The Al-Nassr Vs Al-Hilal rivalry is cut-throat. And it goes beyond just football or Saudi Pro League. Based in Riyadh, these two giants have dominated the game for decades. Besides, both have a passionate fanbase and a growing global following. And both have set glorious milestones in the Saudi Football scene. While Al-Hilal has set record-breaking continental success, Al-Nassr made history by signing Cristiano Ronaldo.
Anyway, the battle between these clubs has become a symbol of the kingdom’s sporting aspirations and cultural identity. This blog covers all you should know about the Al-Hilal vs Al-Nassr rivalry.
Al-Hilal vs Al-Nassr: Club Histories
As we are comparing both these football clubs in detail, let’s begin with the history. This section also walks us through the titles both clubs have earned so far. So, let’s get started.
Al-Hilal FC
Al-Hilal Football Club was founded in 1957 in Riyadh by Abdul Rahman bin Saad bin Saeed. It was originally named Olympic Club but was renamed Al-Hilal in 1958 by royal decree. You should know that Al-Hilal is widely regarded as the most successful football club in Asia. The club has won 18 Saudi Pro League titles, 10 King’s Cups, and a record 4 AFC Champions League titles (1991, 2000, 2019, 2021). Hence, it is the most decorated club on the continent. Apart from these victories, Al-Hilal is known for its financial strength, star-studded line-ups, and strong youth academy.
Al-Nassr FC
Al-Nassr Football Club was founded in 1955, also in Riyadh, and soon emerged as a symbol of Saudi football tradition. Moreover, it officially got registered as a professional club in 1960. Al-Nassr has been celebrated for developing homegrown talent. This included legendary striker Majed Abdullah, known to be one of Asia’s greatest football players. The club has won 9 Saudi Pro League titles, 6 King’s Cups, and 2 GCC Club Championships. Al-Nassr’s global profile surged to popularity in December 2022 when it signed Cristiano Ronaldo.
Fun Fact!
Al-Hilal is also known by its nickname “Al-Za’eem” (The Boss) while Al-Nassr FC by the nickname “Al-Global”.
Al-Hilal vs Al-Nassr: Head to Head Record
The Riyadh Derby between Al-Hilal and Al-Nassr is one of the most watched and hotly followed. Over the decades, the two clubs have faced each other multiple times, from domestic league and cup games to continental showdowns. Historically, Al-Hilal has had the upper hand, but Al-Nassr has also had memorable victories. Let’s take you through them all.
Overall Statistics
In total, both clubs have played around 176 matches with each other. Here are the game stats as of July 2024, featuring official competitions only.
- Total Matches Played: 176
- Al-Hilal Wins: 72
- Al-Nassr Wins: 55
- Draws: 49
Note: Numbers may vary slightly depending on inclusion of unofficial tournaments or friendlies.
Recent Competitive Face-Offs
Al-Hilal has shown strong dominance over Al-Nassr in recent matches. In December 2023, they won 2–0 in the Riyadh Season Cup. Then, in March 2024, they delivered another solid performance with a 3–0 victory in the Saudi Pro League. The teams also faced off in the AFC Champions League semifinal in May 2024. Al-Hilal won the first leg 2–1, and the second leg ended 1–1. This advanced Al-Hilal to the final with a 3–2 win on aggregate. This highlights Al-Hilal’s upper hand in recent competitive meetings.
The Al-Hilal vs Al-Nassr encounters are always iconic. Among their notable matches is the 2020 King’s Cup Final; Al-Hilal edged out Al-Nassr with a 2–1 victory. However, Al-Nassr didn’t sit back. It responded strongly in the 2021 Saudi Super Cup and secured a glorious victory. Here’s what else you need to know about this football rivalry’s record.
- Al-Hilal has historically dominated with consistent results and more trophies.
- Al-Nassr has recently challenged the balance, especially after international signings like Cristiano Ronaldo and Sadio Mané.
- Their matches draw massive attendance, global viewership, and trending topics on social media.
Trophy Comparison – Al-Hilal vs Al-Nassr
Over the years, Al-Hilal and Al-Nassr have built impressive trophy cabinets. But, Al-Hilal clearly leads in terms of both domestic and international success. In fact, Al-Hilal has long set the standard for all the other clubs in the kingdom. Al-Nassr, while strong, is still chasing its rival’s continental achievements. Here’s how many trophies each club has bagged.
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Al-Nassr vs Al-Hilal – Trophies Won |
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| Competition | Al-Hilal |
Al-Nassr |
| Saudi Pro League |
18 |
9 |
| King’s Cup |
10 |
6 |
| Crown Prince Cup |
13 |
3 |
| Saudi Super Cup |
3 |
2 |
| AFC Champions League |
4 |
0 |
| Asian Cup Winners’ Cup |
2 |
0 |
| Total Major Trophies |
68+ |
27+ |
Al Hilal vs. Al Nassr – The Riyadh Derby
The Riyadh Derby features the two champion football clubs of Riyad: Al Hilal and Al Nassr. You may think it’s just a game. But it is so much more than that. It’s a cultural event, a matter of pride, and often a national headline. Wondering how it all started? Well, you should know that both clubs are Riyadh based. This shared location added extra emotion and tension to their rivalry. So, both clubs decided to channel it on the field.
Did You Know?
The Riyadh Derby started in the 1960s when both clubs started establishing themselves as dominant forces in Saudi football.
