How Darwin Nunez sent a message to Al Hilal owner after scoring a brace

Riyadh, Saudi Arabia – Darwin Nunez’s brace in Al Hilal’s latest Asian Champions League fixture did more than keep the club’s unbeaten continental record intact; it served as a pointed reminder of his worth delivered directly to the man who ultimately decides his future.

The Uruguayan, signed after a turbulent spell as Liverpool’s record transfer, converted both chances inside a frenetic opening hour to secure a result that maintains the Saudi giants’ perfect start in the competition. Yet it was the aftermath of his second strike that ignited post-match discussion inside the Kingdom Arena.

Rather than wheeling away in customary celebration, Nunez paused, turned, and fixed a steady, unsmiling gaze toward the executive seating area occupied by Al Hilal’s owner. The deliberate look, held for several seconds before any embrace with teammates, carried an unmistakable air of intent amid growing scrutiny over his place in the squad.

Context magnified the moment. Since Karim Benzema’s high-profile arrival from city rivals Al Ittihad, Nunez has seen his starting opportunities diminish and his role redefined within a retooled attacking unit. The 29-year-old Frenchman’s Ballon d’Or pedigree has shifted selection debates, leaving the former Liverpool forward fighting to reassert his relevance.

On Tuesday night he answered with productivity. The first goal came via a predatory finish after a cut-back from the right, while the second showcased his willingness to attack the six-yard area, steering home a rebound after the initial effort had been parried. The brace took his continental tally to four in as many group-stage matches and ensured Al Hilal remain the only side in their section yet to taste defeat.

Whether pre-meditated or spontaneous, the muted celebration ensured the spotlight lingered on Nunez. Cameras captured the sequence in real time: strike, net ripples, turn, stare. No elaborate choreography, no overtures to the crowd—just a silent declaration that performances, not politics, should dictate pecking orders.

Speaking afterward, club officials declined to interpret the gesture, insisting focus should remain on the collective result. Yet sources close to the dressing room acknowledge that competition for starting berths has intensified since Benzema’s addition, and Nunez’s mid-week statement offered a rebuttal impossible to ignore.

With the group stage nearing its midway point, Al Hilal’s momentum is undeniable. Their perfect record positions them as early favorites to lift a record-equalling fifth Asian title. For Nunez, the path back to undisputed starter remains congested, but by combining goals with a message aimed at the very top of the hierarchy, he ensured his voice—quiet as it was—echoed well beyond the final whistle.