Al-Hilal coach Jorge Jesus believes that the Saudi league will eventually be among the best in the world. The 70-year-old Portuguese coach spoke about two new signings and the strength of the league in an interview.
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Last summer marked a pivotal moment for Saudi Arabian football as Al-Hilal, the reigning champions of the Saudi Pro League, made significant moves in the transfer market, further showcasing the growing ambition and appeal of football in the Middle East.
Two standout signings arrived from Europe: João Cancelo, one of the world’s top right-backs, joined from Manchester City for 25 million euros, while highly-rated forward Marcos Leonardo made the switch from Benfica for a substantial fee of 40 million euros. These acquisitions not only underscored Al-Hilal’s intent to compete at the highest level but also signaled a broader trend of high-profile players choosing Saudi Arabia as a new destination.
In an interview, Al-Hilal manager Jorge Jesus reflected on the club's growing stature and the influx of international talent. "Young players now want to come here because we have some of the best players in the world," Jesus explained. He pointed out that while Europe remains the epicenter of footballing excellence, players are increasingly drawn to Saudi Arabia, where top talent is concentrated within a single league, unlike in Europe where they are spread across various countries. "You have them in Europe as well, but there they are spread across multiple countries," Jesus added, highlighting the unique dynamic in Saudi Arabia where many of the world’s best players are now converging.
The 70-year-old Portuguese coach, who has managed top European clubs such as Fenerbahçe and Benfica, believes that Saudi football is on the brink of something special. "I'm not saying that the future of football lies in Saudi Arabia, because that's not the case. That will always be Europe," Jesus remarked candidly. However, he expressed confidence that the Saudi Pro League would continue to rise in prominence. "Saudi football will reach a high level and eventually rank among the top five leagues in the world. I have no doubt about that," he emphasized. The league’s decision to allow clubs to sign two foreign players under the age of 22 this season, Jesus explained, was a critical factor in its development. "Almost all of the clubs have taken advantage of this rule, which proves that young players also want to play here. And not just for financial reasons."
Among the new arrivals, João Cancelo’s decision to join Al-Hilal was particularly noteworthy. Cancelo, who had spent the previous season on loan at Barcelona, had the option to return to the Spanish giants but chose instead to embark on a new chapter in Saudi Arabia. "He wanted to join this project," Jesus explained, referring to Cancelo as the "best right-back in the world." Jesus was full of praise for the Portuguese defender, not just for his footballing abilities but also for his adaptability to life in a new country. "I told him he would be happy here. It's a country that provides complete safety for everyone, especially for children," Jesus said, adding that Cancelo was particularly impressed with the living conditions in Saudi Arabia. "He told me, 'Coach, you were right. This is paradise for kids.' That makes me happy," Jesus shared with a smile, pleased that one of his star players had settled in so well.
The strong start to the season for Al-Hilal has only reinforced Jesus’ belief in the team's potential. In the opening four matches, Al-Hilal remained the only team in the league with a flawless record, winning every game. Leading the charge has been Serbian striker Aleksandar Mitrovic, who has already netted eight goals in those matches, further solidifying his position as one of the league’s top scorers. Despite this success, Al-Hilal has been without one of their biggest signings, Brazilian star Neymar, who is currently sidelined with an injury.
Jesus acknowledged Neymar’s importance not just for Al-Hilal but for the entire Saudi Pro League. "He's important for Al-Hilal and the league as a whole," Jesus admitted. However, he also tempered expectations regarding the Brazilian’s return, explaining that there is no clear timeline for his recovery. "I can’t give a date for his return yet. We’ll reassess in January," Jesus said, emphasizing that Neymar's long-term health is the priority.
The rapid development of the Saudi Pro League, combined with the arrival of marquee players like Cancelo, Neymar, and Mitrovic, is a testament to the league's growing ambition. As Jorge Jesus noted, while Europe will always be the center of the football world, Saudi Arabia is carving out a significant space for itself. The quality of the players arriving, the structure being built, and the level of competition in the league suggest that the Saudi Pro League is on a path to becoming one of the most prestigious in the world.
For now, Al-Hilal's perfect start to the season sets them up as the team to beat, and with Neymar’s return on the horizon, the Saudi champions are poised to push for even greater success. As Jorge Jesus and his squad continue to build momentum, the eyes of the footballing world are increasingly turning towards Saudi Arabia, where a new era of competition and global influence is beginning to take shape.
