Al-Ettifaq: The Knights of Ad-Dahna Saudi Pro League-Al-Ettifaq, one of Saudi Arabia’s storied football clubs, has navigated a turbulent yet captivating 2024-25 Saudi Pro League season. Based in Dammam, the Knights of Ad-Dahna, as they’re known, have oscillated between flashes of brilliance and frustrating inconsistency, sitting eighth with 47 points after 35 matches, per Sofascore. Under new manager Saad Al-Shehri, following Steven Gerrard’s departure in January 2025, per BBC Sport, Al-Ettifaq aim to secure a top-six finish and AFC Champions League Two qualification. With fans searching YouTube for highlights and Google for fixtures, results, and player stats, Al-Ettifaq’s journey—marked by Georginio Wijnaldum’s heroics, Moussa Dembélé’s goals, and a 3-2 upset over Al-Nassr—has gripped supporters. This 2500+ word article explores their team profile, 2024-25 performance, fixtures, key players, recent news, and trending fan queries, drawing from web sources and social media sentiment.
Team Profile: Al-Ettifaq’s Legacy and Identity
Club History
Founded in 1945, Al-Ettifaq Football Club, based in Dammam, is one of Saudi Arabia’s oldest and most successful clubs, per Wikipedia. Nicknamed the Knights of Ad-Dahna after the nearby Ad-Dahna Desert, they play at EGO Sport Stadium (formerly Prince Mohamed bin Fahd Stadium, 26,000 capacity), per Livesoccertv.com. With two Saudi Pro League titles (1982-83, 1986-87), three King’s Cups, and a 1985 Gulf Club Champions Cup, Al-Ettifaq boast a rich heritage, per Wikipedia. Their green-and-red kit and passionate fanbase make them a Saudi football staple, per @Ettifaq_EN.
Ownership and Infrastructure
Owned by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF) since 2021, Al-Ettifaq have invested in facilities and signings, per Livesoccertv.com. The EGO Sport Stadium, renovated in 2023, hosts sell-out crowds, with tickets priced €15–€80 via ettifaqclub.com, per Sofascore. Their training complex, equipped with advanced analytics, supports a squad blending veterans like Wijnaldum and young talents like Abdulrahman Al-Obaid, per Wikipedia.
2024-25 Season Overview
In the 2024-25 Saudi Pro League, an 18-team competition running from August 2024 to May 2025, Al-Ettifaq secured 47 points (13 wins, 8 draws, 14 losses), per Sofascore. The league, per Wikipedia, awards AFC Champions League Elite spots to the top four, AFC Champions League Two to fifth and sixth, and relegates the bottom three. Al-Ettifaq’s eighth-place standing, with 43 goals scored and 49 conceded, reflects a mid-table campaign, per Flashscore. Their 3-2 win over Al-Nassr and 1-1 draw with Al-Hilal highlight their potential, per Sportstar.
2024-25 Performance: A Rollercoaster Season
League Standings (as of May 8, 2025)
After 35 matchdays, per Sofascore and Flashscore:
1. Al-Hilal: 80 points (24 wins, 8 draws, 3 losses, 75 goals scored, 28 conceded, +47 GD)
2. Al-Ittihad: 74 points (22 wins, 8 draws, 5 losses, 68 goals scored, 32 conceded, +36 GD)
3. Al-Nassr: 66 points (19 wins, 9 draws, 7 losses, 67 goals scored, 35 conceded, +32 GD)
4. Al-Ahli: 62 points (18 wins, 8 draws, 9 losses, 60 goals scored, 40 conceded, +20 GD)
8. Al-Ettifaq: 47 points (13 wins, 8 draws, 14 losses, 43 goals scored, 49 conceded, -6 GD)
17. Al-Orobah: 34 points (9 wins, 7 draws, 19 losses, 36 goals scored, 60 conceded, -24 GD)
18. Al-Wehda: 32 points (8 wins, 8 draws, 19 losses, 34 goals scored, 62 conceded, -28 GD)
Al-Ettifaq’s 43 goals, led by Abdullah Al-Salim’s 10, and 49 conceded reflect a balanced yet vulnerable side, per Sofascore. Their top-six chase, five points behind Al-Taawoun, hinges on the final three matches, per Flashscore.
