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This year, most eyes in the world of soccer are on the Roshn Saudi League. Not only do the Middle Eastern clubs boast players like Cristiano Ronaldo, Karim Benzema, and Neymar, but the league also features other prominent teams. Yet, soccer star Romelu Lukaku has firmly crowned Al Hilal as the biggest club in the Middle East, effectively snubbing Al Nassr.

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Additionally, the striker’s decision not only involved turning his back on Ronaldo’s domestic side but also ditching Ronaldo’s $500 million route.

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Romelu Lukaku snubs Al Nassr over Al Hilal for Saudi League title

While many players made the move to the Middle East this summer, a few gladly took a different path. One such player is Romelu Lukaku, who also had the opportunity to join Neymar’s Al Hilal. However, the player rejected it. As per transfer guru Fabrizio Romano, Lukaku said, “I’m proud of their interest but after initial talks, I wasn’t convinced about joining Al Hilal”. Notably, after his loan spell at Inter Milan ended, the Chelsea striker joined AS Roma on loan this season.

Additionally, aside from Al Hilal, there are other big teams like Ronaldo’s Al Nassr and Benzema’s Al Ittihad. However, Lukaku gladly snubbed either of them and backed Al Hilal as the biggest team in Saudi. “Al Hilal is the biggest club in Middle East, Saudi League will become one of the biggest in the world but I wasn’t ready to leave Europe,” Lukaku said.

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Indeed, this is a bold claim from the AS Roma forward. While it may be music to Neymar and Al Hilal’s ears, it’s unlikely to sit well with Ronaldo and Al Nassr. Moreover, even though he turned down a move to the Gulf nation this summer, he might consider it in the future. In the meantime, let’s delve into the Saudi Pro League season thus far and examine how Ronaldo’s Al Nassr and Neymar’s Al Hilal are performing.

READ MORE: Double Blow After ‘Disgraceful Behavior’, Cristiano Ronaldo’s Al Nassr Teammates Banned for Multiple Saudi Pro League Games

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The domestic journey for the domestic sides of Cristiano Ronaldo and Neymar so far

This year, numerous Middle Eastern clubs are eager to secure silverware. When it comes to Ronaldo’s Al Nassr, they currently occupy the third spot with 19 points, trailing Al Taawoun. In contrast, Neymar’s Al Hilal is sitting at the top of the table with 23 points. However, Jorge Jesus’ team is not without competition.

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Luis Castro’s side is making a strong push to claim the top spot. Similarly, star player Ronaldo is in splendid form, having already notched 10 goals. Undoubtedly, his goal-scoring prowess directly challenges Neymar. The Brazilian, on the other hand, is struggling to find the back of the net. At present, the league is in its initial stages, and only time will reveal the eventual victor.

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Abhishek Mishra

3,853 Articles

Abhishek Mishra is a Senior Soccer Specialist at EssentiallySports, focusing primarily on the USWNT beat while also covering the FIFA World Cup, UEFA Champions League, MLS, and NWSL. Known for his detailed injury reports and analysis of broader issues such as equal pay, he brings a unique perspective as a former collegiate player and lifelong football fan. His portfolio includes in-depth profiles of some of the sport’s biggest names, from Know more

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Jayant Chhabra

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