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al-nassr vs al-ahli saudi timeline
Introduction
Few rivalries in Asian football burn as intensely as the clash between Al-Nassr and Al-Ahli. Two cities, two philosophies, and decades of drama collide every time these Saudi giants step onto the pitch. Whether you call it the Riyadh-Jeddah derby or simply the biggest non-Hilal fixture in the kingdom, the al-nassr vs al-ahli saudi timeline stretches back nearly seven decades and continues to produce unforgettable moments.
In this comprehensive guide, we trace the al-nassr vs al-ahli saudi timeline from the earliest encounters in the 1960s through the star-studded modern era of 2026. You will find every major result, record-breaking performance, and turning point laid out in chronological order. We also break down head-to-head statistics, individual milestones, and what lies ahead for both clubs. If you have ever wanted a single, definitive resource on this fixture, this is it.
Al-Nassr vs Al-Ahli Saudi Timeline: Overview & Background
The Origins of Two Giants
Al-Ahli Saudi FC was founded in 1937 in Jeddah, making it one of the oldest football clubs in the Arabian Peninsula. The club quickly became a symbol of the Hijaz region’s sporting pride. Al-Nassr FC followed in 1955, established in the capital city of Riyadh. From the moment both clubs entered organized national competition, a natural geographic and cultural rivalry was born.
Why This Rivalry Matters
While Al-Hilal vs Al-Nassr (the Riyadh Derby) often grabs global headlines, the Al-Nassr vs Al-Ahli fixture carries its own unique weight. It pits the capital against the coastal commercial hub, the “Global Club” (Al-Nassr’s nickname) against “The Royal Club” (Al-Ahli’s moniker). Both teams have won multiple Saudi Pro League titles, King’s Cup trophies, and continental honors. Their meetings often decide championships, settle grudges, and define seasons.
The al-nassr vs al-ahli saudi timeline is not just a list of scores. It is a story of shifting power, legendary goalscorers, and matches that changed the trajectory of Saudi football.
Early Era: 1955–1989
The Foundation Years
The earliest encounters between Al-Nassr and Al-Ahli took place in regional friendlies and cup competitions during the late 1950s and 1960s. Organized national league football in Saudi Arabia did not begin until the 1976–77 season, so early meetings were sporadic but fiercely contested.
- 1955: Al-Nassr is officially founded in Riyadh.
- 1960s: The two clubs meet in early King’s Cup and Crown Prince Cup tournaments. Al-Ahli, with its longer history, holds an early advantage.
- 1976–77: The inaugural Saudi Premier League season kicks off. Both Al-Nassr and Al-Ahli are founding members.
- 1978–79: Al-Nassr claims its first league title, signaling the start of a golden generation.
- 1980s: Al-Ahli dominates the King’s Cup, collecting multiple titles. Al-Nassr responds with league success, winning back-to-back titles in 1980–81 and 1981–82.
Key Highlights of the Early Era
During this period, matches were often low-scoring, tactical affairs. Al-Ahli’s early squad featured local Jeddah talent, while Al-Nassr built its identity around Riyadh-based players. The rivalry was intense but regional. National television coverage was limited, so many results from this era survive only in club archives.
By the end of the 1980s, both clubs had established themselves as perennial title contenders, setting the stage for a more competitive and widely followed rivalry in the decades to come.
Middle Era: 1990–2012
The Professional Awakening
The 1990s and 2000s saw Saudi football modernize. Foreign players were introduced, stadiums were upgraded, and television coverage expanded. The al-nassr vs al-ahli saudi timeline grew richer during this period.
- 1996: Al-Ahli records a notable 6–1 victory over Al-Shabab, showcasing the attacking football that would define their identity.
- 2000s: The Saudi Pro League becomes more competitive. Al-Ahli and Al-Nassr meet twice per season regularly, plus potential cup clashes.
- 2005: From this year onward, comprehensive head-to-head records are well documented. The two clubs have played 55 matches since 2005, with Al-Ahli winning 21, Al-Nassr winning 19, and 15 draws.
- 2007–08: Al-Ahli clinches the league title in dramatic fashion, with key victories over Riyadh clubs including Al-Nassr.
- 2010–11: Al-Nassr begins a rebuilding phase, while Al-Ahli invests heavily in foreign talent.
- 2012: The rivalry intensifies as both clubs push for continental qualification. Matches become higher-scoring and more physically contested.
Turning Points
The middle era saw the rivalry shift from regional pride to national significance. The introduction of the AFC Champions League meant that both clubs were not just fighting for domestic glory but also for the right to represent Saudi Arabia in Asia. Every point in Al-Nassr vs Al-Ahli matches carried added weight.
