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.

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.

Donis takes charge of Saudi Arabia

Fri, 24 Apr, 2026

Donis takes charge of Saudi Arabia

Jeddah: Georgios Donis has been appointed as the new head coach of Saudi Arabia, the Saudi Arabian Football Federation (SAFF) has announced.

The Greek takes over from Frenchman Herve Renard, with Saudi Arabia to open their FIFA World Cup 2026 campaign against Uruguay on June 15.

Double desire for Al Nassr’s Coman, Jesus

Thu, 23 Apr, 2026

Double desire for Al Nassr’s Coman, Jesus

Dubai: Forward Kingsley Coman and head coach Jorge Jesus are keeping their focus firmly on the big prizes after Al Nassr Club booked their spot in the AFC Champions League Two 2025/26™ final with an emphatic 5-1 win against Al Ahli SC on Wednesday.

Hat-trick hero Coman is determined that the climax to Al Nassr’s season will be by celebrating triumphs in the Saudi Pro League AFC Champions League Two, with Jesus emphasising that there will be no let up by his side in their pursuit of double glory.