KSAsportz report
PARIS — French international Theo Hernández has officially joined Al Hilal, expressing his excitement for this new chapter in his career while emphasizing the rapid growth of Saudi football. This transfer comes as the Kingdom’s football scene garners increasing international attention, with over 100 million viewers tuning into recent matches from the Saudi Pro League.
In his first interview since signing from AC Milan, Hernández stated, “Saudi football has developed significantly. There are many quality players here. I believe this is the beginning of a new phase in my career, and I’m very happy to be here.” Statistics show that the Saudi Pro League has seen a 45% increase in foreign player signings over the last year alone, contributing to its enhanced competitiveness.
The left-back, who has signed a three-year deal, also lauded Al Hilal’s recent performances in the FIFA Club World Cup 2025, where they showcased their capabilities against top-tier European teams.
“I watched the Club World Cup games, and the team was fantastic. Al Hilal played at a high level, and I believe they’ve shown they can compete with top European clubs,” he remarked.
Before finalizing his move, Hernández consulted with current teammate João Cancelo. He elaborated, “I reached out to Cancelo to learn more about the club and the city. He told me the team is strong, full of great players, the atmosphere is positive, and the city is beautiful.”
On his aspirations with Al Hilal, Hernández declared, “I have big ambitions with this team. We have a fantastic group of players, and I came here to win and to help achieve as many titles as possible.” Reports indicate that Al Hilal has claimed 17 league titles, making them one of the most successful clubs in Saudi history.
Hernández also expressed his gratitude to Al Hilal fans for the warm welcome, stating, “I felt a great sense of welcome from the fans. My wife and I received many messages on Instagram; it really made us happy. I’m excited to start this new journey with them.”
Closing the interview, Hernández addressed the supporters directly: “I’m proud to join Al Hilal. Thank you for the incredible reception.”