Saudi Arabian Clubs Dominate AFC Champions League Elite Semi-Finals, Reflecting PIF's Expanding Football Investment Strategy.

Roger Hampel

Photo Credit: AFC Champions League Elite

The semi-finals of the AFC Champions League Elite™ Finals Jeddah 2025 will see three Saudi Arabian clubs — Al Hilal SFC, Al Ahli Saudi FC, and Al Nassr Club — competing for the continental title alongside Kawasaki Frontale from Japan.

The strong performances by Saudi clubs reflect not only footballing success but also the growing impact of Saudi Arabia’s strategic investments in sport, aligning with the broader goals of Vision 2030.

Saudi Teams Dominate Quarter-Final Stage

In the quarter-finals, Saudi clubs recorded significant results:

Al Hilal achieved a commanding 7-0 victory over Korea’s Gwangju FC.
Al Ahli secured a 3-0 win against Thailand’s Buriram United.
Al Nassr, with goals from Cristiano Ronaldo, Sadio Mane, and Jhon Duran, earned a 4-1 triumph over Yokohama F. Marinos.

Meanwhile, Kawasaki Frontale advanced after a hard-fought 3-2 extra-time victory over Qatar’s Al Sadd SC. The semi-finals will see Al Hilal face Al Ahli, ensuring a Saudi finalist, while Al Nassr will take on Kawasaki Frontale for a place in the final.

Strategic Investment Behind Sporting Growth Saudi AFC Champions League Elite

The success of Saudi clubs at this stage of the competition underscores the effectiveness of Saudi Arabia’s investment strategy in football. Through the backing of the Public Investment Fund (PIF) and the broader Vision 2030 initiative, Saudi clubs have strengthened their competitiveness by:

Attracting top international players
Enhancing club facilities and infrastructure
Raising the profile of the domestic Roshn Saudi League

Top players such as Cristiano Ronaldo, Riyad Mahrez, Roberto Firmino, and Sergej Milinkovic-Savic have not only improved on-field performances but have also increased global visibility for Saudi Arabian football.

Jeddah's Role in Regional Sports Development

Hosting the AFC Champions League Elite Finals in Jeddah reflects Saudi Arabia’s broader ambition to become a leading destination for major sports events. The King Abdullah Sports City Stadium has provided a fitting stage for these high-profile matches, demonstrating the Kingdom’s ability to deliver world-class football experiences.

The performance of Saudi clubs reinforces the Kingdom’s strategy to position itself prominently in the global sports landscape, ahead of events such as the FIFA Club World Cup and the 2034 FIFA World Cup bid.