The highlight of the event was the presentation of the prestigious trophy for clinching the 2023-24 Saudi Pro League title, a triumph that catapulted Al Hilal to the forefront of football excellence. Adding to the jubilation, head coach Jorge Jesus and club president Fahad Bin Saad Bin Nafel were honored with a Guinness World Records certificate, marking their remarkable contributions to the club’s stellar performance.
Describing the electrifying atmosphere, Guinness World Records Official Adjudicator Kanzy Defrawy remarked, “The moment of official recognition was electrifying, igniting a wave of euphoria throughout the stadium.”
Amidst the festivities, Brazilian sensation Neymar, whose acquisition last summer for €90 million stirred the football world, seized the opportunity to capture a few memorable moments with the iconic certificate, further enhancing the sense of pride and achievement within the club.
Al Hilal’s meteoric rise to glory was fueled by an unparalleled winning streak, as they clinched victory in an astounding 34 consecutive matches between September and April, setting a new benchmark in men’s association football across all competitions. Their remarkable feat surpassed the previous record of 27 consecutive wins held by Welsh club The New Saints since 2016.
March witnessed a historic milestone for Al Hilal, as they secured their 28th consecutive victory with a resounding 2-0 triumph over rivals Al-Ittihad, solidifying their dominance on the field.
Although their invincible streak met its end on 17 April with a 4-2 defeat to Al Ain in the AFC Champions League semi-finals, Al Hilal’s dominance remained unblemished domestically, clinching the league title with three games to spare. Their commanding performance culminated in a total of 96 points, outshining Cristiano Ronaldo’s Al Nassr by a formidable margin of 14 points.
Adding to their accolades, Al Hilal claimed their second trophy of the season, the Saudi Super Cup, last month, triumphing over formidable opponents in a spirited four-team tournament.
Reflecting on the historic season, coach Jorge Jesus hailed it as “arguably the best ever” in the club’s illustrious 66-year history, attributing their success to the exceptional talent within the squad and a remarkable sense of unity both on and off the field.
Noteworthy signings from European clubs, including Rúben Neves, Aleksandar Mitrović, Malcom, Sergej Milinković-Savić, and Kalidou Koulibaly, further fortified Al Hilal’s formidable lineup, showcasing the club’s unwavering commitment to excellence.
With an impressive tally of 68 official trophies to their name, Al Hilal stands as the most decorated club in Asia, poised to add another illustrious chapter to their storied legacy. As they gear up for the King Cup final against Al Nassr, Al Hilal eyes the opportunity to secure their 69th trophy and etch their names in the annals of football history with a coveted domestic treble.
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