Al-Hilal strengthens its defense by renewing Koulibaly's contract until 2027
In a strategic move reflecting its future vision and its pursuit of team stability, Al-Hilal Saudi Club officially announced the renewal of the contract of its Senegalese international defender, Kalidou Koulibaly, extending it until the summer of 2027. This decision confirms the complete confidence that the management and technical staff, led by Portuguese coach Jorge Jesus, place in one of the most important defensive pillars who contributed to the team's historic season.
Background and context of the deal in the Saudi League
Kalidou Koulibaly joined Al-Hilal in the summer of 2023 from English club Chelsea, in a historic transfer window that saw a major transformation in the Saudi Professional League with the arrival of some of the world's top football stars. Koulibaly, who had established himself as one of the world's best defenders during his golden era with Italian club Napoli, brought with him extensive European experience and the leadership qualities needed to bolster the team's back line. Since his arrival, he has proven his worth and become an indispensable part of the defensive system, contributing to the team's record-breaking winning streak and its dominance both domestically and continentally.
The importance of renewal and its expected impact
Renewing Koulibaly's contract carries significant implications on several levels. Domestically , this decision sends a strong message to rivals that Al Hilal is planning for the long term and aims to build a team capable of maintaining its dominance in domestic competitions, including the Saudi Professional League and the King's Cup. Continentally , having a defender with Koulibaly's experience is a crucial asset in the team's quest to reclaim the AFC Champions League title, as the knockout stages demand players capable of handling intense pressure. Internationally , retaining a star of Koulibaly's caliber underscores the appeal of the Saudi sports project and its ability not only to attract top players but also to persuade them to stay and develop within its clubs, thus reinforcing the league's reputation as a sustainable destination for global talent.
Koulibaly: A leader on and off the pitch
The Senegalese defender expressed his immense happiness at extending his journey with "Asia's biggest club," stating in an official statement: "I am very happy to renew my contract until 2027. I hope to see you all on the pitch soon, winning championships, God willing." These words reflect his commitment and great ambition to continue achieving success with Al-Hilal. The renewal came at the direct recommendation of the coaching staff, who see Coulibaly as a vital element due to his physical strength, ability to read the game, and leadership qualities that inspire his teammates.
Figures confirm the artistic value
Koulibaly's role wasn't limited to defensive duties; he also demonstrated clear attacking effectiveness, particularly on set pieces, making him a complete player. His statistics with Al-Hilal so far reflect this impact
- Saudi Roshan League: He participated in 70 matches, scored 4 goals and made 3 assists.
- AFC Champions League: He participated in 24 matches, scoring one goal and making one assist.
- Club World Cup: He participated in 5 matches, scoring one goal and making one assist.
These statistics, in addition to his crucial defensive roles, make the decision to keep him a well-considered step aimed at ensuring the team's continued superiority in all upcoming competitions.
