Al Nassr great backs Al Hilal to win the 2026–27 Saudi Pro League title
The Saudi Roshn League title race is already drawing attention, and former Al Nassr star Fahad Al Harifi believes traditional rivals Al Hilal have the quality to finish on top. His prediction comes amid a tightly packed early-season table, with only two points separating the league leaders from Al Nassr.
Al Harifi made his case on the television programme Dawrina Ghair, pointing to Al Hilal’s summer recruitment, depth across the squad and defensive ambition. He also named Crysencio Summerville as a potential standout performer, suggesting the winger could become a decisive figure in the club’s pursuit of the championship.
A title race shaped by recent history
The rivalry between Al Hilal and Al Nassr has become one of the defining stories of Saudi football. Last season, Jorge Jesus led Al Nassr to the Roshn League crown, ending a seven-year wait for the title after a demanding campaign that included a close contest with Al Hilal. The race remained alive until the final round, underlining how little separates the two sides when the pressure is at its highest.
That recent history gives Al Harifi’s forecast extra weight. Al Nassr have shown they can convert a strong campaign into a championship, but Al Hilal appear equally equipped to respond. With the season still developing, the prediction is not a guarantee; it is a reflection of the squad strength and competitive momentum Al Harifi sees in the league leaders.
“There is no doubt that Al Hilal, after those signings and with the stars and players they have under a coach who is determined not to concede any goals, will be the favourites for the title,” Al Harifi said.
His comments highlight two factors that often determine a long league campaign: recruitment and defensive consistency. New arrivals can raise a team’s technical level, while a reliable defence helps secure points even when attacking performances are less fluent. In a championship race likely to be decided by small margins, that balance could prove crucial.
Summerville tipped to make a major impact
Al Harifi also singled out Summerville as his choice to be the league’s best player. The prediction places the winger among the names to watch as Al Hilal seek to turn their strong start into sustained success.
He compared Summerville’s potential influence with the effect João Félix had at Al Nassr last season. The comparison suggests Al Harifi expects more than moments of individual skill: he believes Summerville could alter the rhythm of matches, create opportunities for teammates and help decide important fixtures.
For supporters following the Saudi Pro League, the winger’s progress will be one of the season’s compelling storylines. A player’s impact is measured not only by goals and assists but also by how consistently he stretches defences, creates space and performs in high-pressure games. If Summerville delivers across those areas, he could become central to Al Hilal’s title challenge.
Three contenders for the Golden Boot
Al Harifi identified Ivan Toney and Julián Quiñones as the leading candidates for the Roshn League’s top-scorer award, while also naming Ollie Watkins as a possible challenger. His choices reflect the importance of attacking depth in a competition where leading clubs can create a high volume of chances over the course of a season.
Toney’s physical presence and ability to finish in the penalty area make him a natural threat, while Quiñones offers another option capable of turning opportunities into goals. Watkins could also enter the race if he benefits from the service and attacking support available to him. Al Harifi’s reference to Al Hilal’s strength and range of options points to a broader advantage: a well-stocked squad can keep its forwards productive even when injuries, suspensions or fixture congestion disrupt the starting lineup.
The Golden Boot race is often influenced by more than individual finishing. Penalty duties, minutes played, team tactics and the quality of service all shape a striker’s final total. With several high-profile forwards in contention, the contest could become a season-long subplot alongside the battle for the title.
Rajković and Al Ittihad’s supporters earn praise
Al Harifi’s predictions extended beyond the leading clubs’ title hopes. He backed Al Ittihad goalkeeper Predrag Rajković to claim the league’s best goalkeeper recognition and praised the club’s supporters, known as “the Tigers,” as the finest fans in the competition.
Goalkeepers can have a decisive influence in a close league campaign, particularly when a team is under sustained pressure or protecting a narrow lead. A strong season from Rajković could help Al Ittihad remain competitive and earn recognition even if the club’s overall results do not place it at the top of the standings.
Supporters, meanwhile, are an important part of the Saudi Pro League’s growing profile. A lively home atmosphere can energise players, intensify rivalries and make difficult away fixtures even more challenging. Al Harifi’s praise reflects the role fan culture plays in making the league’s biggest matches memorable.
Al Hilal lead, but the standings remain tight
Al Hilal currently sit top of the Saudi League table with 21 points. Al Qadsiah are second, while Al Nassr are third on 19 points, behind the second-placed side only on goal difference. The narrow gap means the standings could change quickly, and every upcoming fixture has the potential to reshape the title conversation.
Al Harifi’s prediction gives Al Hilal the edge, but Al Nassr’s recent championship success shows that the title race is far from settled. Al Qadsiah’s position also adds another dimension to the contest, preventing the season from becoming a straightforward two-team duel.
For fans searching for a Saudi Pro League prediction, the key questions are whether Al Hilal can maintain their defensive discipline, whether Summerville can deliver the influence Al Harifi expects, and which striker will emerge as the league’s most reliable scorer. The answers will unfold over the months ahead. For now, Al Hilal have the points, the squad depth and the confidence to lead the conversation—but Al Nassr and the rest of the chasing pack remain close enough to challenge that forecast.
