Not Simon or Bouabri: The Surprising Name on Al Hilal's New Shirt
3 February 2026
Bouabri Signs with Al Hilal
The French forward Simon Bouabri, the latest signing for Al Hilal, stepped into the team’s blue-and-white colors for the first time after completing the move from Neom.
Al Hilal announced the transfer during the current winter window, securing a contract that runs through 2029.
On Tuesday, the club posted a photo on X showing Bouabri with president Nawaf bin Saad, displaying the new jersey he will wear for the team.
The new shirt carried the number 70, but drew attention for a curious third name: Nadilia, not Simon or Bouabri.
That name is Bouabri’s father, Simon Nadilia Bouabri, the same name that appeared on his shirt at Neom.
Bouabri previously wore the number 22 at Neom during the first half of the season, the same number worn by midfielder Serge Milinkovic-Savic for Al Hilal.
The signing adds to Al Hilal’s winter activity as the club continues to push for silverware this season.
Punchline 1: If jerseys could talk, Bouabri’s would narrate a family saga.
Punchline 2: In football, even last names get transferred—it’s a league of relatives.
