Saudi Al-Nassr begins league campaign with a match against Al-Fateh

Saudi club Al Hilal announced the signing of Dutch national team striker Christian Rasmussen, arriving from English club West Ham United. Al Hilal revealed the deal through an official statement on its X platform, stating: “The Dutchman Rasmussen is now an Al Hilal player for four years.” It added: “10 o’clock by Kingdom time... all roads lead to Al Hilal, a new winger in the commander’s ranks.” It further noted: “The moon’s light has appeared... the flying Dutchman is at Al Hilal.”

Al Hilal’s signing of Rasmussen follows his impressive performances with his national team at the 2026 World Cup, where he scored two goals—his international debut goals—in six matches, along with two assists in four matches.

Meanwhile, the Saudi Professional League announced the fixture schedule for the 2026-2027 season, which kicks off on August 13 and concludes on May 29, 2027. The schedule comprises 306 matches spread across 34 rounds. The league revealed the dates for the first six rounds and released the full calendar. Defending champions Al Nassr will begin their campaign against Al Fateh, while Al Hilal will face Al Fayha. Al Ahli will play against Diriyah, and Al Ittihad will take on Al Khaleej. Al Qadsiah will face Al Shabab.

The third round will feature one of the strongest clashes, with Al Hilal facing Al Ahli. The fifth round will host the classic derby between Al Ittihad and Al Nassr, while the eighth round will see the summit clash between Al Hilal and Al Ittihad, followed by a match between Al Ahli and Al Nassr. Sports fans will look forward to the Jeddah derby between Al Ittihad and Al Ahli in the 15th round, and the capital derby between Al Nassr and Al Hilal in the 17th round.

The second round will mark the first appearance of major clubs in the Eastern Region, with Al Ittihad facing Al Qadsiah. Al Nassr will visit Al Ettifaq in the third round, Al Hilal will play against Al Ghrafa in the fourth round, and Al Ahli will face Al Qadsiah in the sixth round.