Al Hilal are on the verge of making history in the Saudi Pro League this season, but not necessarily the kind they want. The question now is whether they can avoid repeating a painful chapter from the past — the only time a team went an entire league campaign without a single defeat and still ended up losing the title.
That story belongs to Al Ahli, who in the 1977–78 season finished the Saudi league unbeaten but still finished as runners-up. It remains the only such case in the history of the competition. Now, with Al Hilal still undefeated after 27 rounds in the 2025–26 season, the same scenario is looming.
Al Hilal have won 22 matches and drawn five so far, collecting 71 points. But that has not been enough to top the table. Al Ittihad, their fierce rivals, sit above them with 75 points, having won 24 games and lost just three. The gap is four points with three rounds remaining.
The situation has sparked debate among fans and analysts. Many are asking whether Al Hilal can avoid becoming the second team in Saudi history to go unbeaten and still miss out on the league crown.
Back in 1978, Al Ahli finished the season without a loss but saw the title go to Al Nassr, who had a superior points tally. That season had a different format, but the outcome left a mark on Saudi football history. Al Ahli’s unbeaten record counted for little in the end.
Now, Al Hilal find themselves in a similar position. Their form has been consistent, but Al Ittihad have been relentless. The title race is not over yet, but the math is clear: Al Hilal need Al Ittihad to drop points in at least one of the remaining matches to have a realistic chance.
Al Hilal’s next fixture is against Al Shabab, followed by a clash with Al Fateh and then a final-round meeting with Al Wehda. Al Ittihad, meanwhile, face Al Khaleej, Al Raed, and Al Taawoun. Every match carries enormous weight.
If Al Hilal do finish the season unbeaten but still second, they will join Al Ahli as the only team in Saudi top-flight history to suffer that fate. It is a record no club wants to hold, but one that is now dangerously close to becoming reality.
The coming weeks will decide whether Al Hilal can rewrite the ending — or whether history repeats itself in the cruellest way possible.
