Al-Hilal faces Al-Ittihad in a jersey commemorating the club's founding, and Benzema poses a challenge
In a move that blends sporting tradition with a celebration of national identity, Al-Hilal Saudi Club unveiled its special kit for its "Founding Day," bearing the slogan "A Legacy We Cherish." The "Leader" is scheduled to wear this exceptional jersey in the highly anticipated Saudi football classic against its traditional rival, Al-Ittihad Club, which will take place as part of the 23rd round of the Saudi Professional League.
The symbolism of the founding day in Saudi stadiums
This jersey is more than just a sports uniform; it embodies a profound historical memory: the founding day of Saudi Arabia (1727), commemorating the establishment of the first Saudi state. The sports sector in the Kingdom, particularly major clubs like Al-Hilal, is keen to leverage these occasions to strengthen cultural identity and connect new generations with their rich history. The new design, inspired by Saudi heritage and blended with innovations in global athletic performance, reflects the harmony between the authenticity of the past and the aspirations of the future, aligning with the goals of the Kingdom's Vision 2030, which places great importance on sports as a symbol of progress.
Clasico calculations: Lead and confirming superiority
This encounter takes on added significance beyond just the three points; Al-Hilal, playing at home, aims to solidify its dominance at the top of the league and repeat its victory over Al-Ittihad after winning the first leg 2-0. The Blues enter the match in excellent form, bolstered by their history as the most decorated club in Saudi Arabia and Asia with 90 titles, which fuels their high morale and burning desire to widen the gap and take another step closer to the title.
Al-Ittihad... the entity above all
On the other side, Al-Ittihad enters the match amidst technical and administrative challenges, most notably the controversy surrounding French star Karim Benzema. However, the Al-Ittihad camp is adopting the motto "The club remains, but the players change," a clear message that "The Dean" (Al-Ittihad) is not affected by the absence of any star, no matter how prominent. Through this classic encounter, Al-Ittihad seeks to demonstrate its collective strength and avenge its first-round loss, emphasizing that team spirit is its most powerful weapon against Al-Hilal's star-studded lineup.
Global dimensions of the Saudi Clasico
The Al-Hilal vs. Al-Ittihad derby is no longer just a local affair; it has become a global phenomenon thanks to the qualitative leap the Saudi Professional League has witnessed and its attraction of elite international football stars. Al-Hilal's wearing of its founding jersey in such a high-profile match is a clever marketing strategy for Saudi culture to millions of viewers worldwide, further solidifying the Saudi league's position as one of the fastest-growing and most influential leagues on the international sporting map.
