Saudi Arabia's Al-Hilal club announced the contract renewal of its Portuguese midfielder, Rúben Neves, in a strategic move that underscores the club's ambitions to maintain its technical stability and its domestic and continental dominance. Following the official announcement, Neves expressed his immense happiness at remaining with "The Boss," affirming his full commitment to giving his best until the end of his new contract in 2029.
In his first remarks after renewing his contract, Neves said, "This day has finally come. I apologize for the delay in finalizing this matter, and I thank everyone for their patience," expressing his appreciation to Al-Hilal's fans who have supported him since his arrival. He added emphatically, "I will continue to give everything to this club until 2029," a statement reflecting his deep commitment to the club's sporting project and his desire to achieve even greater success.
Background of the transition and its immediate effect
Ruben Neves joined Al-Hilal in the summer of 2013 from English club Wolverhampton Wanderers in a transfer that caused a sensation in the football world. His move came at the peak of his career, as he had attracted interest from several major European clubs. This transfer was part of a transfer revolution in the Saudi Professional League, which attracted prominent international players, thus enhancing the league's standing on the international stage. From his very first match, Neves proved his quality as a key player in coach Jorge Jesus's plans, distinguishing himself with his ability to control the tempo of the game, his precise passing, and his strong defensive contributions, quickly becoming an indispensable pillar of the team.
The importance of renewal and its future impact
The importance of renewing Neves' contract extends beyond the purely technical aspects, encompassing significant strategic dimensions. Domestically, this renewal sends a clear message to rivals that Al-Hilal is determined to maintain the core of the team that led them to an exceptional and historic season, culminating in a domestic treble (League title, King's Cup, and Saudi Super Cup) without a single league defeat. Regionally, retaining a player of Neves' caliber strengthens the team's resolve to reclaim the AFC Champions League title and compete strongly in international tournaments such as the FIFA Club World Cup.
Internationally, Neves' long stay in Saudi Arabia is considered proof of the attractiveness of the Saudi sports project and its ability not only to attract stars but also to retain them at their peak. This move helps change the stereotypical image of the league and confirms that it is a sustainable destination for ambitious players. Neves concluded his message to the fans with an enthusiastic "See you later," expressing his eagerness to begin a new chapter of success with Al-Hilal.
