الهلاليون لـ«ابن نافل»: يؤلمنا ابتعادك

"The beloved has left, but remains in my mind" .. The knight has handed over his blue flag to whoever comes after him after six years of achievements, championships, and remarkable feats locally, Arabically, continentally, and globally. He never abandoned his beloved club and its fans for a moment, enduring a lot of criticism and remaining silent out of love, loyalty, and belonging to the club he has cherished since childhood until he sat on the presidential throne.

After six years since his election as president of Al-Hilal Club until today, Fahd bin Nafel has departed from his position following years filled with joy and titles, stopping at 12 championships, not to mention global participations in the World Cup and achieving the runner-up position in the Club World Cup.

Bin Nafel has left behind a legacy of values, principles, dedication, and love for the blue and white colors. His journey of giving is extensive and a shining mark in the work within the corridors of the leader. Al-Hilal fans reacted to the announcement of his official departure from his position with touching phrases and sad clips filled with the spirit of farewell to the best president the leader has ever had in its history, according to their opinion and that of many supporters and former stars.

As soon as Fahd bin Nafel, the president of Al-Hilal, announced his intention not to run for a third presidential term, preferring to step away from the position he has held since 2019, a "lump" settled in the hearts of the fans of this towering edifice, as they experienced beautiful days during his tenure, achieving championship after championship.

Bin Nafel wrote on his social media account "X": "I announce my full support for the next candidate for the presidency of Al-Hilal Club according to what the Al-Hilal Club members' foundation and the general assembly deem appropriate, thus preferring not to run in the new electoral cycle and allowing the opportunity for new energies to continue the journey."

He was first elected president of Al-Hilal in 2019, and after four years, he was appointed president of the non-profit club foundation for one year, and he was reappointed in 2024 for the same duration. During both terms, he chaired the board of directors of the blue company, and under his presidency, the leader achieved 12 championships, including 4 Saudi "Roshn" League titles, two AFC Champions League titles, in addition to the King’s Cup three times, and the Saudi Super Cup three times.

Best President

As soon as Fahd bin Nafel announced his decision not to run for the presidency of Al-Hilal via his account on the social media platform "X," the supportive member of the leader, Prince Alwaleed bin Talal, commented: "These are the championships and achievements over the past six years: 17 achievements, runner-up in the Club World Cup, the Riyadh Season Cup, the Super Cup three times, the Lusail Super Cup in Qatar, the King Salman Cup three times, fourth in the Club World Cup twice, the AFC Champions League twice, and the Roshn League Cup four times."

He added: "Al-Hilal achieved a global achievement with 34 consecutive victories that entered the Guinness World Records," and continued: "Fahd bin Nafel is the best president of a sports club in the history of sports; the journey continues to raise the flag of the nation."

Will Not Be Forgotten

Meanwhile, Al-Hilal legend Sami Al-Jaber said about the president's departure: "Dear Fahd bin Nafel, you took on the responsibility of a great entity, and the ambition of its stands does not stop at any limit. You were worthy of it; you sacrificed, worked diligently, and managed a unique system that achieved for Al-Hilal an exceptional phase, during which it accomplished great achievements and unforgettable joys. Thank you for everything you have done." He added: "We will always remember that you were the president of a golden era that cannot fade from the memory of Al-Hilal's stands."

Made a Difference

Meanwhile, legendary star Mohammed Al-Shalhoub said: "Thank you, Abu Saad, you lived Al-Hilal sincerely and wrote your name in golden pages; you made a difference in every detail." He added: "Al-Hilal is great, but your presence made us even prouder."

Thank You, President

The CEO of Al-Hilal Club, Steve Kalzada, tweeted briefly: "Thank you, President."