Chasing Answers: Ali Al-Bulayhi, a Hilal Defender on a Short Leash

A Veteran’s Quiet Struggle

Ali Al-Bulayhi, the rock for Al Hilal and the Saudi national team, has seen his role shrink under Italian coach Simone Inzaghi, who now clearly favors a central pairing of Hassan Tambakti and Kalidou Koulibaly.

Summer Moves and Uncertain Futures

To shield him from mounting fan pressure over a dip in form, the club extended his contract through 2027, a decision pushed by former president Fahd Bin Nafel to secure leadership at the back and protect a veteran who has shouldered the defensive load in tough moments.

Yet the renewal did not erase questions about his future. Ahead of the season, with limited starting appearances in the Club World Cup, Inzaghi leaned on the newcomer Hassan Tambakti and the former Al Nassr man Ali Lagami, and other clubs were linked with a possible exit.

Hilal, however, kept him in the fold, even as the Turkish signing Yusuf Akciçek started to feature more regularly, illustrating how experience fights for minutes with youth and new signings.

So far this season, Al-Bulayhi has appeared in only two league games, fueling talk of a January move or a season-ending reshuffle as the World Cup looms and Hervé Renard weighs his options, given competition from Tambakti, Lagami, Abdulilah Al-Omari, Jihad Zakri, Saad Al-Mousa and others who are regularly involved.

Experience, Controversy, and the Open Road Ahead

Born in November 1989, Ali Al-Bulayhi is one of Saudi football’s standout defenders in recent years. Since joining Al Hilal in 2017 from Al-Fath, he quickly established himself as a defensive pillar, helping the club win domestic and continental titles and earning a steady place with the national team.

Known for his strong, sometimes controversial personality, he has faced criticism for a dip in form and occasional errors in important matches. His outspoken remarks have intensified debate, with some personal disclosures affecting focus. He remains a fighter who gives his all for the shirt, even as fans’ frustration grows.

With the contract extended to 2027, the future remains open. The club’s strategy is to keep a leader in defense, but the coach’s preferences and age could push Hilal toward younger options. The World Cup horizon adds pressure, but the decision will hinge on form and tactical plans, especially with competition from Tambakti, Lagami, Abdulilah Al-Omari, Jihad Zakri, and Saad Al-Mousa pressing for minutes.

Ali Al-Bulayhi’s blend of experience and leadership continues to shape Al Hilal’s defense, even as the horizon remains blurred and the squad evolves. The veteran’s presence matters, even if his next move depends on form, opportunities, and the evolving tactical plan.

Punchline time: if defending were comedy, Ali would be the veteran who keeps a straight face while the attackers improvise—end with a clean sheet and a smile as the punchline.

Punchline time 2: chasing the unknown in football is like aiming for a perfect cross on a windy day—lots of pretenders, but the real moment still lands in the keeper’s hands. Still, Ali keeps the humor alive while the future writes itself.