GCC Club Champions Cup Titles
The Crescent Moon of Saudi Football
Al-Hilal Saudi Football Club, commonly known simply as Al-Hilal, is a Saudi Arabian professional multi-sports club based in Riyadh. Its football team competes in the Saudi Pro League. The name "Al-Hilal" is Arabic for "the crescent moon". Founded on 16 October 1957, the club is one of three teams to have participated in every season of the Saudi Pro League since its establishment in 1976.
Lore & Background
The idea of establishing the club began when the ranks of the Youth Club witnessed in 1957 a serious division among its leaders, which prompted Abdul Rahman bin Saeed to resign from the presidency of the Youth Club in that year, and many left with him, including a number of prominent players. A new club was established on 15 October 1957 in Riyadh. The club's name lasted for only one year before it was changed to its current name on 3 December 1958 by King Saud. After spending their formative years building a squad, the club made their first mark by lifting the King's Cup trophy in 1961. Al-Hilal won the King's Cup again in 1964, with a penalty shootout victory over two-time Asian champions Al Ittihad. The club also won the Crown Prince Cup in 1963–64.
Reader's Guide
In domestic competitions, Al-Hilal are the most successful Saudi club, having won a record 21 league titles, along with a record 13 Crown Prince Cup titles, seven Saudi Federation Cup titles, 10 King's Cup titles, five Saudi Super Cups, and the Saudi Founder's Cup. In continental competitions, the club has won a record eight AFC trophies, including four AFC Champions League titles (1991, 2000, 2019, 2021), two Asian Cup Winners' Cups (1997, 2002), and two Asian Super Cups (1997, 2000). Internationally, Al-Hilal have made multiple appearances in the FIFA Club World Cup and were runners-up in the 2022 edition, becoming the first Asian club from outside the host nation to reach the final. In September 2009, Al-Hilal was awarded Greatest Asian Club of the 20th Century by the IFFHS. Al-Hilal has a market value of €242.5 million as of 2024, the highest in Saudi Arabia.
Did You Know?
- Al-Hilal was founded on 16 October 1957, but originally had a different name for one year before being renamed by King Saud on 3 December 1958.
- Al-Hilal were the inaugural winners of the Saudi Premier League in the 1976–77 season.
- Brazilian legends Mario Zagallo and Rivellino played for Al-Hilal in the 1970s.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many GCC Club Champions Cup titles has Al Hilal won?
Despite numerous attempts and reaching the final stages on multiple occasions, Al Hilal never managed to lift this specific trophy during their participation history. Their record in this competition remains a notable chapter of near-misses rather than victories.
Which countries' clubs did Al Hilal face in this tournament?
The Blue Knights competed against top-tier rivals from Kuwait, Bahrain, Qatar, Oman, the UAE, and Saudi Arabia within this regional framework. These matches tested their strength against the best footballing talent available across the GCC member states.
More in Honours & Records
Elsewhere in Al Hilal
Spotted an error? Know more?
Reader corrections go straight into our review queue. Suggest an edit · How this site is sourced