AFC President salutes Al Ahli Saudi FC on historic back-to-back triumph

Sun, 26 Apr, 2026

AFC President salutes Al Ahli Saudi FC on historic back-to-back triumph

Jeddah: Asian Football Confederation (AFC) President Shaikh Salman bin Ebrahim Al Khalifa has praised Al Ahli Saudi FC for successfully defending their AFC Champions League Elite™ (ACL Elite) crown after the West Asians defeated FC Machida Zelvia 1-0 in a riveting Final on Saturday.

With this landmark victory, Al Ahli Saudi secured their place in Asian football history by becoming only the second club in the competition's modern era to claim back-to-back titles, emulating the historic feat of their Jeddah cross-town rivals, Al-Ittihad Club, who achieved consecutive triumphs in 2004 and 2005.

Al Ahli Saudi savour glory again

Sun, 26 Apr, 2026

Al Ahli Saudi savour glory again

Jeddah: Substitute Feras Al Brikan struck six minutes into extra time to earn 10-man Al Ahli Saudi FC a 1-0 win over FC Machida Zelvia on Saturday as the Saudi Pro League side retained their title at the AFC Champions League Elite Finals Jeddah 2026™.

Al Brikan hit the winner from close range after Matthias Jaissle’s side had seen Zakaria Hawsawi sent off in the 68th minute and the title holders were forced to battle on against the Japanese side.

Victory means Al Ahli are the first team to retain the title since cross-Jeddah rivals Al Ittihad Club won the second of their two AFC Champions League crowns in 2005 by defeating Al Ain FC of the United Arab Emirates.

Al Ahli’s Kessie named Most Valuable Player

Sun, 26 Apr, 2026

Al Ahli’s Kessie named Most Valuable Player

Jeddah: Franck Kessie was named the Most Valuable Player of the AFC Champions League Elite Finals Jeddah 2026™ after helping Al Ahli Saudi FC defend their title with a 1-0 extra time win against FC Machida Zelvia in the final on Saturday.

The Ivory Coast international carried his impressive form into the final, commanding the midfield with authority and had Al Ahli in total control throughout the match.

Al Sadd’s Mujica wins Top Goalscorer

Sun, 26 Apr, 2026

Al Sadd’s Mujica wins Top Goalscorer

Jeddah: Rafael Mujica secured the Top Scorer award of the AFC Champions League Elite 2025/26™ after netting eight goals for Qatar’s Al Sadd SC.

The Spaniard’s goals played a major part in Al Sadd reaching the quarter-finals.

Machida’s Tani earns Best Goalkeeper honour

Sun, 26 Apr, 2026

Machida’s Tani earns Best Goalkeeper honour

Jeddah: Kosei Tani was named the Best Goalkeeper of the AFC Champions League Elite 2025/26™ after a sterling campaign where he played a pivotal role in FC Machida Zelvia reaching the final.

Despite Saturday’s 1-0 extra time defeat in the final to Saudi Arabia’s Al Ahli Saudi FC, Tani’s contributions and performance did not go unnoticed in the Japan side’s debut continental outing.