Saudi Gazette report

JEDDAH — Al Ahli FC etched their name into Asian football history with golden letters after being crowned champions of the AFC Champions League Elite 2025, marking a monumental moment not just for the club, but for three of its star players.

The club's triumphant run was capped off with a 2-0 win over Kawasaki Frontale in Jeddah — a night that will be remembered by their fans for generations to come. But beyond the title, it was the extraordinary achievement of Riyad Mahrez, Roberto Firmino, and Edouard Mendy that made headlines across the globe.

The trio became the first players in football history to win both the UEFA Champions League and the AFC Champions League Elite, a unique feat that bridges Europe and Asia.

Mahrez had lifted the European crown with Manchester City in 2023. Firmino earned his title with Liverpool in 2019. Mendy was part of Chelsea’s victorious squad in 2021.

Mendy, however, added another layer of distinction to his legacy. With Senegal, he had already claimed the Africa Cup of Nations title in 2021, making him one of the very few players to win major continental titles on three different continents — Africa, Europe, and now Asia.

This golden chapter underscores Al Ahli’s rising stature of Saudi football on the international stage, powered by elite talent and ambitious investment.