Al-Hilal Invested R$2.7 Billion More Than Fluminense — Will Money Win at the Club World Cup?
Saudi giants spent 12x more than Fluminense in the last two years but can investment beat tradition in the semifinal clash?
The stage is set for one of the most unbalanced financial duels in recent Club World Cup history: Fluminense vs Al-Hilal. On one side, a team built with modest investment and South American passion. On the other, a Saudi superclub backed by billions in oil money.
12x More Investment: The Numbers Tell the Story
In the last two years alone, Al-Hilal has spent over R$3 billion on player transfers more than 12 times what Fluminense has invested (R$244 million) in the same period.
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Al-Hilal’s Mega Signings:
- Neymar Jr. – R$500 million
- Marcos Leonardo – R$254 million
- Malcom – R$300+ million
- Sergej Milinković-Savić – €40 million
- Kalidou Koulibaly – €23 million
Meanwhile, Fluminense has built a competitive squad on a fraction of that budget, relying on smart scouting, youth talent, and veterans like Marcelo and Ganso to reach the World Cup semifinal.
David vs Goliath: What’s at Stake?
The winner of this semifinal not only advances to the Club World Cup final, but also strengthens their case on the world stage. Al-Hilal is already riding high after a stunning 4-3 win over Manchester City, where Marcos Leonardo scored twice and the Saudi club shocked the world.
Fluminense, on the other hand, are dreaming of history. A win over Al-Hilal would give the Brazilian club a shot at their first-ever world title, fulfilling a dream long chased by South American giants.
When and Where to Watch Al-Hilal vs Fluminense
- Friday
- 4PM (Brasília time)
- MetLife Stadium, USA
Broadcast:
- Rede Globo (Brazil)
- CazéTV (YouTube)
- DAZN (official Club World Cup broadcaster)
Final Thought: Can Money Buy Glory?
Al-Hilal’s squad looks like a FIFA Ultimate Team assembled with unlimited coins, but Fluminense has heart, history, and hunger. In the end, only one team will move on to the final and the beautiful game has shown time and time again that passion can beat the peso.
