In a scene reflecting the passion of Saudi football and the rich history of its clubs, Al-Ahli Saudi fans have secured the top spot in attendance for the current season of the Saudi Professional League, surpassing all competing clubs up to the end of the 24th round. This numerical superiority is not a coincidence, but rather a testament to the unwavering loyalty of the "madmen" – as Al-Ahli fans affectionately call themselves – to their team in all circumstances.
Numbers speak louder than words: Al Ahly dominates the stands race
According to official statistics, Al-Ahli's stands recorded a massive attendance of 296,745 fans , placing the team in first place. This figure narrowly edged out their city rivals, Al-Ittihad, to second place with 293,175 fans . This close competition reflects the intense rivalry in the historic Jeddah derby, not only on the pitch but also in the stands.
In the remaining positions, Al-Hilal (the Leader) came in third with a total attendance of 236,135 fans , followed by Al-Nassr (the Global) in fourth place with 205,616 fans . The positive surprise was Al-Fateh, whose fans secured fifth place with an attendance of 107,265 , reflecting the growing fan base of Al-Ahsa clubs.
King Abdullah Sports City Stadium and its impact on attendance
King Abdullah Sports City Stadium in Jeddah (The Shining Jewel) plays a pivotal role in boosting these figures, with a capacity of over 60,000 spectators. This gives Jeddah's two giants, Al-Ahli and Al-Ittihad, a relative advantage in accommodating large crowds compared to some other stadiums. Matches between the two teams are considered fan carnivals, characterized by the "tifos" and chants that have become a hallmark of the Saudi league, attracting the attention of fans from around the world.
Impact of fan attendance on the strength of the league
This intense fan competition aligns perfectly with the transformative shift Saudi sports are undergoing as part of Vision 2030, attracting top international stars. Large crowds not only inject excitement into the matches but also serve as a cornerstone for increasing the league's market value and boosting television broadcasting and sponsorship revenues. Al-Ahli's dominance in this regard since its return to the professional league proves that relying on the fans is always a winning strategy, and that the Saudi league now possesses all the attributes of major international leagues, both technically and in terms of fan support.
