Former Wolves stars were involved in a major upset during the knockout stages of the Club World Cup.
There are as many as five former Wolves players in action at the tournament, including Rayan Ait-Nouri, who joined Manchester City just before the competition got underway.
Ait-Nouri has impressed Pep Guardiola in his early moments as a City player, but for the Premier League club, their Club World Cup dream is over.
During the round of 16, City were dumped out of the tournament by an unlikely club, as Saudi Pro League giants Al Hilal booked Guardiola an early flight home.
Manchester City FC v Al-Hilal: Round Of 16 - FIFA Club World Cup 2025
Photo by Justin Setterfield – FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images
Ruben Neves knocks Rayan Ait-Nouri out of the Club World Cup
The Club World Cup has proven that European clubs aren’t there to rule over the rest of the world, with sides from Brazil flying the flag high.
Fluminense knocked out Champions League finalists Inter Milan to join fellow Brazilian club Palmeiras in the quarterfinal, while Al Hilal proved that the Saudi Pro League mustn’t be overlooked.
Back in the West Midlands, many would’ve paid attention to the clash between Al Hilal and City, as former skipper Ruben Neves was an architect behind Ait-Nouri’s tournament upset.
Neves played almost a quarterback role in the contest, lining up in a back five in a bid to keep City at bay.
Ruben Neves Rayan Ait-Nouri
1 assist 9 defensive actions
7 defensive actions 118 touches
89% pass success 2 key passes
5 key passes 96% pass success
8 successful long balls 1 shot
2 big chances created 100% aerial duels won
67 touches 2 attempted dribbles
Ruben Neves and Rayan Ait-Nouri’s numbers in Al Hilal vs Man City – Sofascore
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Both Neves and Ait-Nouri played the entirety of the 120-minute match, as Al Hilal scored a late winner with eight minutes of extra time remaining.
The two former Wolves players were heavily involved in the contest in different ways, as Neves remained largely in defence and Ait-Nouri pushed forward on the left, recording as many as 118 touches.
Many in the West Midlands would’ve woken up shocked by the news that it was Neves who dealt Ait-Nouri the blow, as City appeared to be very much favourites to progress.
A surprising reunion for former Wolves stars Neves and Ait-Nouri
It would’ve been as bittersweet as it was surprising for Wolves fans to see the two players reuniting, this time both in the colours of their new clubs.
Ait-Nouri and Neves shared the pitch together at Wolves 69 times, where they averaged 1.14 points per game, as per Transfermarkt.
Surprisingly, the pair only combined for one goal in their time in Old Gold, but given how the Algerian developed after Neves’ exit, the number would’ve surely been a lot higher had the ex-skipper stayed.
It was a shock reunion for Ait-Nouri, whose Club World Cup journey is over, while Neves takes another stride closer to glory with Al Hilal.