Roll call top 8 AL Hilal best players of all time

Al Hilal is not only the most successful club in Saudi Arabia, but also a symbol of Asian football with a long history of achievements and traditions of more than 60 years. On that journey, many generations of outstanding players have contributed to building the blue empire, names that not only bring victory on the field but also leave a deep impression in the minds of fans. From lifelong domestic legends to international stars who bring glory to the continent, they are the soul of Al Hilal through each period. Below, Kingsoccertips.com shares the 8 best AL Hilal players considered the best in the history of the team.

Top 8 AL Hilal best players of all time

During their journey to become an Asian football icon, Al Hilal has witnessed the brilliance of many great stars and below are 8 AL Hilal best players, true legends who have contributed to writing the glorious history of the team.

8. Thiago Neves

Thiago Neves infused Al Hilal’s midfield with samba flair during his two stints at the club, leaving a lasting impact with his masterful technique and thunderous shots. Unlike typical midfielders who focus solely on game management, Neves frequently scored from deep and made game-changing plays at critical moments. He was a “combat artist” type of player both elegant and effective beloved by fans and respected by opponents.

Thiago Neves - The samba burns in the desert with magical shots — Thiago Neves – The samba burns in the desert with magical shots

Though his time with the club was shorter than that of local legends, Neves remains one of the most cherished foreign players in Al Hilal’s history. He played a pivotal role in keeping the club competitive both domestically and in Asia during crucial years. His name not only appears on the list of talented players, but also stands as one of the most successful foreign signings the club has ever made a true maestro who helped brighten the most glorious chapters of Al Hilal’s story.

7. Bafétimbi Gomis

When Bafétimbi Gomis joined Al Hilal in 2018, few expected him to quickly rise to legendary status. However, in just four years, the French striker scored dozens of crucial goals, including securing both the “Top Scorer” and “Most Valuable Player” titles in the 2019 AFC Champions League. Gomis did more than just score he played with warrior-like spirit, inspiring teammates and fans alike. His nickname, “The Lion,” reflected not only his appearance but also his fearless style of play.

Bafétimbi Gomis - The lion roars every time he scores a goal — Bafétimbi Gomis – The lion roars every time he scores a goal

Gomis brought a new vitality to Al Hilal’s attacking force while also reinforcing the club’s international profile by showcasing successful integration of foreign talent. His signature goal celebration the roaring crawl became an iconic symbol of power and determination. Even after his departure, Gomis’ name still echoes through King Fahd Stadium, a testament to the golden era he helped shape.

6. Salem Al-Dawsari

Salem Al-Dawsari exemplifies the modern generation of Al Hilal players strong, creative, and highly effective. With his acceleration, dribbling skills, and long-range shooting ability, he frequently creates danger out of seemingly harmless situations. His standout performances in the FIFA Club World Cup 2023 and the 2021 AFC Champions League title are clear proof of his class. Today, Salem serves as both the tactical and spiritual leader of the current Al Hilal squad.

Salem Al-Dawsari - Modern star explodes in every decisive move — Salem Al-Dawsari – Modern star explodes in every decisive move

In addition to his talent, Salem has demonstrated significant growth with each passing season. He performs consistently, embraces responsibility in crucial matches, and is widely regarded as the “soul” of today’s Al Hilal team. With his growing influence, many experts view Salem as the rightful heir to the club’s legendary figures like Al-Jaber and Al-Shalhoub. Should Al Hilal continue to reach new heights, Salem will undoubtedly be a central figure behind their ongoing success.

5. Mohammed Al-Deayea

Mohammed Al-Deayea is an immortal icon in goalkeeping for both Al Hilal and Asian football as a whole. Holding the world record for the most international caps by a goalkeeper with 178 appearances he built a legendary career that commanded admiration. While wearing Al Hilal’s colors, Deayea kept countless clean sheets and played a vital role in the club’s domestic and regional triumphs. His exceptional reflexes, penalty-saving prowess, and ability to command the defense made him the most complete goalkeeper Al Hilal has ever had.

Mohammed Al-Deayea - The giant goalkeeper with the hands that hold an empire together — Mohammed Al-Deayea – The giant goalkeeper with the hands that hold an empire together

Al-Deayea’s importance extended beyond his technical abilities. He was a true leader and a source of calm during tense matches. He served as a “living shield” for multiple generations of defenders and was the irreplaceable guardian during the club’s peak years. It is no surprise that Al-Deayea is often included in all-time best XI lists, given the magnitude of his influence on Al Hilal’s success during his playing days. For many, he remains the greatest goalkeeper in Saudi Arabian football history.

