• This outcome represents one of the most unexpected exits for a European club in the Club World Cup in recent times.
  • Al Hilal now moves on to the quarter-finals, where they will compete against the Brazilian club Fluminense.

In an astonishing upset during the FIFA Club World Cup on June 30, 2025, Saudi Arabian team Al Hilal overcame European champions Manchester City with a thrilling 4–3 victory in extra time at Camping World Stadium in Orlando.  

Marcos Leonardo celebrates after scoring the winning goal to send Al Hilal to the quarter-finals of the Club World Cup. (PHOTO | COURTESY:X)

The pivotal moment arrived in the 112th minute when Marcos Leonardo netted his second goal of the match, securing a remarkable win for the underdogs.

Manchester City, heavily favoured ahead of the game, took the lead on three occasions, only to be equalised each time by a tenacious Al Hilal squad.  

City struck first early in the 9th minute with a goal from Bernardo Silva. VAR briefly reviewed the goal after it seemed the ball had touched Silva's arm, but the referee ultimately allowed it to count.

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Al Hilal quickly answered after the halftime break, with Leonardo scoring just a minute into the second half. Shortly after, Malcom put the Saudi team ahead with a precise shot in the 52nd minute.  

However, City's attacking prowess quickly brought them level again as Erling Haaland found the net in the 55th minute, making it 2–2. The score remained unchanged for the rest of regulation time, leading to a nail-biting extra time.  

Kalidou Koulibaly puts Al Hilal ahead after scoring a header past Ederson. (PHOTO | COURTESY: X)

Al Hilal took the lead once more in extra time when Kalidou Koulibaly headed in a set piece in the 94th minute. City's Phil Foden equalised again with a brilliant goal in the 104th minute, keeping Guardiola's side in the match.

But Leonardo's second goal, scored in the 112th minute, provided the final surprise in this thrilling encounter and turned out to be decisive.  

This outcome represents one of the most unexpected exits for a European club in the Club World Cup in recent times. Al Hilal's disciplined defending and incisive attacking play were crucial to their success.

Following the match, Koulibaly commended his team's composure and spirit, stating they "showed immense character, defended passionately, and capitalized on their opportunities at the right moments."  

Al Hilal now moves on to the quarter-finals, where they will compete against the Brazilian club Fluminense.

Meanwhile, Manchester City has been eliminated from the tournament sooner than anticipated, shifting their attention back to domestic and European competitions.  

Pep Guardiola spotted consoling Rayan Cherki after the match. (PHOTO | COURTESY: X)

This defeat will inevitably raise questions for Pep Guardiola's team, who, despite controlling significant portions of the match, failed to maintain their leads.

For Al Hilal, this victory is a historic milestone for the club and a testament to the rising strength of Asian football on the international stage.