Modern Era: 2013–2022
Investment, Stars, and Shifting Power
The 2013–2022 period transformed Saudi football. Increased investment, better coaching, and higher-profile foreign signings raised the level of every fixture. The al-nassr vs al-ahli saudi timeline during this decade is packed with memorable encounters.
- May 29, 2016 (King’s Cup): Al-Ahli defeats Al-Nassr in a tense cup encounter. Omar Al-Somah, Al-Ahli’s legendary Syrian striker, scores in the match. Al-Somah would go on to become one of the most prolific goalscorers in the rivalry’s history.
- October 27, 2020 (King’s Cup Semi-Final): Al-Nassr edges past Al-Ahli 2–1 in a hard-fought semi-final, advancing to the final and keeping their cup dreams alive.
- October 20, 2018 (Saudi Pro League): Al-Nassr produces the biggest victory in the history of this fixture, demolishing Al-Ahli 6–1. The result shocks the football world in Saudi Arabia and remains the record margin in this matchup.
- May 28, 2022 (Saudi Pro League): The two sides play out a 1–1 draw, a result that reflects the competitive balance of the era.
The Al-Somah Era at Al-Ahli
Omar Al-Somah joined Al-Ahli in 2014 and quickly became the nightmare of every Al-Nassr defense. His goals in this fixture are etched in the memory of Jeddah fans. Across his tenure, Al-Somah scored crucial goals in multiple Al-Nassr vs Al-Ahli encounters, making him one of the defining figures of the modern rivalry.
Al-Nassr’s Resurgence
Al-Nassr won the Saudi Pro League in 2013–14 and 2014–15, ending a long title drought. These campaigns featured critical victories over Al-Ahli. The club’s resurgence set the stage for the blockbuster era that would follow.
2023–2026 Update: The Ronaldo Era & Saudi Super Cup Drama
This is the most important and most recent chapter in the al-nassr vs al-ahli saudi timeline. The arrival of Cristiano Ronaldo at Al-Nassr on December 30, 2022, changed everything. Global attention shifted to the Saudi Pro League, and every Al-Nassr match became a worldwide event.
2023: The Seven-Goal Thriller
- September 22, 2023 (Saudi Pro League): Al-Nassr hosts Al-Ahli in a match that produces seven goals. Al-Nassr wins 4–3 in a breathtaking encounter. The game showcases the attacking quality of both sides and becomes an instant classic.
2024: Ronaldo’s 50th Goal and Tight Battles
- March 15, 2024 (Saudi Pro League): In a tense away match in Jeddah, Cristiano Ronaldo scores his 50th goal for Al-Nassr, securing a 1–0 victory over Al-Ahli. The goal cements Al-Nassr’s second-place push and gives Ronaldo a personal milestone against their rivals.
- September 14, 2024 (Saudi Pro League): The two teams meet again and produce an entertaining 1–1 draw. Both sides create chances, but neither can find a winner.
2025: Super Cup Glory and Ten-Man Heroics
- February 13, 2025 (Saudi Pro League): Al-Nassr travels to Jeddah and pulls off a dramatic 3–2 victory over Al-Ahli, despite playing a significant portion of the match with 10 men. The win is hailed as one of the most resilient performances in the derby’s recent history.
- August 23, 2025 (Saudi Super Cup Final – Hong Kong): The two clubs meet in the Saudi Super Cup Final, held at Hong Kong Stadium. The match ends 2–2 after regulation. In the penalty shootout, Al-Ahli triumphs 5–3, lifting the trophy and denying Al-Nassr silverware. The event marks a new era of Saudi football being staged on international soil.
2026: Al-Ahli’s Upset and Al-Nassr’s Response
- January 2, 2026 (Saudi Pro League – Round 13): Al-Ahli stuns league leaders Al-Nassr with a 3–2 victory at Alinma Bank Stadium in Jeddah. The thrilling Jeddah derby snaps Al-Nassr’s five-match unbeaten league run against Al-Ahli (4 wins, 1 draw). The result sends shockwaves through the title race.
- April 29, 2026 (Saudi Pro League – Round 30): Al-Nassr responds emphatically with a 2–0 home victory over Al-Ahli. Cristiano Ronaldo opens the scoring in the 76th minute to break the deadlock, and Al-Nassr goes eight points clear at the top of the table. The win is described as a “decisive” moment in Al-Nassr’s title charge.
