Manchester City’s quest for international glory came crashing to an end in dramatic fashion as Saudi giants Al Hilal edged out the European champions 4–3 after extra time in a pulsating Club World Cup encounter at Camping World Stadium in Orlando.
The result marks yet another continental disappointment for Pep Guardiola’s side, who were strong favourites heading into the tie but ultimately fell short on the global stage once again. It also casts fresh doubts over City’s recent trajectory, following a season already stained by failure in the FA Cup Final and a Champions League semifinal exit.
Tied 2–2 after 90 minutes—thanks to goals from Marcos Leonardo and Malcom for Al Hilal and Erling Haaland and Phil Foden for City—the match was a gripping contest throughout. In extra time, Kalidou Koulibaly’s towering header restored the Saudi side’s lead before Foden struck again to level matters.
But in the 113th minute, it was Leonardo—clinical and unrelenting—who settled the tie with his second goal of the night, sending Al Hilal into the quarterfinals where they will meet Copa Libertadores champions Fluminense.
For Manchester City, the elimination is a bitter pill. Despite fielding a strong lineup, they struggled to contain a fearless and energetic Al Hilal side, whose pace and purpose caused consistent problems. Guardiola’s men lacked defensive composure and failed to dictate the tempo, even with the technical dominance usually synonymous with the club’s style.
The shock defeat now forms part of a broader and more troubling narrative. City, after dominating domestically and in Europe, are facing renewed scrutiny after a campaign with no international silverware and repeated failures in clutch moments.
In contrast, Al Hilal’s triumph was a statement performance. Managed by Jorge Jesus and boasting a squad featuring marquee talents like Malcom, Rúben Neves and Koulibaly, the Saudi champions played with ambition and belief, showing they are far more than just a footballing sideshow. This victory over City solidifies their growing reputation as serious contenders on the world stage.
“It’s a historic night,” said one member of the Al Hilal camp after the final whistle. And indeed it was—a seismic result that adds another memorable chapter to the Club World Cup, and leaves Manchester City facing an uncomfortable off-season of reflection.
As 2025 progresses, the narrative surrounding Guardiola’s City has undeniably shifted—from an era of dominance to a moment of reckoning. For a club that’s grown used to winning everything, they now close the campaign with far more questions than trophies.