Watkins Shines on Al Hilal Debut in 3-0 Win

English striker Ollie Watkins made an immediate impact on his Saudi Pro League debut for Al Hilal, scoring in a 3-0 win over Al Ahli at Kingdom Arena in Riyadh on 1 September 2026.

Watkins came on as a second-half substitute and sealed the victory with a header in the 86th minute, giving the home crowd an early glimpse of the form the club hopes to see throughout the season.

The forward joined Al Hilal from Aston Villa for a fee of approximately £51 million, equivalent to about SAR 255 million, and signed a three-year contract. After the match, he described the level of Saudi football as “Premier League quality,” praising the competitiveness and standard of play in the league.

A quick start

Watkins has settled rapidly into his new surroundings. Across his first five league appearances, he has recorded four goals and four assists, numbers that underline his growing influence in the Al Hilal attack.

The arrival of established international players continues to raise the profile of Saudi football, drawing larger crowds to venues such as Kingdom Arena and strengthening the match-day experience for fans and residents across the Kingdom. For Al Hilal supporters in Riyadh, Watkins' early contributions offer an encouraging sign ahead of a demanding campaign.

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