presided over a golden era for Al Hilal, guiding the club to secure a total of 12 major trophies during his 2,233 days in charge. This impressive tally includes:
- Four Saudi Pro League titles (2020, 2021, 2022, 2024)
- Two AFC Champions League titles (2019, 2021)
- Three King’s Cups (2020, 2023, 2024)
- Three Saudi Super Cups (2021, 2023, 2024)
Bin Nafel’s tenure not only witnessed national success; it also elevated Al Hilal’s global presence. The club made four appearances in the FIFA Club World Cup, most notably finishing as runners-up in the 2022 edition held in Morocco, following a thrilling 5–3 final against Real Madrid.
In the expanded 2025 FIFA Club World Cup, hosted in the United States, Al Hilal made headlines by reaching the quarterfinals. The team drew with both Real Madrid and Red Bull Salzburg in the group stage before defeating Pachuca to advance. In a stunning upset, they shocked the football world by eliminating Manchester City in the Round of 16, only to be narrowly defeated by Brazil’s Fluminense in the subsequent match.
In closing, Bin Nafel expressed his gratitude to Saudi Arabia’s leadership, stating, “My sincere thanks and appreciation go to King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman for their unprecedented support for sports and youth. With their backing, we dared to dream big and those dreams came true.”
Fahad bin Nafel’s departure signifies the end of an extraordinary era in Al Hilal’s storied history, positioning the club as a powerful symbol of Saudi football’s rise on both regional and international stages.