The Saudi football scene is witnessing exciting events within Al-Hilal club, with news of stripping midfielder Salem Al-Dawsari of the captaincy and handing it to French star Karim Benzema sparking the curiosity of fans and football followers. The 2026 winter transfer window held significant surprises for Al-Hilal, especially with the management and players working together to renew their ambitions and reorganize the team to continue their success in the championships.
Did Salem Al-Dawsari lose the captain’s armband with the arrival of Karim Benzema? The truth about the armband being taken away within Al-Hilal.
Unconfirmed reports have puzzled Al-Hilal fans, casting doubt on Salem Al-Dawsari’s continued role as team captain following Karim Benzema’s arrival in January 2026 on an 18-month contract from Al-Ittihad. However, according to sources within the club, Al-Dawsari has not been stripped of the captaincy, contrary to these reports. Al-Hilal is committed to retaining the silent veteran as captain, just as Brazilian star Neymar da Silva was previously allowed to lead the team despite the presence of other prominent figures.
Salem Al-Dawsari retains the captain’s armband, which he officially received from Salman Al-Faraj, amidst strong support from the management and fans, reflecting the star’s stability and pivotal role in the team. Therefore, the idea of Karim Benzema taking over the armband seems more like fantasy than reality at this point.
Developments regarding Kalidou Koulibaly’s future with Al-Hilal: Contract renewal on the horizon
In the face of growing interest in foreign players, Senegalese center-back Kalidou Koulibaly has given his initial approval to renew his contract with Al-Hilal until June 2027, after joining the team from Chelsea in the summer of 2023 on a contract that expires in 2026. This understanding supports the stability of the team’s back line and strengthens the options of coach Simone Inzaghi.
With Koulibaly’s commitment, the leader is expected to continue achieving the victories that he started this season, such as qualifying for the semi-finals of the King’s Cup and his strong performance in the Saudi League and the AFC Champions League.
Will Malcolm de Oliveira witness the end of his journey with Al-Hilal?
The winter transfer window has placed Al-Hilal’s Brazilian winger, Malcom de Oliveira, under intense scrutiny regarding his future with the club, especially with the arrival of several new players who may reduce his chances of playing regularly. Malcom, who joined from Zenit Saint Petersburg on a contract running until 2027, is likely to be among the players expected to leave during the upcoming summer transfer window, according to sources close to the club’s management.
These developments are eagerly awaited by the fans to clarify the technical and strategic dimensions that Al-Hilal adopts in building its ambitious team, and also highlight the importance of correct nomination for upcoming deals.
How has Al Hilal’s performance and Inzaghi’s leadership been affected in the current 2025-2026 season?
Al-Hilal had a shaky start to the season under Italian coach Simone Inzaghi, but quickly regained their form, achieving 14 wins and 5 draws in the Saudi Professional League. In Asian competitions, the team maintained their winning streak with six consecutive victories, reflecting a significant improvement in their performance during a busy and competitive season.
Details of this performance and developments within Al-Hilal can be viewed via Detailed coverage of the 2026 crescent moon And the competitive spirit that is renewed within the team.
