Al-Hilal vs Al-Nassr: Debunking the biggest rivalry in the Saudi Pro League

Al-Hilal vs Al-Nassr: Debunking the biggest rivalry in the Saudi Pro League

Kenneth Mwenda
updated at August 25, 2023 at 9:06 AM
In this article:
Cristiano Ronaldo logo
C. Ronaldo
Al Nassr FC logoFPortugal logo
Sadio Mané logo
S. Mané
Al Nassr FC logoFSenegal logo
Neymar da Silva Santos Júnior logo
Neymar
Al-Hilal Saudi FC logoFBrazil logo

Al-Hilal vs Al-Nassr paints a vivid tapestry of passion and rivalry in the heart of Saudi Arabian football. Every kick and goal in this storied matchup echoes centuries-old traditions and deep-rooted emotions, making it a spectacle not to be missed.

Al-Hilal vs Al-Nassr
Hilal’s Saudi defender Saud Abdulhamid (66) fights for the ball with Nassr’s Senegalese Forward Sadio Mane (10) during the 2023 Arab Club Champions Cup final football match between Saudi Arabia’s Al-Hilal and Al-Nassr at the King Fahd Stadium in Taif on August 12, 2023. Photo: AFP
Source: Getty Images

In the sprawling landscapes of Saudi Arabia, where golden dunes kiss azure skies, there exists a rhythmic pulse. It is neither in the echoing Adhan nor the whirling Dervishes; it is in the heartbeat of a football rivalry, where two giants stand tall, echoing decades of history, pride, and passion. As the world beholds, we delve into the saga of Al-Hilal vs Al-Nassr, a symphony resonating through time.

The Riyadh derby: Who is better between Al-Hilal and Al-Nassr?

Amidst the majestic minarets and sprawling skyscrapers of Riyadh, two titans have danced a fierce tango for decades. Since 2005, Al-Hilal and Al-Nassr have painted a canvas filled with 56 intense encounters. The colour palette? Al-Hilal’s 29 triumphant blues against Al-Nassr’s fiery 14 victories, punctuated with 13 tense draws.

These numbers, however, whisper tales of sweat, tears, strategies, and unparalleled passion. Every tackle, every pass, every goal is a chapter in this unfolding epic called the Riyadh Derby.

Al-Hilal vs Al-Nassr lineups

Every great tale boasts legends, and in this saga, they come in the form of footballing maestros. Last season, the world held its breath as Cristiano Ronaldo, Manchester United’s jewel, chose to engrave his legacy further with Al-Nassr.

Al-Hilal vs Al-Nassr lineups
Players of Al Nassr pose for a team photograph before the Arab Club Champions Cup Final between Al Hilal and Al Nassr at King Fahd International Stadium on August 12, 2023, in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Photo: Yasser Bakhsh
Source: Getty Images

A testament to Al-Nassr’s ambition, Ronaldo’s move was not an isolated tale. With Sadio Mané’s dynamism and the prowess of Marcelo Brozovic and Alex Telles, Al-Nassr has crafted a constellation that rivals the stars in other leagues.

Player

Position

Number

Nationality

David Ospina

Goalkeeper

25

Colombia

Nawaf Al-Aqidi

Goalkeeper

44

Saudi Arabia

Amin Al-Bukhari

Goalkeeper

1

"

Waleed Abdullah

Goalkeeper

33

"

Raed Ozaybi

Goalkeeper

-

"

Abdulelah Al-Amri

Centre-Back

5

"

Abdullah Madu

Centre-Back

3

"

Ali Lajami

Centre-Back

78

"

Mohammed Al-Fatil

Centre-Back

4

"

Ghislain Konan

Left-Back

13

Cote d'Ivoire

Alex Telles

Left-Back

15

Brazil

Sultan Al-Ghannam

Right-Back

2

Saudi Arabia

Nawaf Al-Boushal

Right-Back

12

"

Marcelo Brozovic

Defensive Midfield

77

Croatia

Abdullah Al-Khaibari

Defensive Midfield

17

Saudi Arabia

Ali Al-Hassan

Defensive Midfield

19

"

