Al-Qadisiyah, champions of the U18 league... a golden generation making history
In another achievement adding to its impressive record in youth football, Al-Qadisiyah's under-18 team clinched the Saudi Premier League title for their age group. This victory came after an exceptional season in which the team displayed high levels of skill and consistent performance, deservedly securing the championship. The coronation ceremony was attended by Saudi Arabian Football Federation member Nazih Al-Nasr, Competitions Committee member Faisal Al-Khunaifer, Al-Qadisiyah Club Chairman Bader Al-Ruziza, and CEO James Besgrove, who presented the players with the championship trophy and gold medals.
This official coronation came after the team secured the title three rounds before the end of the competition, confirming their superiority and dominance throughout the tournament. The team concluded their season with a well-deserved 2-0 victory over Al-Hilal in the 33rd round, with goals scored by the promising young stars Fahad Al-Shammari and Rakan Majrashi, providing a fitting end to a triumphant run.
Context of the achievement and its importance to Saudi football
This achievement comes at a time when Saudi football is witnessing a qualitative leap at all levels, supported by a clear strategy from the Saudi Arabian Football Federation to develop youth categories, which are considered the cornerstone of the future of the national teams. The Saudi Premier League for youth categories (under 17, 18, and 19) is a vital platform for honing talent and preparing it for professional competitions, and Al-Qadisiyah's victory is a testament to the success of the work system within the club, which has a long and distinguished history of producing stars for Saudi football.
Record numbers and a golden generation
Al-Qadisiyah's title win was no fluke; it was the result of tireless work reflected in record-breaking statistics. The team finished the season at the top of the league table with 84 points, earned from 33 matches, achieving 27 wins, 3 draws, and only 3 losses. Not only that, but the team also boasted the strongest attack in the league, scoring 94 goals, and the strongest defense, conceding only 14 goals, demonstrating a remarkable balance between attack and defense. Furthermore, Fahad Al-Shammari emerged as the team's top scorer with 19 goals.
This generation of players born in 2007 at Al-Qadisiyah Club is considered a golden generation by all standards, as it succeeded in achieving the title of the Saudi Premier League under 17 years old last season, and continued its brilliance this season and won the title of the 18 years old League, in a clear confirmation of the quality of the technical work and continuous development within the club’s academy.
The impact of achievement on national teams
This team is a vital source of talent for the Saudi national teams, with 14 of its players participating in various youth national team camps this season. This significant presence of Al-Qadisiyah players reflects the scale of the work being done within the academy and the club's growing role in developing talent capable of representing the "Green Falcons" in the future, and contributing to achieving the goals of the Kingdom's Vision 2030 in the sports sector. The success of teams like Al-Qadisiyah at the youth level ensures a continuous flow of talent to the first team and national teams, promising a bright future for Saudi football on both the regional and international stages.
