A surprising turn of events has sidelined Darwin Nunez from regular Saudi Pro League action. The talented forward, once a key figure, now finds himself in a precarious position as club rosters tighten.
The issue stems from strict regulations limiting Saudi Pro League teams to just eight foreign players over the age of 21. A recent influx of high-profile signings has created intense competition for those coveted spots.
Among the new arrivals is French superstar Karim Benzema, whose presence immediately impacted the squad composition. He joins a formidable group of international players already registered for league play.
This elite group includes fellow Frenchman Theo Hernandez, Brazilians Marcos Leonardo and Malcom, Portuguese midfielder Rúben Neves, Serbian Sergej Milinkovic-Davis, Senegalese defender Kalidou Koulibaly, and Moroccan goalkeeper Yassine Bounou.
Despite being excluded from the Pro League roster, Nunez isn’t entirely without opportunities. He remains eligible to compete in the prestigious AFC Champions League Elite, offering a vital pathway to game time.
In fact, both Nunez and teammate Pablo Mari recently featured in Al Hilal’s starting lineup against Shabab Al Ahli in the Champions League, playing to a goalless draw. Al Hilal boasts a rich history in the competition, having won the title four times, though their last victory dates back to 2021.
Pablo Mari, who previously played for Arsenal and Manchester City, joined Al Hilal on a short-term contract earlier this year. He, like Nunez, now relies on Champions League appearances to maintain match fitness.
The situation is particularly concerning for Nunez with the World Cup looming this summer. Uruguay is drawn into a challenging Group H alongside Spain, Cape Verde, and the tournament’s host nation, Saudi Arabia.
Even a deep run in the AFC Champions League – all the way to the final – would only guarantee Nunez a maximum of six additional club matches before the World Cup begins, potentially impacting his chances of securing a starting role for his national team.
The competitive landscape in the Saudi Pro League has dramatically shifted, leaving talented players like Nunez facing an uncertain future as they strive to remain in contention for both club and country.