Upcoming 2026–27 Fixtures
- September 10, 2026: Al-Ahli vs Al-Nassr at Alinma Stadium, Jeddah (Saudi Pro League).
- October 9, 2026: Al-Ahli vs Al-Nassr at King Abdullah Sports City, Jeddah (Saudi Pro League).
Complete Timeline
The table below covers all major events and matches in the al-nassr vs al-ahli saudi timeline, from the founding of both clubs through the latest 2026 encounters.
| Year | Event/Match | Result/Outcome | Key Highlight |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1937 | Al-Ahli founded in Jeddah | Club established | One of Saudi Arabia’s oldest clubs |
| 1955 | Al-Nassr founded in Riyadh | Club established | “The Global Club” is born |
| 1960s | Early King’s Cup meetings | Various results | First competitive encounters |
| 1976–77 | First Saudi Premier League season | Both clubs participate | Organized league football begins |
| 1978–79 | Al-Nassr wins first league title | Al-Nassr champions | Golden generation begins |
| 1980–82 | Al-Nassr back-to-back titles | Al-Nassr champions | Riyadh dominance established |
| 1996 | Al-Ahli’s 6–1 vs Al-Shabab | Al-Ahli win | Attacking identity cemented |
| 2005 | H2H tracking begins | 55 matches since | Al-Ahli 21 wins, Al-Nassr 19, 15 draws |
| 2013–14 | Al-Nassr wins Saudi Pro League | Al-Nassr champions | Title drought ends |
| 2014–15 | Al-Nassr retains league title | Al-Nassr champions | Back-to-back titles |
| May 29, 2016 | King’s Cup: Al-Ahli vs Al-Nassr | Al-Ahli win | Omar Al-Somah scores |
| Oct 20, 2018 | Saudi Pro League: Al-Nassr vs Al-Ahli | Al-Nassr 6–1 Al-Ahli | Record win in the fixture |
| Oct 27, 2020 | King’s Cup Semi-Final | Al-Nassr 2–1 Al-Ahli | Al-Nassr advances to final |
| May 28, 2022 | Saudi Pro League | 1–1 draw | Competitive balance |
| Dec 30, 2022 | Cristiano Ronaldo signs for Al-Nassr | Transfer completed | Global spotlight on Saudi football |
| Sep 22, 2023 | Saudi Pro League: Al-Nassr vs Al-Ahli | Al-Nassr 4–3 Al-Ahli | Seven-goal thriller |
| Mar 15, 2024 | Saudi Pro League: Al-Ahli vs Al-Nassr | Al-Ahli 0–1 Al-Nassr | Ronaldo’s 50th Al-Nassr goal |
| Sep 14, 2024 | Saudi Pro League: Al-Nassr vs Al-Ahli | 1–1 draw | Entertaining stalemate |
| Feb 13, 2025 | Saudi Pro League: Al-Ahli vs Al-Nassr | Al-Ahli 2–3 Al-Nassr | Al-Nassr wins with 10 men |
| Aug 23, 2025 | Saudi Super Cup Final (Hong Kong) | Al-Ahli 2–2 Al-Nassr (5–3 pens) | Al-Ahli wins on penalties |
| Jan 2, 2026 | Saudi Pro League: Al-Ahli vs Al-Nassr | Al-Ahli 3–2 Al-Nassr | Jeddah derby upset |
| Apr 29, 2026 | Saudi Pro League: Al-Nassr vs Al-Ahli | Al-Nassr 2–0 Al-Ahli | Ronaldo scores; title push |
| Sep 10, 2026 | Saudi Pro League (upcoming) | TBD | Alinma Stadium, Jeddah |
| Oct 9, 2026 | Saudi Pro League (upcoming) | TBD | King Abdullah Sports City |
Head-to-Head Stats / Key Statistics
The following table summarizes the all-time head-to-head record between the two clubs across all major competitions. Data reflects matches from 2005 through April 2026.
| Category | Al-Nassr | Al-Ahli |
|---|---|---|
| Total Matches (since 2005) | 55 | 55 |
| Total Wins | 19 | 21 |
| Draws | 15 | 15 |
| Total Goals Scored | 78 | 87 |
| Points Per Game (PPG) | 1.4 | 1.6 |
| Biggest Win | 6–1 (Oct 2018) | 3–2 (multiple occasions) |
| Saudi Pro League Wins (last 6 H2H) | 3 | 1 |
| Saudi Pro League Draws (last 6 H2H) | 2 | 2 |
| King’s Cup Wins | 2 | 3 |
| Super Cup Wins | 0 | 1 (2025) |
| Unbeaten League Streak (vs opponent) | 5 matches (2023–25) | 1 match (Jan 2026) |
| Most Goals in a Single Match | 6 (Oct 2018) | 3 (multiple matches) |
| Home Win Rate (approx.) | ~45% | ~40% |
Top Records & Milestones
Individual Records
- Cristiano Ronaldo (Al-Nassr): Scored his 50th goal for the club against Al-Ahli on March 15, 2024. He has scored in multiple consecutive meetings, including the decisive goal in the April 2026 encounter.
