Facts Info Box
Everything About Al-Ahli Club:
- Founded: 1937 in Jeddah
- Location: Prince Mohammed Bin Abdulaziz Street (Tahlia), Jeddah
- League: Saudi Pro League
- Sports: 23 different sports offered
- Historic First: Hosted Maradona and Pelé
- 2025 Achievement: AFC Elite Champions League Winners
- PIF Ownership: 75% since June 2023
- Website: www.alahlifc.sa
A Club Built on History and Excellence
Al-Ahli began in 1937 when thirteen students from Al-Falah School in Jeddah formed a team. Hassan Shams and the Batterjee brothers were part of this group. Their small effort grew into one of the oldest sports institutions in the Kingdom.
The club stayed in Jeddah since its first day. Its headquarters sit on Prince Mohammed Bin Abdulaziz Street. What began as a student project became a major force in national sport.
Al-Ahli created early global moments for local fans. Maradona played at the club. Pelé played at the club. These events shaped how people viewed sport in the Kingdom and pushed young athletes to dream bigger.
A Multi-Sport Champion
Al-Ahli supports twenty-three sports.
Football, Taekwondo, Volleyball, Handball, Table tennis, Diving, Athletics, Judo, Fencing, Karate, Water polo, Basketball, Badminton, Weightlifting, Tennis, Boxing, Wrestling, Swimming, Cycling, Billiards, Darts, Chess, E-sport, Gymnastics.
In 2005, the club opened a football academy built to global standards. It won the Excellence Award at the Soccerex Global Convention. In 2006, it became the first licensed football academy in the Kingdom. In 2018, it earned ISO certification as the first academy in the Gulf region to meet global quality requirements.
The academy identifies young athletes, trains them and prepares them for long careers.
Women’s Sports Leadership
Al-Ahli supports women’s teams in football, volleyball, handball and basketball. These groups earned titles in the Women’s Handball League and the Saudi Women’s Cup. This shows steady commitment to inclusion and long-term development.
AFC Elite Champions League Victory
On May 3, 2025, Al-Ahli won the AFC Elite Champions League. It became the first club in Asia to lift the trophy. The team beat Kawasaki 2-0 at Al-Inma Stadium in Jeddah.
Galeno and Franck Kessié scored the goals. Édouard Mendy earned best goalkeeper. Roberto Firmino earned best player. Coach Matthias Jaissle led the team through the tournament.
The club earned a USD 12 million prize and qualified for the 2029 FIFA Club World Cup. It also secured places in the 2026 Confederations Cup and the 2026 AFC Elite Champions League.
International Stars at Al-Ahli
The first team includes Riyad Mahrez, Roberto Firmino and Édouard Mendy. Ivan Toney and Franck Kessié also represent the club. These players bring strong experience and lift performance across the squad.
National Recognition
On July 3, 2009, King Abdullah Bin Abdulaziz honored Al-Ahli with the title “Ambassador of the Nation.” The club received the Shield for Sport Excellence for its long service to national sport.
Future Under PIF Ownership
In June 2023, the Ministry of Sport confirmed that the Public Investment Fund holds a seventy-five percent share. A nonprofit group holds the remaining twenty-five percent. This shift brings structured investment and long-term planning.
Final Note
Al-Ahli reflects the history and future of sport in the Kingdom. From hosting global legends to winning major titles, the club built a record that influences millions. With twenty-three sports, a strong academy, international players and active women’s programs, it continues to drive national progress and set new standards.
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