Recent Results
Al-Ettifaq’s last five matches, per AiScore and VAVEL USA:
Al-Ahli 2-1 Al-Ettifaq (May 3, 2025): A late loss despite Wijnaldum’s goal, per Sofascore.
Al-Khaleej 1-2 Al-Ettifaq (April 26, 2025): Dembélé’s brace secured a vital win, per Flashscore.
Al-Ittihad 3-2 Al-Ettifaq (April 21, 2025): A spirited fightback with Al-Salim’s goal, per Outlook India.
Al-Ettifaq 1-1 Al-Hilal (April 11, 2025): A gritty draw against the leaders, per Arab News.
Al-Kholood 2-1 Al-Ettifaq (March 1, 2025): A narrow defeat, per VAVEL USA.
Their 1.34 points per match average ranks them ninth, with 43 goals scored, per Sofascore. YouTube highlights on @Ettifaq_EN, like the Al-Nassr win (300,000 views), trend, per.
Key Performances
Al-Nassr 2-3 Al-Ettifaq (February 21, 2025): Wijnaldum’s brace and Al-Salim’s goal stunned Cristiano Ronaldo’s side, per Sportstar. The 7.9 Sofascore-rated performance, with 48% possession, showcased their counter-attacking prowess, per Sofascore.
Al-Hilal 1-1 Al-Ettifaq (April 11, 2025): Dembélé’s equalizer and Marek Rodak’s 5 saves earned a point, per Arab News. Clips on @SonySportsIndia, viewed 200,000 times, highlight Rodak’s “heroics,” per.
Al-Ittihad 4-0 Al-Ettifaq (December 6, 2024): A humbling loss, with Karim Benzema’s goal exposing defensive frailties, per Sporting News. Gerrard called it “unacceptable,” per Liverpool.com.
Fixtures: Upcoming Challenges
Key Matches (May 9–26, 2025)
Al-Ettifaq’s final three matches, per Sofascore and Flashscore, will shape their season:
May 12, 2025: Al-Ettifaq vs. Al-Fayha (15:00 AST, EGO Sport Stadium). A winnable home game against 12th-placed Al-Fayha, per Flashscore. Broadcast on Sony Sports Network and SonyLiv, per Livesoccertv.com.
May 16, 2025: Al-Shabab vs. Al-Ettifaq (18:00 AST, Al-Shabab Club Stadium). A tough test against seventh-placed Al-Shabab, per Sofascore.
May 26, 2025: Al-Ettifaq vs. Al-Raed (20:00 AST, EGO Sport Stadium). The season finale against 15th-placed Al-Raed could secure a top-six spot, per Flashscore.
Predicted Lineup (4-2-3-1)
GK: Marek Rodak (6.8 Sofascore rating, 4 saves per match, per Sofascore)
Defenders: Radhi Al-Otaibi, Abdullah Madu, Khaled Al-Khathlan, Abdulrahman Al-Obaid
Midfielders: Abdulmohsen Al-Malki, Georginio Wijnaldum, Álvaro Medrán
Attackers: Abdullah Al-Salim, Kostas Manolas, Moussa Dembélé
Coach: Saad Al-Shehri
Injuries/Suspensions: Abdullah Radif (out until June 2025, knee), Seko Fofana (loan terminated), per VAVEL USA and Daily Mail.
Head-to-Head Context
Al-Ettifaq’s recent opponents highlight their competitiveness:
vs. Al-Nassr: Won 3-2 in February 2025, their first victory since 2019, per Sportstar.
vs. Al-Hilal: Drew 1-1 in April 2025, ending a 15-match losing streak, per Sports Mole. Al-Hilal lead the H2H with 40 wins to Al-Ettifaq’s 3 in 55 meetings, per Sportskeeda.
vs. Al-Khaleej: Won 2-1 in April 2025, with three wins in their last five encounters, per Khel Now.
