Brazilian striker Marcos Leonardo, a player for Al-Hilal, sparked controversy with an unexpected move on social media after Portuguese coach Jorge Jesus excluded him from the squad for the highly anticipated derby against Al-Ittihad. The match, part of the 22nd round of the Saudi Professional League, was held at the Kingdom Arena amidst great fan anticipation.
The story began when Leonardo posted a sarcastic image on his Instagram story shortly after the official squad list was announced, which did not include his name. Many followers and fans interpreted this as an expression of his displeasure and anger at the coach's decision, especially since this was his sixth consecutive exclusion, raising questions about the player's future with Al-Hilal and his compatibility with the coach's plans.
Background to the decision and context of the competition
The decision to exclude Leonardo comes at a time when Al-Hilal is enjoying a period of exceptional form, comfortably leading the Saudi Professional League and delivering impressive performances both domestically and continentally. Coach Jesus faces what could be described as a "happy dilemma"—the presence of a constellation of foreign stars in his squad—which presents him with difficult choices in each match regarding the starting lineup, in accordance with the Saudi Arabian Football Federation's regulations that limit the number of foreign players allowed per game. With the outstanding performance of Serbian striker Aleksandar Mitrovic, Leonardo has found it difficult to secure a regular starting position.
The importance of El Clásico and the impact of the event
The Al-Hilal vs. Al-Ittihad match, known as the "Saudi Clasico," holds immense historical and popular significance, being one of the fiercest rivalries in Saudi and Asian football. Its importance transcends simply securing three points; it represents a battle to establish superiority and dominance. In this context, any tactical decision, especially those concerning foreign players, becomes the focus of intense media and fan attention. Leonardo's actions have cast a shadow over the match preparations, shifting some media focus to the inner workings of the Al-Hilal team and the relationship between the coach and the young player who joined the team during the last winter transfer window from Brazilian club Santos with high hopes and expectations.
