Ali Al-Bulayhi bids emotional farewell to Al Hilal after nine years with the club

Ali Al-Bulayhi has brought his nine-year spell with Al Hilal to an end after the club and player agreed to terminate his contract by mutual consent. In his final interview, the Saudi defender spoke openly about how difficult it was to leave a club he had become deeply attached to. He said Al Hilal has a special effect on players, explaining that even foreign signings often arrive, spend only a few years there and still leave with a strong love for the club. Al-Bulayhi joined Al Hilal in 2017 and went on to become one of the most recognisable figures in the squad, playing through one of the most successful periods in the club’s history. He leaves with 16 trophies, including five Saudi Pro League titles, two AFC Champions League titles, four King’s Cups and three Saudi Super Cups, as well as multiple Club World Cup appearances. His contract had been due to run until 2027, but his departure now closes a long chapter with the Riyadh club.