The global website “OneFootball” highlighted the exceptional role played by the fans of Al-Ahli Saudi Club in their team’s journey towards winning the AFC Champions League title for the second time in a row, in a historic achievement that was described as not having been achieved without the legendary fan support that the report considered “the 12th player”.
Historical background: A passion passed down through generations
Al-Ahli Saudi FC, one of the giants of Saudi football, is known for its rich history and vast fan base, nicknamed "The Madmen" for their immense passion and unparalleled loyalty. This passion is not a recent phenomenon, but rather a legacy spanning decades, with Al-Ahli fans consistently playing a vital role in the club's achievements. They transform stadiums into veritable green and white fortresses, chanting with fervor and creating stunning "tifo" displays that captivate audiences worldwide. With the significant development of the Saudi Professional League and its attraction of international stars, the fans' role has become even more crucial in enhancing the global image of Saudi football.
OneFootball Report: Global Testimony to the Power of Al Ahly's Stand
Under the striking headline “The 12th Player: How Al-Ahli’s Fans Led the Club to Repeat Asian Glory?”, the website published a detailed report confirming that the massive fan presence at the team’s stadium in Jeddah was a decisive factor in their championship run. The report quoted the team’s coach, Mathias Jäsle, as saying that playing in front of such a large crowd was one of the most important keys to success, adding, “The fans’ support gave the players extra energy that contributed to achieving this historic title.” The report concluded that the team “would not have reached this achievement without its fans.”.
The Journey to the Championship: A Story of Unwavering Support
The report reviewed the pivotal moments in the Asian team's journey, starting with their match against Qatar's Al-Duhail in the Round of 16, followed by their comeback victory against Malaysia's Johor Darul Ta'zim in the quarterfinals, and culminating in the thrilling semifinal against Japan's Vissel Kobe. The report highlighted the increasing fan attendance at each stage, exceeding 40,000 in the quarterfinals, approaching 45,000 in the semifinals, and peaking at nearly 60,000 spectators in the final – a scene the report described as "a stadium energy that propelled the team to a state of near-air.".
Impact and importance: Strengthening identity locally and globally
The impact of this support extends beyond simply winning the championship; it solidifies Al-Ahli's position as a formidable footballing force both regionally and internationally. Domestically, this achievement enhances the club's prestige in the fiercely competitive Saudi League. Regionally, it reaffirms Al-Ahli's Asian dominance. Internationally, these fans present a vibrant example of Saudi Arabia's rich football culture, increasing the appeal of the Saudi League to viewers and investors worldwide and demonstrating that the football experience in the Kingdom transcends the pitch, encompassing a unique and passionate fan base. This passion was evident in the giant tifos displayed by the fans, most notably the "Elite Orbit" tifo, which embodied the club's ambition to reach a new level of success.
The report emphasized that the support remained unwavering even in the most difficult circumstances, quoting the team's top scorer, Firas Al-Buraikan, who stressed that the fans were crucial even when the team was down to ten men. The report concluded with comments from sporting director Rui Pedro Braz, who said, "This achievement wouldn't have been possible without the fans," to which coach Jacele reiterated, "I'm speechless... I'm incredibly happy.".