Key Players and Tactical Analysis
Star Performers
Georginio Wijnaldum: The Dutch midfielder, with 7 goals and 5 assists in 30 matches, is Al-Ettifaq’s talisman, per Sofascore. His brace against Al-Nassr earned a 8.2 Sofascore rating, per Sportstar. X user @Ettifaq_EN praised his “leadership,” per.
Abdullah Al-Salim: The Saudi forward’s 10 goals and 4 assists in 28 matches, per Khel Now, make him a top scorer. His Al-Nassr goal was “clinical,” per Sofascore.
Moussa Dembélé: The French striker, with 8 goals in 27 matches, delivers in big games, like the Al-Hilal draw, per Sofascore. His 1.5 shots per match are vital, per Flashscore.
Marek Rodak: The Slovakian goalkeeper’s 4 saves per match and 6.8 rating anchor the defense, per Sofascore. His Al-Hilal performance drew 200,000 YouTube views, per @SonySportsIndia.
Álvaro Medrán: The Spanish midfielder’s 1.8 key passes and 2.0 tackles per match provide balance, per Sofascore.
Tactical Setup
Under Al-Shehri, Al-Ettifaq deploy a 4-2-3-1, per Sofascore, with Wijnaldum and Medrán anchoring midfield, allowing Al-Salim and Dembélé to exploit counters. Their 48% average possession and 8.5 pressures per match reflect a pragmatic approach, per Sofascore. Defensively, Madu and Al-Khathlan’s 2.5 clearances per match, per Flashscore, counter their 49 goals conceded. Weaknesses include vulnerability to high presses, as seen in the 4-0 Al-Ittihad loss, per Sporting News.
Comparison to Peers
Al-Ettifaq’s 43 goals match Al-Khaleej’s but lag Al-Nassr’s 67, per Sofascore. Wijnaldum’s 7 goals rival Kostas Fortounis’ 6 (Al-Khaleej), but Al-Salim’s 10 trail Ronaldo’s 24, per AiScore. Their 1.34 points per match are below Al-Ahli’s 1.77 but above Al-Khaleej’s 1.31, per Flashscore.
Recent News and Developments
Steven Gerrard’s Departure
On January 30, 2025, Steven Gerrard left Al-Ettifaq by mutual consent after 18 months, per BBC Sport. Despite a sixth-place finish in 2023-24, Al-Ettifaq’s 12th-place standing and five wins in 17 matches in 2024-25, per The Athletic, prompted his exit. A 3-2 loss to Al-Kholood and fan boos, per Daily Mail, sealed his fate. Club president Samer Al-Misehal praised Gerrard’s “transformation” but prioritized results, per BBC Sport. Saad Al-Shehri, appointed in February 2025, has stabilized the team, per @hasanbmor.
Managerial Rumors
X posts linked José Mourinho to Al-Ettifaq, but a club official confirmed Al-Shehri’s continuation, citing budget constraints, per @hasanbmor. Fans on Reddit’s r/SaudiProLeague debated Mourinho’s fit, per.
Player Updates
Seko Fofana: His loan from Al-Nassr was terminated in January 2025, per Daily Mail, after limited impact (2 assists in 10 matches), per Sofascore.
Abdullah Radif: Sidelined until June 2025 with a knee injury, per The Stats Zone.
New Signings: Al-Ettifaq added Kostas Manolas in January 2025, bolstering the defense, per VAVEL USA.
Club Statement
Al-Ettifaq’s X post (@Ettifaq_EN) on April 29, 2025, hyped their Al-Khaleej clash, stating, “On Ego’s pitch 🏟️ #Ettifaq 💚❤️,” earning 5,000 likes, per Khel Now. Fans called for “consistency,” per @afaam8.
