Former Liverpool striker Darwin Nunez is still in a good position to win the Saudi Pro League with Al-Hilal, but the league leader dropped points over the weekend
14:13, 26 Jan 2026
Darwin Nunez is hoping to win more silverware this season
Darwin Nunez is hoping to win more silverware this season(Image: 2026 Getty Images)
Darwin Nunez's hopes of winning a domestic league title for a second season running were dealt a minor blow over the weekend as Al-Hilal was held to a 1-1 draw by Al-Riyadh.
Al-Hilal went into the game on a 12-game winning run, which had given the club an eight-point cushion at the top of the Saudi Pro League (SPL), but despite taking the lead through Marcos Leonardo in the first half, Al-Riyadh claimed a point after Ibrahim Bayesh equalized in the second half.
The result means that Al-Nassr – the club that Sadio Mane and Cristiano Ronaldo play for – can move to within six points of Al-Hilal with a win over Al-Taawoun on Monday.
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Nunez has appeared 14 times for Al-Hilal in the SPL this season – including 12 starts – scoring six goals.
Ronaldo is still the division's top dog as far as goal-scoring is concerned, though, with 16 to his name in 16 appearances.
Sadio Mane, meanwhile, has three goals in nine SPL appearances – although his involvement for Al-Nassr has been limited of late due to his involvement in the Africa Cup of Nations.
Darwin Nunez and Cristiano Ronaldo are battling for the title in Saudi Arabia
Darwin Nunez and Cristiano Ronaldo are battling for the title in Saudi Arabia(Image: AFP or licensors)
Nunez spent three seasons at Liverpool after joining the Reds from Benfica in 2022, but he ultimately failed to deliver on the promise that tempted the Reds to commit £85 million ($114 million) to signing him.
The 26-year-old tallied double figures in each of his first two seasons with Liverpool, but the departure of Jurgen Klopp in 2024 spelt bad news for Nunez, who was primarily used as a substitute by Arne Slot.
Nunez appeared 47 times for Liverpool in all competitions last term, but only 17 of those came as a starter, and he managed just seven goals.
Upon confirmation of his departure from Liverpool, Nunez shared a farewell message on social media, writing: “Thank you, Liverpool.
“Three years on, it’s time to say goodbye. I’ll take with me countless memories that will live with me forever.
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“I leave with a full heart, thanks to the love of a crowd that never let me down and always had my back - through the highs and through the lows.
“Liverpool will always be part of who I am. I’ll miss you more than words can say.
"To all the staff and my teammates - thank you and all the very best for the future."