Following the exciting draw between Al-Hilal and Al-Ittihad in the Saudi football classic, which led to Al-Hilal losing its lead in the Saudi Professional League, the legendary Mohammed Al-Deayea, the former goalkeeper of Al-Hilal and the Saudi national team, sent a moving and direct message to the club's fans, calling for unity and rejecting the state of anger that prevailed among some fans.
Through his official account on the “X” platform (formerly Twitter), Al-Da’ayee, nicknamed “The Octopus,” sought to contain the situation and boost morale within the Al-Hilal camp. He emphasized that the current stage of the season requires unconditional support from the blue stands, stressing that standing behind the team through thick and thin is the top priority. Al-Da’ayee began by saying that the fans are required to support the players at all times, explaining that football is not without mistakes, and that results may not always reflect the amount of effort exerted on the field.
Background to the event: A fiery Clasico and fierce competition
Al-Da'ayeh's message comes at a crucial time, as the Saudi Professional League is witnessing unprecedented media and fan interest this season after attracting some of the world's biggest stars. The derby match between Al-Hilal and Al-Ittihad ended in a draw, a result many Al-Hilal fans considered disappointing, especially since their opponents played with a numerical disadvantage for part of the game. This draw allowed Al-Ittihad to take sole possession of the top spot in the standings, further intensifying the pressure on Al-Hilal fans, who accept nothing less than first place.
The importance of the message and its expected impact
Al-Da’ayee’s words carry particular weight as they come from one of the club’s most prominent historical figures, a man who commands immense love and respect from the fans. His message serves as a call for unity and for directing support towards the players and coaching staff, rather than focusing on criticism that could negatively impact the team’s performance. Domestically, the message aims to revitalize the fans, making them the team’s most valuable asset in upcoming matches. Continentally, maintaining the team’s morale is crucial before embarking on the Asian Champions League, a competition Al-Hilal aspires to win.
The former goalkeeper acknowledged the sadness felt by the fans, but reminded them that football is unpredictable. He also addressed a direct message to Al-Hilal's players, expressing his strong belief in their abilities and noting that facing Al-Hilal is a double incentive for any team, given its stature and rich continental history. He asserted that the team will remain "Asia's giant and leader" regardless of the outcome. Al-Da'ayee concluded his message by emphasizing that the upcoming period requires unity between the management, coaching staff, players, and fans, stressing that Al-Hilal's supporters have always been the most important factor in achieving championships, and that their unwavering support is the true fuel for the club's success.
