For the fans in Jeddah, May 3, 2025, was more than just another game night. It was the moment a dream turned into history. Al-Ahli Saudi FC, a club with decades of ambition and heartbreak, finally stood tall as champions of Asia, winning the inaugural AFC Champions League Elite title with a 2-0 victory over Kawasaki Frontale of Japan.
This wasn’t just another trophy. This was redemption, resilience, and a fresh beginning.
What the New AFC Champions League Elite Means
The 2024-25 season introduced a new era in Asian club football. The AFC Champions League Elite replaced the older format, trimming the number of teams to 24 and dividing them by East and West regions. Each team played eight matches within their region in a league format. The top eight advanced to the knockouts.
Starting from the quarter-finals, matches were held in centralized locations. This year, Saudi Arabia hosted the final stages, with Jeddah’s King Abdullah Sports City as the venue for the championship clash. This new system highlighted quality over quantity, pushing clubs to prove themselves against top-tier opponents from day one.
Al-Ahli’s Journey to the Title
Three years ago, Al-Ahli faced relegation. Now, they’re champions of the continent. Their path to the title was as commanding as it was emotional.
In the Round of 16, they beat Qatar’s Al-Rayyan 5-1 on aggregate. Then came Buriram United in the quarter-final, a 3-0 sweep. The semi-final was the real test: a clash with four-time champions Al-Hilal. But Al-Ahli delivered with a 3-1 win that sent a message across Asia. They were here to take it all.
The Final Showdown in Jeddah
A crowd of 58,281 watched as Al-Ahli took on Kawasaki Frontale. From the first whistle, the energy was electric. Brazilian winger Galeno scored the opener, assisted by Roberto Firmino. Then came the second. A crisp finish from Franck Kessié, also set up by Firmino.
Edouard Mendy guarded the net with calm and confidence, sealing a clean sheet. His performance earned him the Best Goalkeeper award of the tournament.
Stars Who Carried Al-Ahli to the AFC Champions League Final
Roberto Firmino was the heartbeat of Al-Ahli’s success. With 6 goals and 7 assists, he walked away with the Best Player of the tournament. But it wasn’t just about stats. His leadership, composure, and ability to step up in big moments set the tone for the entire squad.
Salem Al-Dawsari, a consistent force up front, finished the tournament as top scorer with 10 goals. Riyad Mahrez and Ivan Toney brought Premier League experience, adding layers of depth to the attack. Every pass, every goal, every tackle was part of something bigger. A team finally finding its rhythm on the biggest stage.
Coach Jaissle’s Tactical Mastery
German coach Matthias Jaissle, only 37, guided Al-Ahli with a clear vision. His system used wide full-backs, central overloads, and fast vertical transitions. He built the team around players who complemented each other perfectly—Firmino’s creativity, Toney’s movement, Mahrez’s delivery, and Gabi Veiga’s control in midfield.
What made it special? Just three seasons ago, this team wasn’t in the top division. Under Jaissle, they not only bounced back from the setback, they soared.
A Win That Meant More
This wasn’t Al-Ahli’s first time on the brink. They had been to the final in 1986 and 2012. Both times, they fell short. This win erased those memories and rewrote their story.
It also marked Saudi Arabia’s growing influence in Asian football. Al-Ahli became the third Saudi team to win the title, joining Al-Hilal and Al-Ittihad. Their victory brought the AFC crown back to Jeddah and added to the Kingdom’s growing football legacy.
Celebration That Took Over the Streets
After the final whistle, Jeddah lit up. Green flags waved from balconies. Horns echoed down the Corniche. Fans celebrated into the night, their chants rising with pride.
In the locker room, emotions ran high. Firmino was teary-eyed. Jaissle embraced his staff. The message was clear: this win belonged to everyone who believed, even when times were hard.
What Comes Next for Al-Ahli
Winning the AFC Champions League Elite title opened several doors. Al-Ahli will now represent Asia in the 2025 Intercontinental Cup and have secured a spot in the expanded 2029 FIFA Club World Cup. They’ll also return to defend their AFC title in the 2025-26 season.
These are the chances that build a legacy.
From Setback to Stardom
Al-Ahli’s AFC Champions League Elite win is more than a milestone. It’s a message. To their fans, to their critics, to every club that’s fallen and wondered if they could rise again.
In the heart of Jeddah, in front of tens of thousands, a team that once tasted relegation climbed to the top of Asia. They played with belief, battled with heart, and showed that with the right mix of vision and courage, anything is possible.
Al-Ahli wins AFC Champions League Elite title. And with that, they’ve claimed their place in history.
FAQs
Who did Al-Ahli defeat to win the AFC Champions League Elite title?
Al-Ahli defeated Japan’s Kawasaki Frontale 2-0 in the final to win their first-ever AFC Champions League Elite title.
When did Al-Ahli win the AFC Champions League Elite final?
Al-Ahli secured their historic victory on May 3, 2025, at King Abdullah Sports City in Jeddah during the AFC Champions League final.
How did Al-Ahli perform throughout the AFC Champions League Elite tournament?
Al-Ahli went undefeated throughout the tournament, beating top teams like Al-Rayyan, Buriram United, and Al-Hilal on their way to the final.
Who were the top players in Al-Ahli’s AFC Champions League victory?
Key players included Roberto Firmino, who was named Best Player, Franck Kessié, Edouard Mendy as Best Goalkeeper, and Salem Al-Dawsari, the tournament’s top scorer.
What is the significance of Al-Ahli’s AFC Champions League Elite win?
This was Al-Ahli’s first continental title and made them the inaugural champions of the newly rebranded AFC Champions League Elite format.
What happens next for Al-Ahli after winning the AFC Champions League Elite?
Their victory qualifies them for both the 2025 FIFA Intercontinental Cup and the expanded 2029 FIFA Club World Cup.
How can I watch Al-Ahli vs Kawasaki Frontale match highlights?
Highlights of the AFC final between Al-Ahli and Kawasaki Frontale are available on sports platforms like beIN Sports and YouTube.
