Explore how Al-Ittihad transformed into a Saudi Pro League powerhouse, crafting a title-winning squad through strategy, stars, and football excellence.

How Al-Ittihad Built a Title-Winning Team in Saudi Football

In a league increasingly drawing global attention, Al-Ittihad Football Club stands as a testament to smart planning, timely investments, and a deep understanding of the beautiful game. As one of Saudi Arabia’s oldest and most decorated Bt Gaming institutions, Al-Ittihad’s recent resurgence—culminating in a title-winning season—is far from accidental. It’s a result of deliberate decisions, from boardroom strategies to tactical on-field execution.

This article explores the anatomy of Al-Ittihad’s title-winning team, shedding light on key signings, tactical evolution, leadership choices, and the role of passionate fans in propelling the club back to the summit of Saudi football.

Al-Ittihad: A Club with Championship DNA

Founded in 1927, Al-Ittihad is one of the most storied clubs in Asia. With a legacy that includes multiple domestic and continental honors, the club enjoys a loyal fanbase and intense rivalries—especially with Al-Hilal and Al-Nassr.

But between 2010 and 2022, the club experienced a dip in form and internal instability. Titles were scarce, coaches rotated frequently, and the football was inconsistent. However, by 2023, the tides began to turn. The 2024–2025 season marked a new era, driven by a clear vision to reclaim domestic dominance.

The Foundation: Administrative Stability and Vision

No successful football project survives without clear leadership. Al-Ittihad’s board took essential steps:

• Appointed visionary directors and sporting staff.
• Developed a multi-year plan focused on squad development, youth academy integration, and commercial expansion.
• Aligned financial and football objectives, ensuring sustainable success without reckless spending.

By creating a unified direction off the pitch, Al-Ittihad established the stability necessary to perform consistently on it.

The Manager: Tactical Brain Behind the Success

A title-winning team requires a coach who can extract the best from his squad. Al-Ittihad’s leadership made a statement by appointing Nuno Espírito Santo, a coach known for tactical discipline and defensive organization.

What Nuno Brought to Al-Ittihad:

• A compact 4-2-3-1 system that prioritized control and transitional efficiency.
• Disciplined defending, with fullbacks staying narrow and midfielders shielding the backline.
• Flexibility, enabling tactical tweaks depending on the opposition.

Nuno’s European pedigree and calm demeanor created an environment where players understood their roles and delivered consistently.

Star Signings: Game-Changers in Key Positions

The club didn’t just invest blindly. Al-Ittihad signed players who addressed specific weaknesses, especially in defense, midfield leadership, and attacking power.

Key Signings:

1. Karim Benzema – The Ballon d’Or-winning striker brought experience, goals, and leadership. His presence in the dressing room elevated standards.
2. N’Golo Kanté – A world-class ball-winner, Kanté stabilized midfield transitions and added unmatched energy.
3. Fabinho – The Brazilian midfielder offered positional discipline and served as a link between defense and midfield.
4. Jota – A versatile winger capable of beating defenders and delivering pinpoint crosses.
5. Marcelo Grohe – Though signed earlier, the Brazilian goalkeeper was a wall between the posts throughout the title campaign.

Each signing fit into a broader tactical blueprint rather than being just a marquee name for marketing.

Youth Development: Future-Proofing the Squad

While many clubs focus on big-name imports, Al-Ittihad has invested heavily in its youth academy. Several local talents were either integrated into the senior squad or loaned out for development.

Promising Youngsters:

• Awad Al-Nashri – A dynamic midfielder who brought energy off the bench.
• Ahmed Bamasoud – Strong defensive cover with good tactical awareness.
• Muhannad Al-Shanqeeti – Developed into a solid option at fullback.

By blending experience with youthful exuberance, the club ensured that its success wasn’t just short-term.

Tactical Identity: Organized, Ruthless, and Clinical

Under Nuno’s leadership, Al-Ittihad forged an identity that married defensive strength with attacking efficiency.

Tactical Highlights:

• Lowest goals conceded in the league, showing elite defensive organization.
• High conversion rate in front of goal, led by Benzema’s instinct and Jota’s assists.
• Midfield control via Kanté and Fabinho, neutralizing threats early and springing counter-attacks.

Their ability to adapt in difficult away fixtures and maintain composure in high-pressure matches was key to lifting the league trophy.

The Role of the Fans: The “12th Man” Effect

Al-Ittihad’s home support in Jeddah’s King Abdullah Sports City Stadium is legendary. With over 60,000 passionate fans regularly in attendance, the atmosphere often acted as a psychological advantage for the home team.

Fan Influence:

• Boosted morale in tight fixtures.
• Drove media attention and global recognition.
• Encouraged players to deliver their best week in and week out.

The club also maintained strong digital engagement, connecting with fans across social media platforms and growing its global footprint.

Commercial Growth and Brand Expansion

Al-Ittihad’s rise also mirrored a strategic off-field growth plan, including:

• Partnerships with global brands.
• Enhanced merchandise strategies.
• Investment in club facilities and sports science.

These initiatives not only added revenue but also improved player recovery, injury prevention, and overall squad depth.

Results That Spoke Volumes

In the 2024–2025 season, Al-Ittihad’s consistency was unmatched.

• Champions of the Saudi Pro League with several games to spare.
• Most clean sheets recorded across the season.
• Strong run in the AFC Champions League, asserting regional dominance.

Their success wasn’t a flash in the pan—it was a well-orchestrated campaign built on strategy, quality, and unity.

The Road Ahead: Sustaining Dominance

Now that the target has shifted from “chasing titles” to defending them, Al-Ittihad’s next phase involves:

• Smart squad rotation and depth-building.
• Continued development of academy players.
• A strong showing in international competitions to enhance global recognition.

If they stay the course, Al-Ittihad could easily become the defining force in Asian football for years to come.

Conclusion: A Modern Blueprint for Football Success

Al-Ittihad’s journey from uncertainty to championship glory is more than a club story—it’s a case study in how to build a successful football team. With vision at the top, tactical brains on the sideline, leadership on the pitch, and unwavering fan support, they’ve shown that elite-level success is achievable with the right ingredients.

Their evolution is a reminder that football, at its core, is about alignment—between ambition, talent, and culture.

Champion the Rise of Football Excellence

As fans, we play a vital role in the journey of clubs like Al-Ittihad. Celebrate their triumphs, support their growth, and most importantly—support football. The global game is richer when every league, every club, and every fan plays a part in its evolution.

Let’s continue to champion football wherever it’s played, loved, and lived.