Renan Lodi Leaves Al Hilal After Sudden Contract Termination

Renan Lodi has left Al Hilal. He decided to end his contract immediately. The Brazilian defender’s exit comes only months after he joined the Saudi club.

WHAT HAPPENED?

Al Hilal‘s manager said Renan Lodi chose to leave the team right away. Lodi told the club his decision through his lawyers, ending his contract two years early. The main reason was that Al Hilal did not register him for the 2025-26 Saudi Pro League season. This was reportedly due to foreign player quotas. Lodi is now back in Brazil. The club said it was sad to see him go and noted his good work at the Club World Cup and his professionalism while with the team. As reported, Lodi has officially ended his contract with Al Hilal and returned to Brazil sourcing from recent updates.

STATE OF THE TEAM AND PLAYER

Al Hilal are starting the new Saudi Pro League season as favorites. They were runner-ups in 2024-25. Lodi joined the team before the campaign. Still, he did not become a regular player and was not on the domestic squad list. The coaching staff praised his work in the Club World Cup, but he played only a little in the league. The club chose other foreign players over him, so Lodi was not on the squad registration. This led him to end his contract.

WHAT COMES NEXT?

Al Hilal will keep playing in the Saudi Pro League. They next face Al Ahli. Al Ahli are third in the standings, while Al Hilal are first by two points. The team must adjust quickly after Lodi’s exit. Lodi is now in Brazil. He is likely to find a new club soon. He could return to a Brazilian team or look for opportunities in Europe. Al Hilal’s management will explore legal options regarding the contract’s end. Their next games will show if the team can adapt without him as they try to defend their league title, aiming to reclaim the title they held in the 2023-24 season as they strengthen their squad for this ambition.