Mari Breaks Ground: Al Hilal’s New Star Shines as Neom Challenge the Leaders
18 January 2026
Lineups and key changes
Pablo Mari starts for Al Hilal against Neom in the Roshen Saudi League, marking his first start since arriving from Fiorentina in the winter window. Brazilian Marcus Leonardo is back to lead the attack, having featured as a substitute in the previous 3-1 win over Al Nassr, while Darwin Núñez shifts to the left wing.
The match is played at King Khalid City Stadium in Tabuk, as the 16th round of the Saudi Pro League comes to its conclusion with kickoff set for 18:30 local time.
Coach Simone Inzaghi named the lineup with Leonardo as the central striker, and the Uruguayan Darwin Núñez moving to the left flank, while Salem Al-Dosri misses through injury.
Pablo Mari starts in defense for the first time since joining in January, after having appeared as a substitute in the derby against Al Nassr.
Lineups and how the teams line up
Al Hilal starting XI: Goalkeeper: Mohammed Al-Rubaei; Defense: Hamad Al-Yami, Hassan Tembakti, Pablo Mari, Thiago Hernández; Midfield: Ruben Neves, Serge Milinković-Savić, Mohammed Kanno; Forward: Malcolm, Marcus Leonardo, Darwin Núñez.
Neom starting XI: Goalkeeper: Luis Maximiano; Defense: Mohammed Al-Brek, Ahmed Hegazi, Khalifa Al-Dosari, Aoun Al-Salouli, Fares Abidi; Midfield: Simon Bouabri, Salman Al-Feraj, Amadou Koné, Said Benrahma; Forward: Alexandre Lacazette.
Inzaghi's team selection suggests a strong offensive intent, while Neom look to harness Lacazette's sharp finishing to upset the leaders.
In the match, Salman Al-Faraj and Mohammed Al-Brek will face their former club Al Hilal for the first time since leaving in 2024.
Al Hilal aim for a 12th straight league win to extend their grip on top, currently on 38 points, four clear of rivals after an extra game.
Neom, by contrast, seek to end a two-match losing run and climb off 10th place with 20 points.
Team news and lineup details: Hilal's starting formation:
Goalkeeper: Mohammed Al-Rubaei
Defense: Hamad Al-Yami, Hassan Tembakti, Pablo Mari, Thiago Hernández
Midfield: Ruben Neves, Serge Milinković-Savić, Mohammed Kanno
Attack: Malcolm, Marcus Leonardo, Darwin Núñez
Neom starting lineup:
Goalkeeper: Luis Maximiano
Defense: Mohammed Al-Brek, Ahmed Hegazi, Khalifa Al-Dosari, Aoun Al-Salouli, Fares Abidi
Midfield: Simon Bouabri, Salman Al-Feraj, Amadou Koné, Said Benrahma
Attack: Alexandre Lacazette
Both lineups highlight a clash between Hilal’s experienced core and Neom’s ambitious, Lacazette-led attack, with Lacazette looking to catalyze Neom’s ambitions against the league leaders.
Inzaghi’s squad shows a balance of steel and craft in midfield, while Neom rely on Lacazette’s finishing prowess to trouble the top team in the table.
Pablo Mari’s first start in a Hilal shirt marks a notable milestone for the winter signing as the club chases more silverware this season.
Punchline: If this line-up were a stand-up routine, it would need a big laugh—because the defense suddenly looks so organized it could win an applause for a pothole in Tabuk.
Punchline: And if goals were students, Lacazette would be the one begging for extra homework—the kind that comes with extra time and a few more goals on the board.
