Saudi Gazette report

JEDDAH — Al Ittihad brought the King’s Cup back to their trophy cabinet for the first time since 2018 with a 3-1 win over Al Qadsiah on Friday night at King Abdullah Sports City in Jeddah, in front of a packed stadium led by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, who presented the cup to team captain Karim Benzema.

The victory secured Ittihad’s 10th title in the competition’s history, reaffirming their legacy in one of Saudi football’s most prestigious tournaments.

It marked a triumphant return to form for the Jeddah-based club, which had endured a six-year drought marked by managerial instability and fluctuating form.

Founded in 1927, Ittihad has been intertwined with the history of the King’s Cup, winning its first title in 1958.

Through eras of dominance and reinvention, the club has consistently remained a powerhouse, from its golden run in the 1990s to this current resurgence under head coach Laurent Blanc.

This year’s campaign culminated in a powerful final performance, with the squad — featuring global stars like Karim Benzema, N’Golo Kanté, and Moussa Diaby — showing cohesion, composure, and experience.

Blanc, who took over at the start of the season, crafted a balanced squad that blended veteran leadership with youthful energy.

The atmosphere in Jeddah was electric as tens of thousands filled the stands, with Al Ittihad fans providing deafening support throughout.

Their chants echoed as the team lifted the cup in a sea of black and yellow, marking a night to remember for the Tigers faithful.

This title follows Ittihad’s Saudi Pro League triumph earlier in the season and sets the stage for another ambitious campaign — both domestically and on the continental stage — with the club eyeing further silverware and a return to its dominant best.