Al-Hilal Sets New Benchmark for Saudi Football with Record $340 Million Revenue

Al-Hilal, long regarded as one of the most successful football clubs in Saudi Arabia, is now setting new standards both on and off the pitch. The Riyadh-based club, renowned for its record number of AFC Champions League Elite titles, reported revenue of $340 million (SR1.27 billion) for the 2024-2025 season, the highest ever by a Saudi sports organization.

Esteve Calzada, CEO of Al-Hilal, described the period as a “new qualitative stage” in the club’s journey. “Al-Hilal Club Company continued moving steadily toward a future in which sporting leadership integrates with institutional excellence, built on the club’s iconic legacy, the unlimited support from the Saudi government, and a national vision that competes with the world across all fields,” he said in the club’s 2024-2025 annual report.

The club’s ambition is clear: to establish itself as a top global sports institution, recognized for its leadership, identity, and entertaining style of play. Al-Hilal showcased this vision during the expanded FIFA Club World Cup, drawing against Real Madrid in their opening game and defeating Manchester City 4-3 in a dramatic Round of 16 match, capturing international attention.

The on-field success has been matched by commercial growth. Sponsorship and partnership revenues rose by 16.5 percent, while total sponsor exposure surpassed $1.15 billion. If Al-Hilal were classified as a European club, its revenue would place it among the top 20 in Deloitte’s European Football Money League, ahead of several established European names.

Al-Hilal also made significant infrastructural and qualitative advances. The club moved to a new headquarters, finalized a partnership with Princess Nourah University to develop first-team training facilities, and continued upgrading its youth development programs. The women’s team benefited from a dedicated training hall, enhanced wellness facilities, and improved gym and recovery areas.

Social and fan engagement also reached record levels. Al-Hilal’s social media following rose to 42.5 million, while attendance at the Kingdom Arena hit nearly 400,000, a 79 percent increase following the stadium’s expansion to 23,500 seats.

Experts say the club’s progress reflects a broader shift in football’s key performance indicators. On-field victories remain important, but sustainable growth, brand development, and institutional identity are increasingly central to measuring success.

Al-Hilal’s values emphasize collective achievement over individual glory, with “winning” ranking just behind the “Al-Hilal first” mentality. From its beginnings in Riyadh’s Al-Uraija district, the club has grown to national dominance and is carving out a global reputation.

As the 2025-2026 season approaches, the focus will return to the Saudi Pro League and AFC Champions League Elite. The club’s leadership maintains that while trophies are essential, long-term vision and values ultimately define Al-Hilal’s success on the world stage.