1964 King Cup Final vs Ittihad
The crescent moon of Saudi football, crowned with record domestic and continental glory.
Al-Hilal Saudi Football Club (Arabic: نادي الهلال السعودي) 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.
- Competition
- King Cup (Saudi Arabia)
- Year
- 1964
- Opponent
- Al-Ahli
- Outcome
- Al Hilal Victory
- Significance
- First Major Trophy
- Era
- Founding Era
Lore & Background
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.
In Their Own Story
The late afternoon sun beat down on the dusty pitch, casting long shadows across the grass where two giants stood ready. The air was thick with anticipation, the roar of the crowd a deafening wave that seemed to shake the very ground beneath the goalposts. As the referee blew the whistle for kickoff, the silence of the moment before the storm broke was palpable; this was not just another match, but the birth of a dynasty.
Reader's Guide
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).
Did You Know?
- Al-Hilal were runners-up in the 2022 FIFA Club World Cup, 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.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the 1964 King Cup Final vs Ittihad?
This historic clash was the decisive game where Al Hilal claimed their first-ever major trophy against rivals Al-Ittihad. It occurred during a transitional period when Saudi football was moving from amateur roots to organized competition.
Who won the 1964 King Cup Final?
Al Hilal secured a victory in this final match to lift the cup over their fierce opponents, Al-Ittihad. This triumph marked the beginning of a legacy that would grow into decades of dominance for the club.
Why is this match important for Al Hilal fans?
It stands as a monumental chapter because it represents the club's first major trophy win in their early history. The result defined the 'Blue' identity of Riyadh and cemented their status during the founding era.
When did this iconic match take place?
The final was played in 1964, serving as a key milestone in the King Cup competition within Saudi Arabia. It is remembered as a defining moment from the club's founding period.
What opponent did Al Hilal face in 1964?
They competed against their fierce rivals, Al-Ittihad, for the championship title. This specific matchup highlighted the intense rivalry that exists between the two Riyadh giants today.
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