The Riyadh Derby has produced some of the most iconic moments in Saudi football history: last-minute winners, red cards, and title-deciding games. While Al-Hilal leads the overall head-to-head, Al-Nassr has pulled off several memorable victories too. Key matches in the King’s Cup, Saudi Super Cup, and AFC Champions League have added fuel to the fire. The presence of players like Cristiano Ronaldo, Salem Al-Dawsari, Mitrović, and Mané has turned recent encounters into global sporting events.
Al Hilal and Al Nassr in Saudi Pro League
The Saudi Pro League (SPL) has been a major Al-Nassr vs. Al-Hilal battleground. The league started in 1976 and since then both clubs have been its foundational pillars. Al-Hilal is the most successful club in Saudi Pro League history with a record of winning the title 18 times as of 2024. Moreover, Al-Hilal is known for maintaining top-three finishes nearly every season. This shows their incredible consistency toward the game.
On the other hand, Al-Nassr has claimed the league title 9 times. You should know that their most recent win was in the 2018–19 season. While they’ve historically trailed Al-Hilal in championships, they still come strong every time. Undoubtedly, both clubs are the champions of Saudi Pro League. And both have been playing pivotal roles in shaping the league’s competitiveness.
Key Players: Past and Present
The rivalry between Al-Hilal and Al-Nassr also features great legends and superstars. From Saudi football icons to global megastars, both clubs have boasted some of the most influential names in Asian football history. Here’s an overview of all the global and local stars associated with each club.
Al-Hilal Legends
The club’s history is filled with great legends, including but not limited to these two:
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Yasser Al-Qahtani
One of the legendary names associated with Al Hilal is Yasser Al-Qahtani. A talismanic striker, he was known for his elegance, composure, and ability to deliver in big matches. He won the AFC Player of the Year in 2007 and played a major role in Al-Hilal’s domestic dominance during the 2000s and early 2010s.
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Sami Al-Jaber
Sami Al-Jaber is also a true club legend. He spent nearly two decades at Al-Hilal and is considered one of Saudi Arabia’s all-time greats. He scored over 150 goals for the club and represented Saudi Arabia in four consecutive World Cups (1994–2006). His leadership and loyalty made him an icon of Saudi football.
Al-Hilal Current Stars
In addition to the legends of Saudi football, here are some more big names who played for the club in recent years.
- Aleksandar Mitrović: The Serbian striker joined Al-Hilal in 2023 and immediately became a key figure in their attack with his physical presence and goal-scoring consistency.
- Malcom: The former Barcelona winger adds pace, creativity, and flair on the wing, helping stretch defenses and create space.
- Rúben Neves: The Portuguese midfielder brings top-tier European experience and dictates tempo in midfield with his passing range and vision.
Al-Nassr Legends
Just like Al-Hilal, Al-Nassr’s legacy also has some great names. Here are some of the icons who’ve played for the club.
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Majed Abdullah
Also known as the Arabian Jewel, Majed Abdullah is arguably the greatest Saudi footballer of all time. He spent his entire professional career with Al-Nassr (1977–1998). For them, he’s scored over 250 goals and led the club to numerous titles. He also starred for the national team, becoming a symbol of Saudi football.
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Mohammed Al-Deayea
Though most famous for his time at Al-Hilal, Al-Deayea began his senior career at Al-Nassr. A legendary goalkeeper with over 170 international caps, he is one of the most decorated and respected figures in Asian football history.
Al-Nassr Current Stars
Al-Nassr has undergone a dramatic transformation in recent years, and has signed a blend of European pedigree. Here are some of the names from the current squad:
- Cristiano Ronaldo: The five-time Ballon d’Or winner shocked the football world by joining Al-Nassr in December 2022. His arrival transformed the club’s global profile and raised the bar for professionalism and ambition in the Saudi Pro League.
- Sadio Mané: The Senegalese forward, signed from Bayern Munich in 2023, brings Champions League pedigree and tireless energy to Al-Nassr’s front line.
- Marcelo Brozović: The Croatian midfielder, formerly of Inter Milan, is the engine of Al-Nassr’s midfield. His experience, work rate, and tactical intelligence have been vital in controlling high-pressure games.
From homegrown heroes to global icons, both clubs have used player power quite well. Today, their squads are a blend of legacy, leadership, and world-class skill. This is what has kept these teams at the top among the 18 SPL football clubs.
Fanbase and Cultural Impact of Al-Hilal vs Al-Nassr
The rivalry between Al-Hilal and Al-Nassr has become a part of the culture now. Fans are super loyal to their stans, and the excitement often brings families and communities together (or apart!). Since big names like Ronaldo joined, their fan bases have grown around the world. This growth also supports Saudi Vision 2030, which aims to make sports a major part of the country’s economy and global image. Today, when Saudi football is brought up anywhere, these two clubs often become a part of the discussion. Want to join a club in Riyadh or any other city? Hop on to KnowKSA and find the best-rated football clubs near you with a simple search.
Conclusion
The Al-Hilal vs Al-Nassr rivalry is the heartbeat of Saudi football. With such a huge following across the globe, it has become a part of the culture. From legendary icons to modern-day superstars, both clubs have been powerhouses of players. Undoubtedly, they played a major role in shaping the Saudi Pro League and elevating its global status. With massive investments and passionate supporters, this derby is a symbol of Saudi Arabia’s sporting future. Hopefully, the excitement surrounding their battles will only intensify and inspire.
