Al Hilal Earns Over USD 33 Million in Club World Cup Windfall

Al Hilal SC has secured prize over USD 33 million in prize money following its qualification to the quarter-finals of the FIFA Club World Cup in the United States.

The club earned USD 9.5 million for participating in the tournament, with an additional USD 2 million awarded for a victory against Mexico’s Pachuca. Two draws, one with Spain’s Real Madrid and another with Austria’s Red Bull Salzburg, added USD 1 million each to the tally. Advancement to the Round of 16 contributed a further USD 7.5 million, while qualification to the quarter-finals provided the largest financial reward yet at USD 13 million.

The financial windfall followed a dramatic 4–3 victory over Manchester City in a match that extended into extra time. Manchester City opened the scoring in the 9th minute through Bernardo Silva, but Al Hilal responded with goals from Marcos Leonardo and Malcom early in the second half. City equalised with a strike from Erling Haaland in the 55th minute, concluding regular time at 2–2. In extra time, Kalidou Koulibaly restored Al Hilal’s lead in the 94th minute, only for Phil Foden to equalise once again in the 104th. Leonardo then scored the decisive goal late in extra time after a rebound.

Controversy arose over a goal scored by Silva, which drew protests from Al Hilal players who claimed a handball by Rayan Ait-Nouri during the buildup. The referee upheld the goal after a VAR review, confirming its validity despite visible objections.