Mukhtar Ali

Defensive Midfield

21

"

Seko Fofana

Central Midfield

6

Cote d'Ivoire

Abdulmajeed Al-Sulaiheem

Central Midfield

8

Saudi Arabia

Talisca

Attacking Midfield

94

Brazil

Pity Martínez

Attacking Midfield

10

Argentina

Sami Al-Najei

Attacking Midfield

14

Saudi Arabia

Sadio Mané

Left Winger

10

Senegal

Abdulrahman Ghareeb

Left Winger

29

Saudi Arabia

Khalid Al-Ghannam

Left Winger

11

"

Ayman Yahya

Right Winger

23

"

Cristiano Ronaldo

Centre-Forward

7

Portugal

Abdulfattah Adam

Centre-Forward

18

Saudi Arabia

Mohammed Maran

Centre-Forward

16

"

Al-Hilal vs Al-Nassr lineups
Players of Al Hilal pose for a team photograph before the Arab Club Champions Cup Final between Al Hilal and Al Nassr at King Fahd International Stadium on August 12, 2023, in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Photo: Yasser Bakhsh
Source: Getty Images

Al-Hilal, not to be outdone, paraded their might with signings echoing their intent. Neymar’s brilliance, Ruben Neves’ strategies, Sergej Milinkovic-Savic’s grace, and the solid wall that is Kalidou Koulibaly highlight a roster that promises magic every match. Here is their squad for the season:

Number

Player

Position

Nationality

37

Bono

Goalkeeper

Morocco

21

Mohammed Al-Owais

Goalkeeper

Saudi Arabia

31

Habib Al-Wutaian

Goalkeeper

"

1

Abdullah Al-Mayouf

Goalkeeper

"

3

Kalidou Koulibaly

Centre-Back

Senegal

20

Hyun-soo Jang

Centre-Back

Korea, South

5

Ali Al-Boleahi

Centre-Back

Saudi Arabia

4

Khalifah Al-Dawsari

Centre-Back

"

32

Muteb Al-Mufarrij

Centre-Back

"

70

Mohammed Jahfali

Centre-Back

"

67

Mohammed Al-Khaibari

Centre-Back

"

12

Yasser Al-Shahrani

Left-Back

"

Abdulrahman Al-Obaid

Left-Back

"

66

Saud Abdulhamid

Right-Back

"

2

Mohammed Al-Burayk

Right-Back

"

88

Hamad Al-Yami

Right-Back

"

8

Rúben Neves

Defensive Midfield

Portugal

26

Abdulelah Al-Malki

Defensive Midfield

Saudi Arabia

22

Sergej Milinkovic-Savic

Central Midfield

Serbia

28

Mohamed Kanno

Central Midfield

Saudi Arabia

16

Nasser Al-Dawsari

Central Midfield

"

7

Salman Al-Faraj

Central Midfield

"

43

Musab Al-Juwayr

Central Midfield

"

10

Neymar

Left Winger

Brazil

96

Michael

Left Winger

"

29

Salem Al-Dawsari

Left Winger

Saudi Arabia

56

Mohammed Al-Qahtani

Left Winger

"

77

Malcom

Right Winger

Brazil

9

Aleksandar Mitrovic

Centre-Forward

Serbia

17

Moussa Marega

Centre-Forward

Mali

11

Saleh Al-Shehri

Centre-Forward

Saudi Arabia

14

Abdullah Al-Hamdan

Centre-Forward

"

Abdullah Radif

Centre-Forward

"

The arena of dreams

Who is better, Al-Hilal vs Al-Nassr?
Hilal supporters cheer during the 2023 Arab Club Champions Cup final football match between Saudi Arabia’s Al-Hilal and Al-Nassr at the King Fahd Stadium in Taif on August 12, 2023. Photo: AFP
Source: Getty Images

Stadiums are not mere brick-and-mortar structures but hallowed grounds where dreams take flight. For those seeking the live experience of Al Nassr vs Al Hilal clashes, these arenas promise an unparalleled experience. The cacophony of cheers, the waves of synchronised chants, and the palpable tension in the air make every match an ethereal experience.

