Honoring Prince Talal bin Mansour: Generations of Al Ittihad celebrate the late icon
The organizing committee for the tribute ceremony honoring the late Prince Talal bin Mansour – may God have mercy on him – has finalized all preparations for the grand event eagerly awaited by Al-Ittihad fans. This was announced during a meeting held at the home of the event's general supervisor, Bader Amr, who is also the president and founder of the "Ajyal Al-Ittihad" group, the initiator of the tribute. The meeting was attended by a number of prominent Al-Ittihad figures, including Engineer Abdullah Bakr, the group's honorary president and a key figure who knew the late prince, as well as veteran journalist Farid Mukhlis, Captain Talal Sunbul, director Musfir Al-Maliki (who directed the documentary film chronicling Prince Talal bin Mansour's life), Abdullah Falatah (head of the media committee), and Dr. Adel Al-Mardi (supervisor of the special publication for this occasion).
During their final meeting, the organizers ensured that all aspects of the ceremony were ready and presented in a manner befitting the honoree's stature and illustrious history. Attendees were shown the final rehearsal and the details of the accompanying art exhibition, a cultural and sporting first, featuring 32 paintings and murals created by 36 artists, who expressed their love and appreciation for this great figure through their art.
This tribute holds special significance that transcends the mere celebratory occasion, given the historical stature Prince Talal bin Mansour occupies in the hearts of Al-Ittihad fans and the Saudi sports community at large. The late prince was not simply a club president; he was known as a "symbol" and a "savior," his name inextricably linked to a pivotal period in Al-Ittihad's history. He assumed the presidency during a turbulent time when the club, nicknamed "The Dean," was grappling with financial and administrative crises that nearly brought it to its knees. He was the bulwark and the primary supporter who restored the club's balance and prestige, laying the foundation for the era of championships and glory that followed his tenure.
This event, to be held in one of Jeddah's grand halls, reflects the deeply rooted values of loyalty within the Al-Ittihad family. The ceremony connects the past and present by featuring different generations of the club's various sports teams, not just football. The integration of visual art with sports in this event underscores the cultural and social impact of sporting icons in the Kingdom and demonstrates how sports can serve as a platform for artistic expression and commemoration.
The ceremony is scheduled to include a documentary video showcasing highlights from the life of Prince Talal bin Mansour, and his notable stances that contributed to the overwhelming popularity of Al Ittihad. This tribute will serve as a message of thanks and appreciation from the "Generations of Al Ittihad" to a man who dedicated his life and money to serving the eighty-year-old entity.
