RIYADH – February 21, 2026 | Al Hilal fans pulled off one of the most creative stadium displays of the season during Saturday’s high-stakes “Saudi Clasico” against Al-Ittihad.
The crowd at the Kingdom Arena used NBA legend Stephen Curry to send a bold message to their rivals as the league leaders looked to secure another vital victory.
Stephen Curry attends the Al-Hilal vs Al-Ittihad match in the Saudi League
In the 14th minute of the match, the Al-Hilal faithful unveiled a massive, multi-layered “Tifo” that caught the attention of social media worldwide.
- The Design: The display featured the phrase “3 POINTS” in English, which then transitioned into a portrait of Golden State Warriors superstar Stephen Curry.
- The Symbolism: Curry was depicted wearing an Al-Hilal blue jersey while performing his iconic three-point shooting motion. The message was clear: Al-Hilal aims to secure the three points of the match with the same clinical precision that Curry uses to sink his legendary long-range shots.
Early excitement in the Al-Hilal vs Al-Ittihad match
The Tifo was a reflection of the dominance Al-Hilal showed from the opening whistle. Simone Inzaghi’s men didn’t wait long to ignite the stadium:
- The Breakthrough (5th Minute): Brazilian winger Malcom gave Al-Hilal an early lead, expertly converting a pinpoint cross into the back of the net.
- Red Card Crisis (9th Minute): Al-Ittihad’s mountain became even steeper when Hassan Kadesh was sent off following a VAR review for a foul on Mohamed Kanno, leaving the visitors with 10 men early in the first half.
Saudi Pro League Standings (Live Update)
Al-Hilal entered the clash sitting comfortably at the top of the table with 53 points, and this early momentum looks set to widen the gap further between them and their chasing rivals.
| Team | Status | Key Highlight |
|---|---|---|
| Al-Hilal | 1st Place | 1-0 Lead (Malcom 5′) |
| Al-Ittihad | Struggling | Down to 10 men (Kadesh Red Card 9′) |
The “Inzaghi Era” Momentum
Under Italian manager Simone Inzaghi, Al-Hilal has transformed into a relentless machine. The integration of global sports icons like Stephen Curry into their fan culture highlights the club’s ambition to be recognized as a global footballing powerhouse.