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4. Yasser Al-Qahtani

Yasser Al-Qahtani symbolizes a generation of talented, determined, and globally integrated Arab footballers. With his pace, intelligent positioning, and sharp finishing skills, Yasser was a constant threat to opposing defenses during his tenure with Al Hilal. His Asian Ballon d’Or award in 2007 further solidified his reputation as one of the region’s top strikers. Beyond his goal-scoring ability, Yasser was known for his leadership and ability to shine in high-stakes matches, making him a player every coach wanted on their team.

Yasser Al-Qahtani - The elegant striker that makes all of Asia look up to him — Yasser Al-Qahtani – The elegant striker that makes all of Asia look up to him

At Al Hilal, Al-Qahtani was more than just a “goal machine” he became a symbol of transformation. He brought modernity and energy to Saudi football and helped reinforce the club’s stature in Asian competitions. For loyal fans, each goal by Yasser was a moment of euphoria, representing the team’s resilience and progress. His brilliant performances contributed to crucial victories and left a lasting mark on the club’s illustrious history.

3. Mohammad Al-Shalhoub

Mohammad Al-Shalhoub represents the perfect embodiment of perseverance and loyalty. He spent his entire professional career spanning over two decades at Al Hilal, a rare feat in modern football. Without being ostentatious or flashy, he played a central role in every golden era of the club, securing a record 33 titles with Al Hilal. Operating primarily on the left wing, he consistently contributed as a playmaker, facilitator, and tactical leader.

Mohammad Al-Shalhoub - A lifelong commitment, quiet but great like Al Hilal himself — Mohammad Al-Shalhoub – A lifelong commitment, quiet but great like Al Hilal himself

What made Al-Shalhoub truly admirable was not just the number of trophies he won, but the relentless dedication he showed while maintaining a remarkable level of humility. In high-pressure matches, he often changed the game with intelligent touches or incisive assists. With a calm playing demeanor, high tactical awareness, and unwavering devotion to the club, Al-Shalhoub is more than a “silent legend” he is a living symbol of Al Hilal’s enduring values.

2. Yousuf Al-Thunayyan

Yousuf Al-Thunayyan was not only a technically gifted player but also the tactical brain of Al Hilal’s midfield for nearly twenty years. Known as “The Philosopher,” he was admired for his ability to orchestrate the game’s rhythm, deliver exquisite passes, and maintain remarkable composure in all situations. His control of space and exceptional tactical vision consistently placed him at the center of Al Hilal’s offensive schemes. In an era where football often emphasized physicality, Yousuf stood out through intelligence and creativity.

Yousuf Al-Thunayyan - The genius brain that puts artistry into every attack — Yousuf Al-Thunayyan – The genius brain that puts artistry into every attack

Yousuf’s contributions go beyond the trophies which include eleven domestic league titles and two AFC Champions League crowns. His lasting impact includes shaping the technical, possession-based playing style that remains a hallmark of Al Hilal to this day. Whenever the team needed a true “conductor” to change the course of a match, they always placed their trust in Yousuf. His quiet but commanding brilliance has earned him a place in the hearts of fans as one of the most distinguished players in the club’s history.

1. Sami Al-Jaber

Sami Al-Jaber is a player who embodies all the qualities of a true legend, from exceptional talent and competitive spirit to absolute loyalty. Over the course of nearly two decades with Al Hilal, Sami was not only the club’s top goal scorer with more than 100 goals, but also a prominent representative of Arab football on the international stage. His participation in four FIFA World Cup tournaments (1994–2006) elevated him to wide admiration, not only from Al Hilal supporters but also across Asia. His intelligent playing style and ability to deliver in decisive moments have cemented his legacy in the club’s history.

Sami Al-Jaber - The man who carried the soul of Al Hilal for two glorious decades — Sami Al-Jaber – The man who carried the soul of Al Hilal for two glorious decades

From a historical perspective, few players can rival Sami in terms of comprehensive influence. He was one of the foundational pillars of Al Hilal’s long-term dominance both domestically and regionally. His goals, assists, and leadership elevated his name to legendary status and made him a role model for younger generations. For fans of Arab football, to speak of Al Hilal is to speak of Sami a “living monument” closely tied to the growth and rise of Saudi Arabia’s top football club.

In Summary

Although they come from different eras, each player on this list of AL Hilal best players has something in common: they have left an indelible mark on the history of Al Hilal. Their professional excellence, personal qualities and dedication have helped the team to continuously expand from the Saudi Arabian football field to the continental and world arenas. These names are not only memorable to fans, but also the basis for understanding why Al Hilal has always been a leading force in Asian football. They are not just players, but symbols and living legends of this great club.