Darwin Nunez marked his return to regular first-team football with two goals for Al-Diriyah against Al Ettifaq, while revealing the personal cost of a difficult six-month spell at Al Hilal.
The Uruguay international scored twice in Saturday’s Saudi Pro League fourth-round match, a performance that carried particular significance after a prolonged period away from consistent competitive action.
Nunez joined Al Hilal during the summer 2025 transfer window with expectations that he would become one of the club’s leading attacking players. However, he struggled to establish himself in the starting line-up and his involvement gradually declined.
After being removed from the team’s main plans, he was moved to Al Hilal’s Asian squad only about six months after arriving at the club, known as “The Boss”.
The situation worsened at the start of the new season under Italian manager Simone Inzaghi. Nunez eventually left Al Hilal on loan for Al-Diriyah, seeking regular football and the opportunity to rebuild his career.
That chance arrived against Al Ettifaq, where his two goals provided an immediate indication of what he can offer when given consistent playing time.
Speaking to Saudi broadcaster Thamanya after the match, Nunez said returning to football mattered more to him than the goals themselves because it restored a feeling he had been missing for a long period.
“First of all, I am very happy to be back playing football. The past six months at Al Hilal were very difficult for me and my family because I was unable to play matches,” said the Uruguay striker.
He then explained that the impact of his lack of football extended beyond his professional life.
“Honestly, I would not wish for anyone to go through an experience like mine, because in the end we are all players who want to compete, play and enjoy what we do,” Nunez added.
His comments highlighted that the problem was not limited to selection or match fitness. Being kept away from competition for such a long period also affected his family and life away from the pitch, despite his arrival at Al Hilal having been accompanied by a major reputation and high expectations.
Nunez nevertheless made clear that he believes the most difficult part of the experience is now behind him. Rather than viewing the period as the end of his career, he considers it a painful episode from which he has managed to emerge.
“Now I have overcome that difficult period. I thank my family because they stood by me and did not allow me to fall during that difficult time, but I always say: after the storm, the sun will shine,” he said.
The two-goal display for Al-Diriyah gives Nunez a first opportunity to restore his confidence and regain momentum after months on the margins at Al Hilal.