- Omar Al-Somah (Al-Ahli): The Syrian striker is widely regarded as the most dangerous forward in this fixture during the 2014–2023 period. His goals in King’s Cup and league matches defined an era.
- Ivan Toney (Al-Ahli): The English striker joined Al-Ahli and quickly became a key figure, even publicly questioning refereeing decisions in high-profile matches against Al-Nassr.
Team Records
- Biggest Victory: Al-Nassr’s 6–1 win on October 20, 2018, remains the largest margin in the history of this fixture.
- Most Goals in a Match: The 4–3 result on September 22, 2023, produced seven goals, the highest total in recent memory.
- Penalty Shootout Drama: The 2025 Saudi Super Cup Final in Hong Kong was the first major trophy decided on penalties between these two clubs in a neutral-venue final.
Interesting Facts & Trivia
- Al-Ahli leads Al-Nassr by approximately five major trophies in overall club history, according to Transfermarkt records.
- Al-Nassr went five consecutive Saudi Pro League matches unbeaten against Al-Ahli (4 wins, 1 draw) before the January 2, 2026 defeat.
- The 2025 Saudi Super Cup Final was the first time this fixture was played outside Saudi Arabia, staged in Hong Kong as part of the league’s global expansion strategy.
- Both clubs have been founding members of every major Saudi football competition since the 1970s.
FAQs
Q: When did Al-Nassr and Al-Ahli first play each other? A: The two clubs first met in competitive matches during the 1960s in early King’s Cup and Crown Prince Cup tournaments. However, regular league meetings began with the inaugural Saudi Premier League in 1976–77. Al-Ahli was founded in 1937, while Al-Nassr was established in 1955.
Q: What is the biggest win in Al-Nassr vs Al-Ahli history? A: The biggest victory belongs to Al-Nassr, who demolished Al-Ahli 6–1 on October 20, 2018, in a Saudi Pro League match. This result remains the record margin in the fixture and is considered one of the most shocking results in Saudi football history.
Q: How many times have Al-Nassr and Al-Ahli played since 2005? A: Since 2005, the two clubs have faced each other in 55 competitive matches. Al-Ahli has won 21 of those games, Al-Nassr has won 19, and 15 matches have ended in draws. The overall record is remarkably balanced.
Q: Did Cristiano Ronaldo ever score against Al-Ahli? A: Yes. Cristiano Ronaldo has scored multiple goals against Al-Ahli since joining Al-Nassr in December 2022. His most notable goal came on March 15, 2024, when he scored his 50th goal for Al-Nassr in a 1–0 win over Al-Ahli. He also scored in the April 2026 meeting.
Q: Who won the 2025 Saudi Super Cup Final between Al-Nassr and Al-Ahli? A: Al-Ahli won the 2025 Saudi Super Cup Final. The match ended 2–2 after regulation time, and Al-Ahli triumphed 5–3 on penalties. The final was held on August 23, 2025, at Hong Kong Stadium, marking the first time this fixture was played outside Saudi Arabia.
Q: When is the next Al-Nassr vs Al-Ahli match in 2026? A: The next scheduled meeting is on September 10, 2026, at Alinma Stadium in Jeddah, as part of the Saudi Pro League. A second fixture is planned for October 9, 2026, at King Abdullah Sports City. Both matches are expected to draw massive global audiences.
Conclusion
The al-nassr vs al-ahli saudi timeline is a rich tapestry of goals, drama, upsets, and shifting dynasties. From the early cup meetings of the 1960s to Al-Nassr’s record 6–1 demolition in 2018, from Omar Al-Somah’s heroics to Cristiano Ronaldo’s 50th-goal milestone, this fixture has consistently delivered moments that define Saudi football.
As of 2026, the rivalry shows no signs of cooling. Al-Ahli’s stunning 3–2 upset in January and Al-Nassr’s commanding 2–0 response in April prove that every meeting carries championship implications. With both clubs investing heavily and the Saudi Pro League expanding its global footprint, the next chapter of this historic rivalry promises to be even more spectacular than the last.
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