Globally speaking, Al-Hilal Saudi Football Club is synonymous with Saudi Arabian football. As the most decorated club in the country, they have won numerous Professional League titles and three Asian Champions League trophies. Their legacy extends beyond domestic success, as they were the first Saudi Arabian club to feature star international players, a practice that began in the '70s.

The club shares a long-standing rivalry with Al-Ittihad, and their matches are known as the "El Clasico." Let's delve into the comprehensive history of Al Hilal:

Foundation and Early History

The history of Al Hilal begins in 1957 when it was founded by Abdul Rahman Bin Saad Bin Saeed. Originally named the Olympic Club, it quickly changed to Al Hilal the following year. This transformation occurred at the insistence of King Abdul-Aziz of Saudi Arabia, who attended one of the club's early tournaments. From its infancy, Al Hilal enjoyed support from both the common people and royalty.

International Influence

By 1976, Saudi Arabian football had advanced enough to warrant the formation of the Saudi Professional League. Al-Hilal won the Professional League for the first time in 1977, firmly establishing itself as one of the best clubs in the country. Their reputation attracted big-name players and coaches, including Brazilians Roberto Rivellino and Mario Zagallo. Led by this deadly duo, Al Hilal claimed its second Professional League title in 1979.

The '80s were a fruitful period for the club, as they secured four more league titles. The following decade saw a slight dip in their performance, but they still managed to claim two titles just before Al-Ittihad's dominant streak. In the '90s, Al-Hilal achieved continental success by winning the Asian Club Championship (later known as the AFC Champions League) in 1991, repeating this triumph in 2000.

Domestic Dominance

From 2000 onwards, the Professional League ceased being a two-team race, giving rise to multiple notable title contenders. However, Al-Hilal remained the premier club in the country. Over the next two decades, they clinched an additional seven league titles, with no other club winning more than three. During this period, Al-Hilal also developed a fierce neighboring rivalry with Al-Nassr, both clubs being based in Riyadh.

Al Hilal boasts the most top-flight titles in Saudi Arabian football (18) and has won the Saudi Crown Prince's Cup more often than any other club in the Kingdom. Their excellence did not go unnoticed, as the International Federation of Football History & Statistics (IFFHS) named Al Hilal the 'Best Asian Club of the 21st Century.'