Portuguese international Ruben Neves , the midfield maestro of Saudi Arabia's Al-Hilal, continued his impressive form, cementing his status as one of the team's key players. This was evident during the fiery derby match against Al-Nassr in the 15th round of the Saudi Professional League. Neves proved that his influence extends far beyond simply being on the pitch, becoming the decisive factor in turning the tide of the game in Al-Hilal's favor.
A remarkable performance at the Riyadh summit
Neves showcased his best form during the Riyadh derby, combining defensive solidity with a sharp attacking vision. The Portuguese player didn't just play a link-up role; he was decisive in the final result, which saw Al-Hilal win 3-1. This influence was clearly evident in the 81st minute when he delivered a perfectly weighted pass to his teammate Mohamed Kanno, who scored the go-ahead goal in stoppage time. Neves then added his own goal tally, converting a penalty in stoppage time to secure all three points for his team.
Neves under Jesus' leadership: A stunning tactical evolution
Neves is enjoying the best period of his football career under the guidance of his compatriot, the veteran coach Jorge Jesus (not Inzaghi, as some sources mistakenly claim). The coach has successfully harnessed the player's potential, making him the team's playmaker. This has contributed to raising Neves' goal-scoring rate, making him the second most prolific goal contributor for Al-Hilal recently, behind the top two attacking players. This reflects a qualitative development in his playing style, which is no longer limited to intercepting passes but has expanded to include playmaking and scoring crucial goals.
Historical context and importance of the deal
Ruben Neves' transfer from Wolverhampton Wanderers to Al-Hilal in the summer of 2023 marked a turning point in the history of Saudi Pro League transfers, as part of a massive sporting project that attracted some of the world's best players. Neves wasn't just a big name; he was a key player in the squad that achieved a historic treble in his first season (the Saudi Pro League title, the King's Cup, and the Saudi Super Cup). The 28-year-old continues to build on this legacy, having opened his second season with another Super Cup title, further cementing a winning culture within the dressing room.
Market value and influence that goes beyond the numbers
Every time the spotlight turns to the big matches, Neves proves that his true value transcends mere statistics. Besides matching the impact of club legends like Swede Christian Wilhelmsson in terms of playmaking, Neves is a successful investment by all measures. His current market value is around €25 million according to Transfermarkt, and his contract runs until June 2026, giving Al-Hilal fans peace of mind about the future of their midfield for years to come.
