Renan Lodi Turns the Page: A Fresh Start Calls as Al Hilal Memories Fade

Departure and a New Chapter Beckoning

Renen Lodi, the former Al Hilal defender, is not dwelling on past Saudi memories as he eyes a fresh challenge on a new horizon. He left the club at the start of the current season after Italian coach Simone Inzaghi opted to register him only for the Asian roster, prompting a contract termination by mutual consent and a series of escalated steps from the club to protect its financial and moral rights.

For about two months without a club, Lodi hinted at readiness to embark on a new experience.

On his Instagram, he published images from the major clubs he wore, excluding Al Hilal, showcasing spells at Atlético Paranaense, Atlético Madrid, Marseille and Nottingham Forest.

He wrote: "When I look at these pictures, I remember my journey, the difficulties that shaped who I am today and the goals I achieved since childhood."

"I cannot describe how football has moved me; I worked with courage, love and great respect, and I respect teammates and the fans who support the team."

"I have never stayed this long without playing; now I re-live memories each morning and every day the excitement returns—what a challenge!"

"What comforts me is that every day brings me closer to my home of football and I work with professionalism... just thinking about playing stirs my excitement, and I get closer and closer."

"I am now ready to start a new phase."

He has stayed in Brazil since leaving Al Hilal, attending several domestic games, and reports linked him with several clubs including his former Atlético Paranaense.

Impact and a Contested Move

Lodi, now 27, had a strong presence for Al Hilal, with coach Jorge Jesus insisting he still had room to develop, leading to a standout season last year.

He played 56 matches across all competitions, scoring four goals and providing 11 assists, contributing to four trophies: the Saudi Pro League title, the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques Cup, and two Saudi Super Cups.

Numbers and Legal Stand

Despite a stellar World Cup Club Campaign under Inzaghi's guidance, another strong option in the market was Theo Hernandez, who joined Milan's rivals; in 13 appearances he scored more than Lodi did in 56 games overall, with Hernandez tallying five goals and one assist this season.

Domestic coaches favored Theo and later Metheb Al-Harbi for local duties, leaving Lodi at home, which sparked reports of his quiet departure to protect his passport rights for travel.

On the legal front, Al Hilal’s administration believes the club will secure financial compensation from the player for breaching the contract; Lodi argues he was not informed about local registration limitations and maintains such actions would be unprofessional and justify unilateral termination.

FIFA typically grants temporary licenses in such cases until a final resolution is reached, leaving the door open for Lodi to join another club while the dispute unfolds.

His longest, best spells came with Atlético Madrid, where he featured in 118 matches, scoring six goals and providing ten assists. At Nottingham Forest he appeared 32 times, with one goal and one assist; Marseille yielded 23 appearances with no goals but one assist; Atlético Paranaense saw 68 matches with five goals and eight assists. Internationally, he represented Brazil in 19 matches, scoring five goals and providing five assists.

Thus, Lodi’s career reads as a journey across continents, from Brazil to Europe and back to Brazil, before the Saudi stop and now a possible new destination.

Two punchlines for good measure: Sniper joke 1: If football transfers were a sniper duel, Lodi’s shots are always calm, precise—and somehow still find a new target every window. Boom, a fresh chapter. Sniper joke 2: When contract clauses lurk in the shadows, Lodi opts for the long-range option—keeping his sights on a new start and a clear horizon, no crossfire, just crossbars.