Darwin Nunez scored twice for Al-Hilal in the AFC Champions League after being dropped from the Saudi Pro League squad, with the former Liverpool striker staring at the owners' box following his second goal
Nathan Ridley
10:45, 17 Feb 2026
Darwin Nunez has responded to being dropped
Darwin Nunez has responded to being dropped(Image: Getty Images)
Darwin Nunez allowed his performances on the pitch to speak volumes after being dropped from Al-Hilal's squad for the second half of the Saudi Pro League campaign.
The former Liverpool striker was ruthlessly omitted following Karim Benzema's arrival in January. Saudi clubs are permitted to register only eight foreign players born before 2003 in their 25-man squads, and Nunez was the one sacrificed.
It marked a fresh setback for the striker, who moved to Al-Hilal from Liverpool last summer. However, Nunez remains eligible for AFC Champions League games. On Monday, he was selected to start Al-Hilal's encounter with Al-Wahda and delivered the goods.
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Nunez netted both goals as the Saudi giants defeated the UAE's Al-Wahda 2-1.
After nodding in his opener, the 26-year-old offered a subdued celebration. After restoring Al-Hilal's advantage in the 77th minute, Nunez turned and gazed directly toward the owner's box inside the Kingdom Arena.
It served as a pointed statement of what the former Benfica striker is capable of, bringing his season tally to nine goals in 24 appearances.
Nunez scored on Monday
Nunez scored on Monday(Image: Getty Images)
Nunez wasn't the only player removed from the squad. Ex-Arsenal center-back Pablo Mari was also dropped and featured for an hour in Tuesday's victory.
"The decision was difficult, but that's the job of a coach," Al-Hilal's manager, Simone Inzaghi, admitted.
"He makes many decisions every day, even in every training session. Nunez and Pablo are good players. I want them in all competitions, but we know the restrictions on registering foreign players.
"We couldn't register Marcos Leonardo as a player born in Saudi Arabia. Time was of the essence, and I made the difficult decision. I calmly informed the excluded players of my decision."
Inzaghi added: "Everyone knows Benzema. He's a great champion. He doesn't need to score a hat-trick to show his potential.
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"We're happy to have him in the team - he benefits us in every aspect, not just on the pitch."
Al-Hilal sits at the summit of the Saudi league standings, a point clear of Al-Nassr in second place and three ahead of Al-Ahli in third.
Inzaghi's players welcome defending champion Al-Ittihad on Saturday before facing Al-Taawoun away from home during the week, as they aim to maintain their undefeated domestic run.