Sebastian Giovinco was the best thing to ever happen to Toronto FC. After eight years of fruitless existence in MLS, the Italian’s arrival heralded the beginning of a golden era for the club, culminating in a 2017 MLS Cup and Supporters’ Shield double and a heartbreaking shootout defeat to Chivas in the CONCACAF Champions League final.
There was something quintessentially MLS about his departure as well. The 2015 MVP and four-time All-Star selection burned brighter than anything the league had ever seen before, and then he acrimoniously exited out the back door for Al Hilal of the Saudi Pro League.
Giovinco maintained that he wanted to finish his career in Toronto but couldn’t come to terms with TFC general manager Ali Curtis. What we know is that Giovinco was making just over $7 million during his final season with Toronto while his earnings in Saudi Arabia amount to $11.5 million per year.
You could now make the argument that Toronto was justified in letting him go. The club missed the playoffs in 2018 (Giovinco’s final season), while his goalscoring totals had steadily dropped from 22 to 17 to 16 to 13. What’s more, Toronto rebounded in 2019 — again advancing to the MLS Cup final — while Alejandro Pozuelo posted similar numbers at less than half the price ($3.8 million).
After playing his final match for Toronto on Oct. 28, 2018, Giovinco made his Al Hilal debut on Feb. 12, 2019. His first season saw him lift the AFC Champions League while contributing with two goals and four assists in 13 games. He briefly returned to our TV screens last December when playing against Flamengo and Monterrey in the FIFA Club World Cup, where Al Hilal finished fourth.
His stats in the Saudi Pro League also justify Toronto’s decision, as Giovinco’s clearly not the force he was five years ago. However, even at the age of 33, the “Atomic Ant” still has a penchant for the spectacular.
In 19 league appearances this season before play was suspended, Giovinco had scored six goals and provided seven assists. Here are all six of the goals he’s scored, and in true Giovinco fashion, five of them are from outside the area.
Sebastian Giovinco Al Hilal Goals 2019-20
#1. Free Kick From 22 Yards Out
#2. Nice Turn And Finish
#3. Free Kick From 25 Yards Out
#4. Ridiculous Volley From 18 Yards
#5. Two Assists And 20-Yard Strike
#6. Nice Finish From Top Of The Box
He’s got a pretty interesting team alongside former Swansea City striker Bafétimbi Gomis, Porto midfielder Carlos Eduardo, Flamengo midfielder Gustavo Cuéllar, Watford winger André Carrillo and banned South Korea international Jang Hyun-soo.
