Former Wolves captain Ruben Neves was in action at the Club World Cup as Al-Hilal faced Real Madrid.
Neves is one of five former Wolves players at the Club World Cup, with the midfielder starting for Al-Hilal in their opening fixture of the tournament.
The Saudi Pro League club were tested against Xabi Alonso’s Real Madrid to commence the tournament, giving Neves the chance to show his quality at domestic level.
Having traded Wolves for the Saudi Pro League in 2023, fans rarely get the chance to watch the 28-year-old in action, but against Los Blancos, it was impossible to ignore the Molineux icon.
Real Madrid CF v Al Hilal: Group H - FIFA Club World Cup 2025
Photo by Hector Vivas – FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images
Ruben Neves’ Club World Cup performance would’ve turned heads at Wolves
Leaving the Premier League at the age of 26 as a highly rated player saw Neves get a lot of criticism for joining Al-Hilal.
The former Wolves captain was linked to Barcelona before his move to the Middle East was sanctioned, prompting many to question his decision to move.
Neves himself suggested the move was financially motivated, as the Portugal international saw an irrefutable offer presented to himself and his family.
Despite being transparent, Neves was still slammed for his transfer, and to the joy of his supporters in and around the West Midlands, he’s proving everyone wrong.
Ruben Neves vs Real Madrid
1 goal
85 touches
96% pass success
1 key pass
5 long balls
2 duel wins
3 defensive actions
Ruben Neves’ performance vs Real Madrid – Sofascore
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Against Real Madrid, the years seemed to roll back for the midfielder, who looked like the same central spark he did at Wolves, providing Al-Hilal with a metronome-like presence.
When the ex-Wolf stepped up to take a penalty in the first half, there was no doubt that Thibaut Courtois would be digging the ball out of his net, as Neves converted expertly.
Aside from getting himself on the scoresheet, Wolves’ former skipper showed a masterclass in midfield, being a force to be reckoned with in the engine room.
Neves has left his doubters red-faced
To some degree, questions asked about Neves’ transfer were understandable, given that the midfielder left a top five European league when he was in his prime at 26.
That being said, there’s nothing to indicate that the move has been detrimental to the Portuguese star, as the 28-year-old is a regular for his country and is part of a team that, at the Club World Cup, went toe to toe with the Galacticos.
Neves just won the Nations League for Portugal by scoring the match-winning penalty in the final, keeping his name up in lights in Europe two years after his controversial departure.
For those at Wolves who still cherish Neves as the captain he was at Molineux, it’s a relief to see the former player striving and who knows if the club and player’s paths will cross in the future.