Al-Ittihad Club, one of Saudi Arabia’s most storied football institutions, has long been a symbol of excellence in Saudi Pro League and Asian football. From legendary domestic dominance to continental glory, the Tigers of Jeddah continue to captivate fans worldwide. This in-depth profile covers their history, golden eras, current squad, and future aspirations—including their blockbuster signing of Karim Benzema.
Al-Ittihad: Club Overview
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Founded: 1927 (Oldest in Saudi Arabia)
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Nickname: The Tigers (النمور)
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Stadium: King Abdullah Sports City (62,345 capacity)
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League: Saudi Pro League
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Rivals: Al-Hilal (Saudi Clasico), Al-Ahli (Jeddah Derby)
Glory Years: Al-Ittihad’s Golden Era
Al-Ittihad’s most successful period came in the 2000s, when they dominated both Saudi football and Asia:
🏆 Saudi Pro League Titles: 9 (Last: 2022-23)
🏆 Asian Champions League: 2 (2004, 2005)
🏆 King’s Cup: 9
🌟 FIFA Club World Cup: 4th Place (2005)
Legends Who Defined the Club
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Mohammed Noor (Iconic midfielder, 500+ apps)
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Hamzah Idris (Record goalscorer in ACL 2005)
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Taisir Al-Jassim (Saudi football legend)
Current Squad & Star Players (2023-24)
Al-Ittihad made global headlines by signing Ballon d’Or winner Karim Benzema, alongside other high-profile recruits:
Key Players:
⚽ Karim Benzema (Captain, ex-Real Madrid)
⚽ N’Golo Kanté (World Cup winner, ex-Chelsea)
⚽ Fabinho (Ex-Liverpool defensive midfielder)
🇸🇦 Abderrazak Hamdallah (Pro League top scorer 2022-23)
Manager: Marcelo Gallardo (Ex-River Plate)
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Known for tactical flexibility and youth development
2023-24 Season: Title Defense & Ambitions
After winning the 2022-23 Saudi Pro League, Al-Ittihad aims to:
✅ Defend their league title (Rivals: Al-Hilal, Al-Nassr)
✅ Challenge for Asian Champions League
✅ Build a global brand with superstar signings
Recent Form (Last 5 Matches)
| Competition | Result |
|---|---|
| Saudi Pro League | [W/D/L] |
| ACL | [W/D/L] |
| King’s Cup | [Progress?] |
(Update with latest results before publishing)
Where to Watch Al-Ittihad Matches
📺 TV Broadcast:
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Saudi Arabia: SSC Sports
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USA: Fox Sports, DAZN
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UK: DAZN
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Middle East: Shahid TV
🌍 Live Stream:
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Saudi Pro League YouTube (highlights)
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FuboTV, TOD TV (select regions)
Future Vision: Saudi Football’s Rise
With PIF-backed investments, Al-Ittihad is central to Saudi Arabia’s 2030 Vision for football:
🔹 More global superstars expected to join
🔹 State-of-the-art facilities in development
🔹 Youth academy expansion to nurture Saudi talent
Why Al-Ittihad Matters in World Football
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Pioneers in Saudi football history
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Proving Middle Eastern clubs can compete globally
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Bridging Arab football with European quality
