From Al Hilal to Al Nassr: The top 10 football clubs in the Gulf you should know in 2025
The Gulf's football scene is heating up, driven by investment, continental ambitions, and growing local passion. These ten clubs lead the charge:
1. Al‑Hilal (Saudi Arabia)
Saudi's elite club/Image: Wikipedia
Elite status:
Record 19
Saudi Pro League
titles and 11 King's Cups.
Most successful club in Asian history with 4 AFC Champions League trophies (1991, 2000, 2019, 2021)
Recently knocked Barcelona off its pedestal by beating Manchester City at the Club World Cup, showcasing the Saudi
Pro League
's rise.
Impact:
Backed by Saudi's Public Investment Fund, they're blending legacy with world-class stars like João Cancelo, Kalidou Koulibaly, Yassine Bounou, and Rúben Neves.
This strategy has transformed them into a global brand and continental benchmark.
2. Al‑Ahli (Saudi Arabia)
Recent AFC title/Image: Wikipedia
Revival story:
After being relegated in 2022, they swung back with the 2025 AFC Champions League Elite title, overcoming Japan's Kawasaki Frontale.
Key factor:
S
trong investment post-2023, landing stars like Riyad Mahrez, Roberto Firmino, and Ivan Toney; their journey 'completes a crazy journey', says coach Matthias Jaissle.
3. Al‑Ittihad (Saudi Arabia)
Jeddah's champion club/Image: Wikipedia
Champion pedigree:
Two-time AFC Champions League winners (2004, 2005)
Nine Saudi Pro League titles; current title contenders
Momentum:
Garden of strong local support and renewed ambition—set to be a major rival in continental competitions.
4. Al‑Nassr (Saudi Arabia)
Star-studded club/Image: Wikipedia
Global draw:
Nine league titles, Arab Club Champions Cup winners
Injected star power with Cristiano Ronaldo and Sadio Mané, and clinched their place in the 2025 ACL Elite quarter-finals
Regional role
:
They're a high-profile brand attracting global sponsors, but performance expectations remain high.
5. Al‑Ain (UAE)
Famous for ending unbeaten streaks/Image: Wikipedia
Domestic power:
14 UAE Pro League titles and two ACL trophies (2003, 2024)
Famous for eliminating Ronaldo's Al‑Nassr in the 2024 ACL quarter-finals ending Al‑Hilal's 34-match unbeaten streak
Legacy:
Well-structured academy, disciplined management, and consistent performance have cemented their influence.
6. Shabab Al‑Ahli (UAE)
Dubai's powerhouse club/Image: Wikipedia
Dubai's powerhouse:
Nine Pro League titles, multiple domestic cups, and an IFFHS ranking among Asia's top clubs
Influence:
Strong grassroots development, youth systems, and a fan-centric model maintain their elite status.
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7. Al‑Wasl (UAE)
Dubai's Club of the Century/Image: Wikipedia
Cultural icon:
Seven Pro League titles and a revered legacy since the 1960s
Local impact:
"Club of the Century" in Dubai, nurtures homegrown talent and inspires local support and identity.
8. Al‑Nasr SC (UAE)
One of the UAE's oldest clubs/Image: Wikipedia
Foundational strength:
One of the UAE's oldest clubs, founded in 1945, with multiple league successes
Role:
Maintains firm grassroots presence, develops local talent, and contributes heavily to Dubai's football narrative.
9. Al‑Sadd (Qatar)
Qatar's continental club/Image: Wikipedia
Continental star:
Qatar Stars League leader with 64 domestic trophies
Twice Asian champions (1989, 2011)
Significance:
Boosted by post‑World Cup infrastructure and deepened regional appeal, Al‑Sadd remains Qatar's dominant force.
10. Al‑Rayyan (Qatar)
Known for consistent performance and legacy/Image: Wikipedia
Traditional heavyweights:
Eight league titles, six Emir Cup wins, and home of Ahmad bin Ali Stadium
Presence:
Deep local roots, fan-based momentum, and consistent top-tier performance define their legacy.
Why These Clubs Matter in the Gulf Today
Continental dominance: Saudi clubs lead with multiple ACL medals and Club World Cup breakthroughs
Financial firepower: Backed by PIF and big names, Gulf leagues now attract stars away from Europe
Cultural engines: UAE clubs to Qatar's post‑World Cup momentum, football is shaping national identity
Tourism & youth impact: Clubs are key to sports tourism and building youth engagement across the Gulf
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