Al Hilal SFC

Al Hilal SFC, based in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, is one of the most decorated football clubs in Asia. The team, whose name means "the crescent moon" in Arabic, was founded on October 16, 1957. They have been a constant presence in the Saudi Pro League since its inception in 1976, one of only three clubs to achieve that feat. Al Hilal is known for its dominant domestic record, holding the most league titles with 21, along with a record 13 Crown Prince Cups, 10 King's Cups, and five Saudi Super Cups. Their trophy cabinet also includes the Saudi Founder's Cup and seven Federation Cups. On the continental stage, Al Hilal has won a record eight AFC trophies, including four AFC Champions League titles (1991, 2000, 2019, 2021), two Asian Cup Winners' Cups, and two Asian Super Cups. Internationally, they reached the FIFA Club World Cup final in 2022, the first Asian club from outside the host nation to do so, finishing as runners-up. In 2009, the IFFHS named Al Hilal the Greatest Asian Club of the 20th Century. As of 2024, the club's market value stands at €242.5 million, the highest in Saudi Arabia.[edit]

Al Hilal was founded on October 16, 1957, originally under the name Al-Ahli before adopting its current name in 1958. The club quickly established itself as a force in Saudi football, winning its first league title in 1964. The 1970s brought sustained success under Brazilian coach Mário Zagallo, who led the team to multiple trophies. In 1987, the club moved to King Fahd Sports City, a 68,752-seat stadium that became their fortress. The 1990s saw continental glory with the first AFC Champions League title in 1991, followed by a second in 2000. The 2000s were marked by domestic dominance and the emergence of local legends like Yasser Al-Qahtani and Mohammad Al-Shalhoub. In 2019, Al Hilal won its third AFC Champions League, beating Urawa Red Diamonds in the final. The 2021 AFC Champions League triumph came under Ramón Díaz, with a victory over Pohang Steelers. The 2022 FIFA Club World Cup saw Al Hilal reach the final, losing 5-3 to Real Madrid. The 2023-24 season was historic: the club won a domestic treble (league, King's Cup, Super Cup) with a record 96 points and an unbeaten league campaign, and set a world record 34-match winning streak across all competitions. That streak, which ran from September 2023 to April 2024, broke the previous mark held by The New Saints. The club's market value reached €242.5 million in 2024, the highest in Saudi Arabia.[edit]