Saudi Professional League Record Titles
The most successful club in Saudi Arabia and Greatest Asian Club of the 20th Century.
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
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.
Reader's Guide
The club was established on 15 October 1957 in Riyadh. Its name lasted for only one year before it was changed to its current name on 3 December 1958 by King Saud. Al-Hilal won the King's Cup trophy in 1961, and again in 1964. The club also won the Crown Prince Cup in 1963–64. Al-Hilal were the inaugural winners when the Saudi Premier League came into existence in the 1976–77 season, and also won the league title in 1978–79. In the 1980s, the club won four league titles and four King's Cup titles. The club won its first Asian title, the Asian Club Championship, in 1991. Further Asian titles followed: the Asian Cup Winners Cup and Asian Super Cup in 1997, the Asian Club Championship again in 1999–2000, another Asian Super Cup in 2000, and the Asian Cup Winners Cup in 2002. In the 2000s, Al-Hilal won league titles in 2004–05, 2007–08, 2009–10, and 2010–11.
Did You Know?
- Al-Hilal has a market value of €242.5 million as of 2024, the highest in Saudi Arabia.
- Brazilian legends Mario Zagallo and Rivellino played for Al-Hilal in the 1970s.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who holds the record for the most Saudi Professional League titles?
Al Hilal SFC is the undisputed record holder, having won more league championships than any other club in the kingdom's history. Their trophy cabinet contains the largest collection of domestic league awards, cementing their status as the most successful team.
Which teams are Al Hilal's primary rivals in chasing league supremacy?
Al Nassr serves as the main competitor for domestic supremacy, creating an intense rivalry whenever both clubs fight for the championship. Despite this fierce competition, Al Hilal maintains a significant lead in total titles won.
In which eras did Al Hilal demonstrate their most consistent league dominance?
The 'Blue Army' secured regular championships throughout the 1980s and 1990s before returning to form as frequent winners in the 2010s. These periods of sustained success highlight their ability to dominate across different generations of Saudi football.
What historic milestone did Al Hilal achieve regarding league titles?
Al Hilal made history by becoming the first team to secure a modern-era 'Treble,' which included winning the league title alongside other major domestic and continental honors. This achievement in the 2019-2020 season further solidified their legendary status.
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