In an exceptional gesture reflecting the team spirit and solidarity among the stars of Al-Ahli Saudi FC, Senegalese goalkeeper Edouard Mendy and Turkish defender Merih Demiral insisted on contributing to the cost of the luxury watches that their Algerian teammate Riyad Mahrez gifted to his teammates. This initiative came in celebration of the team's historic achievement in winning the AFC Champions League title, following their hard-fought 1-0 victory over Japan's Machida Zelvia in the final at King Abdullah Sports City Stadium in Jeddah.
Background of the event: A celebration in a spirit of community
The story began with an initiative from Riyad Mahrez, who decided to reward his teammates for their tremendous efforts throughout the season, culminating in the coveted Asian title. However, Mendy and Demiral refused to let Mahrez bear the entire cost alone, insisting on contributing to the gifts themselves. They emphasized that the achievement was the result of collective effort and that the joy should be shared in every aspect. This gesture was widely appreciated both within and outside the club, demonstrating the remarkable harmony and cohesion within the team, which boasts a constellation of international stars.
General context: Al-Ahly in a new era of brilliance
This stance comes amidst a historic transformation of the Saudi Professional League, which has attracted some of the brightest names in the world of football. Al-Ahli is one of the leading clubs that has bolstered its ranks with top-class stars such as Mahrez, Mendy, Demiral, Firmino, and others. These signings were not only aimed at raising the technical level but also at building a professional mentality and a winning culture within the team. This initiative is tangible proof of the administration's success in creating a cohesive, family-like environment, which has directly impacted the team's performance on the field, enabling them to win three titles in the last two seasons, including the AFC Champions League and the Saudi Super Cup.
Importance and expected impact
Locally, this incident reinforces the positive image of Al-Ahli as an institution that relies not only on individual skills but also on the strength of its team and its collective spirit. Regionally and internationally, such human interest stories contribute to enhancing the image of the Saudi League, confirming that it has become an attractive environment for stars, not only financially, but also in terms of its professional and positive atmosphere. This initiative received widespread interaction from Al-Ahli fans on social media platforms, who praised the spirit of harmony and family atmosphere within the team, considering it the secret to recent successes and a springboard for more championships in the future.
