Al-Ahli captures its first Asian Champions League title.

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Al-Ahli overcame Japan’s Kawasaki Frontale with a 2-0 scoreline in Saturday’s final to claim their inaugural “AFC Champions League Elite” crown.

In front of a crowd of 60,000 at King Abdullah Sports City Stadium, the Jeddah-based squad full of star talent secured a convincing triumph and wrapped up the competition without a single loss.

First-half strikes by Franck Kessie and Galeno gave the club—previously beaten in two finals—a decisive edge over the five-time Japanese titleholders.

Al-Ahli benefitted from strong local backing during the quarterfinal, semifinal, and championship rounds, all staged in Jeddah.

After 35 minutes, the hosts finally opened the scoring. Galeno, a Brazilian winger signed from Porto in January for around $55 million, curled a shot into the top corner following a pass from Roberto Firmino just outside the penalty area.

“Al Ahli’s” Roberto Firmino hoisted the trophy and celebrated alongside teammates after the “AFC Champions League Elite final soccer match” between “Kawasaki Frontale and Al Ahli” at “Alinma Stadium” in “Jeddah, Saudi Arabia,” on “Saturday, May 3, 2025” (AP Photo/Ali Issa).

Three minutes prior to the interval, Kessie—a former AC Milan and Barcelona player—nodded in from close range after a delivery from Firmino on the right. Firmino earned the “Most Valuable Player” award for the competition.

After halftime, Kawasaki, who reached their first-ever final after eliminating Cristiano Ronaldo’s Al-Nassr in the semifinal, increased their intensity but struggled to break down the seasoned Al-Ahli side.

Firmino, who arrived from Liverpool in 2023, and teammates Edouard Mendy and Riyad Mahrez—Champions League winners with Chelsea and Manchester City, respectively—are all former European titleholders.

Mahrez, who scored nine times in the tournament, came close to netting a third late in the final but failed to convert.

Meanwhile, the home fans were already celebrating.

“We are really pleased. We wanted to win in front of our supporters as soon as we found out that Jeddah would host the final eight,” Al-Ahli keeper Mendy commented.

He added, they have supported him greatly since his arrival 18 months ago. His mission upon joining was to make history, capture silverware, and help restore the club to past prominence.

With this victory, Al-Ahli becomes the third Saudi side—after Riyadh’s Al-Hilal and local rivals Al-Ittihad—to lift the Champions League trophy.

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