Saudi Arabia's Al-Hilal, the leading club in Asia, announced on Sunday its first major signing of the current winter transfer window, officially acquiring veteran Spanish defender Pablo Mari from Italian club Fiorentina. This move comes as part of the club's efforts to strengthen its defense with players possessing European experience and leadership qualities, aiming to continue competing for all domestic and continental titles.
A distinguished career among the giants of Europe and South America
Pablo Mari, 32, boasts a rich history of diverse moves and experiences that have honed his talent. The Spanish defender began his career in the youth academy of Mallorca before moving to Gimnàstic de Tarragona. A major turning point in his career came when he caught the eye of scouts from Manchester City in the 2016/2017 season. Although he didn't make an appearance for City, this move opened doors to loan spells that provided him with valuable experience at Girona in Spain, NAC Breda in the Netherlands, and Deportivo La Coruña.
Perhaps the most prominent stop that showed the player’s true mettle was with the Brazilian club Flamengo in the 2019/2020 season, where he achieved great success and won the Copa Libertadores title, making him the first Spaniard to win this major continental championship, which brought him back to the European spotlight through the English club Arsenal, before he settled in the Italian league through the clubs Udinese, Monza and finally Fiorentina.
A story of surviving death: The accident that shook Italy
Off the pitch, Pablo Mari has a moving human story that highlights his mental fortitude. In October 2022, while on loan at Monza, the player was involved in a horrific incident that nearly cost him his life. While in a supermarket in Milan with his wife and child, a mentally disturbed individual launched a random knife attack, killing one person and injuring others, including Mari.
In previous statements to La Gazzetta dello Sport, Mari recounted the terrifying moments, saying, "I was pushing a shopping cart with my child when I suddenly felt a sharp pain in my back. I turned around to see someone brutally stabbing others." The player underwent delicate back surgery and demonstrated remarkable determination in his recovery and quick return to the pitch, reflecting the fighting spirit that Al-Hilal seeks in its players.
Current season numbers and statistics
Pablo Mari arrives in Riyadh in good physical and technical condition, as his statistics with Fiorentina in the 25/26 season indicate his technical stability:
- Number of matches: 16 matches
- Playing time: 1238 minutes
- Goals and assists: 0
- Yellow cards: 4
- Market value: 2.5 million euros
Al-Hilal fans are counting on the Spanish defender to form an impenetrable barrier in the team's defense, taking advantage of his height and ability to build play from the back, which are the characteristics that made him a prime target to strengthen the ranks of the Saudi League champion.
