Saudi Gazette report
RIYADH — Fahad bin Nafel, president of Al Hilal Soccer Membership, introduced on Tuesday he won’t search a brand new time period, bringing an finish to a record-setting six-year tenure that cemented his legacy as essentially the most profitable president within the membership’s historical past.
In an announcement posted on his official X account, Bin Nafel mirrored on his time on the helm, writing: “Each journey has a closing station… I hand over the management of this nice membership simply because it was handed to me and even higher, God keen.”
Bin Nafel expressed full assist for the incoming president and emphasised his determination stems from a need to open the door for brand new management to proceed Al Hilal’s progress.
“I announce immediately my absolute assist for the following candidate for the presidency of Al Hilal,” he mentioned.
Appointed in June 2019, Bin Nafel led Al Hilal by means of a golden period, securing 12 main trophies throughout his 2,233 days in cost, together with 4 Saudi Professional League titles (2020, 2021, 2022, 2024), two AFC Champions League titles (2019, 2021), three King’s Cups (2020, 2023, 2024), and three Saudi Tremendous Cups (2021, 2023, 2024).
Beneath his management, the membership additionally reached new heights on the worldwide stage, making 4 appearances within the FIFA Membership World Cup. Notably, within the 2022 version hosted in Morocco, Al Hilal completed runners-up after an exciting 5–3 closing in opposition to Actual Madrid.
Within the newest 2025 expanded FIFA Membership World Cup in the US, Al Hilal made headlines by reaching the quarterfinals.
The crew drew with each Actual Madrid and Crimson Bull Salzburg within the group stage earlier than defeating Pachuca to advance.
Within the Spherical of 16, they shocked world powerhouse Manchester Metropolis with a historic win earlier than narrowly exiting the competitors in opposition to Brazil’s Fluminense.
Bin Nafel closed his message by extending gratitude to Saudi Arabia’s management. “My honest thanks and appreciation go to King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman for his or her unprecedented assist for sports activities and youth,” he wrote. “With their backing, we dared to dream massive and people desires got here true.”
Fahad bin Nafel’s departure marks the tip of a exceptional chapter in Al Hilal’s storied historical past, one which noticed the membership turn into a logo of Saudi soccer’s rise on the regional and worldwide stage.