Whether you are viewing from the comforts of home or seeking channels on where to watch Al-Hilal vs Al-Nassr, these stadiums, with every match, promise a spectacle, a tale of strategies, and an immersive experience that transcends the game itself.

Al-Hilal vs Al-Nassr lineups and strategies

Behind every goal, every save, and every whistle, there is a meticulous plan crafted by visionaries who seldom grace the field. The Al-Hilal vs Al-Nassr lineups resonate with club owners’ intentions, dreams, and visions. Their decisions, often scrutinized, are the backbone of every win, loss, and draw.

Who truly emerges victorious in the ever-ongoing debate of who is better, between Al Hilal and Al Nassr, is not just a testament to players or fans. It is these architects of dreams who weave lineups, invest in talent, and script footballing tales that echo through generations.

Al-Hilal vs Al-Nassr trophies

Al-Hilal vs Al-Nassr head to head record
Nassr's players celebrate winning the 2023 Arab Club Champions Cup after their final football match between Saudi Arabia's Al-Hilal and Al-Nassr at the King Fahd Stadium in Taif on August 12, 2023. Photo: AFP
Source: Getty Images

Victory is not just about the final whistle; it is etched in silverware that graces trophy cabinets. As both teams lock horns, there is more at stake than just three points.

Trophies

Al Nassr

Al Hilal

Saudi Arabian Champion

9X (18/19, 14/15, ...)

18X (21/22, 20/21, ...)

Saudi Cup Winner

6X (89/90, 86/87, ...)

10X (22/23, 19/20, ...)

Saudi Crown Prince Cup Winner

2X (13/14, 73/74)

13X (15/16, 12/13, ...)

Saudi Super Cup Winner

2X (20/21, 19/20)

3X (21/22, 18/19, 15/16)

Asian Super Cup Winner

1X (1998)

2X (99/00, 96/97)

Asian Cup Winners' Cup Winner

1X (97/98)

2X (01/02, 96/97)

GCC Champions League Winner

2X (96/97, 95/96)

2X (97/98, 85/86)

Arab Club Champions Cup Winner

1X (23/24)

2X (94/95, 93/94)

AFC Champions League Winner

-

2X (2021, 2019)

Asian Club Championship winner

-

2X (99/00, 90/91)

King's Cup

-

1X (63/64)

Total

24 titles

53 titles

It is about etching another mark in the storied Al-Hilal vs Al-Nassr head-to-head record. It is about asserting dominance, staking a claim, and in many ways, shaping footballing history in the region.

As Al-Nassr basks in the glory of its endeavours in the Asian Champions League, it is a gentle reminder that football is not just a sport. However, it is a pursuit of excellence, legacy, and unmatched glory.

Tomorrow’s hymn

The beauty of football lies in its unpredictability. As today’s stars create history, the morrow promises newer tales, fresher challenges, and riveting encounters. With the world’s eyes set on the next showdown, the Al-Hilal vs Al-Nassr next match promises not just goals, tackles, or saves but memories that will be cherished, discussed, and debated for times to come.

As the sands of time flow, as Riyadh’s skyline touches newer heights, one thing stands unshaken - the undying love, passion, and fervour for a game that binds, divides, yet unites millions. Al-Hilal vs Al-Nassr game, mostly known as the Riyadh Derby, in all its glory, is not just a match; it is a melody, a hymn, and a poetic saga that promises to resonate for aeons.

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The teams are fierce competitors because they all come from the same city and have similar track records of success. Football fans and sports analysts are constantly debating which of the two teams is superior to the other or the greatest in the entire Egyptian League. Click on the above link to read more!

Authors
Kenneth Mwenda photo
Kenneth Mwenda
Kenneth Mwenda is a business and sports writer with over five years of experience. At Sportsbrief, he contributes to writing biographies and listicles.