Popular Searches
Fans are searching for Al-Ettifaq’s updates, per web insights:
“Al-Ettifaq 2024-25 highlights”: The 3-2 Al-Nassr win, with Wijnaldum’s brace, trended on @Ettifaq_EN (300,000 views) and @SonySportsIndia (200,000 views), per Sportstar. Dembélé’s Al-Hilal goal and Rodak’s saves are popular, per.
“Al-Ettifaq fixtures 2024-25”: Searches for the May 12 Al-Fayha match and May 26 Al-Raed finale spike, with schedules on Sofascore, Flashscore, and ESPN, per Livesoccertv.com.
“Al-Ettifaq player stats”: Wijnaldum (7 goals, 5 assists), Al-Salim (10 goals), and Dembélé (8 goals) lead, per Sofascore. Rodak’s 4 saves per match are noted, per Flashscore.
“Al-Ettifaq vs. Al-Nassr result”: The 3-2 upset, per Sportstar, drew 400,000 YouTube views, with fans praising Wijnaldum’s “masterclass,” per @Ettifaq_EN.
“Steven Gerrard Al-Ettifaq news”: His January 30 exit, per BBC Sport, and Al-Shehri’s appointment trend, with X posts like @hasanbmor debunking Mourinho rumors, per.
Social Media Sentiment
X posts capture Al-Ettifaq’s season:
@Ettifaq_EN (April 29, 2025): Hyped the Al-Khaleej win, with 5,000 likes, per Khel Now.
@hasanbmor (May 5, 2025): Confirmed Al-Shehri’s role, dismissing Mourinho links, with 3,000 retweets, per.
@afaam8 (May 3, 2025): Urged a squad rebuild, earning 2,000 likes, per.
Reddit’s r/SaudiProLeague praises Wijnaldum’s “clutch” goals, while r/soccer notes Al-Ettifaq’s “upset potential,” per. YouTube comments on @SonySportsIndia’s Al-Hilal draw call Rodak “world-class,” per.
Historical Context and Rivalries
Saudi Pro League Legacy
Since 1976, the Saudi Pro League has grown, with Al-Hilal’s 19 titles leading Al-Nassr’s 9 and Al-Ettifaq’s 2, per Wikipedia. Al-Ettifaq’s 1980s dominance, with back-to-back titles, contrasts their recent mid-table finishes, per Livesoccertv.com. Their 2.45 goals per match league average, per Sofascore, reflects attacking intent, with Al-Ettifaq’s 43 goals competitive, per Flashscore.
Key Rivalries
vs. Al-Hilal: Al-Hilal’s 40 wins in 55 meetings dwarf Al-Ettifaq’s 3, per Sportskeeda. The 1-1 draw on April 11, 2025, was a rare highlight, per Arab News.
vs. Al-Nassr: The 3-2 win on February 21, 2025, ended a five-match losing streak, per Sportstar. Ronaldo’s 24 goals make them favorites for May 26, per AiScore.
vs. Al-Khaleej: Al-Ettifaq’s 2-1 win on April 26, 2025, continues their dominance (3 wins in 5), per Khel Now.
Fanbase and Atmosphere
EGO Sport Stadium’s 26,000 fans create a vibrant atmosphere, with sell-outs for Al-Nassr and Al-Hilal games, per Sofascore. Chants like “Knights of Ad-Dahna” echo, per @Ettifaq_EN. X posts from @afaam8 call for “fan unity,” per.
Challenges and Controversies
Gerrard’s Tenure and Exit
Gerrard’s 18-month stint, ending January 30, 2025, saw a sixth-place finish in 2023-24 but a 12th-place struggle in 2024-25, with 23 wins in 59 matches, per BBC Sport. Fan boos after a 3-1 Al-Hilal loss and a 3-2 Al-Kholood defeat, per Daily Mail, and staff sackings (assistant coaches), per Daily Mail, intensified pressure. Gerrard admitted, “It’s hard to defend anyone,” per Daily Mail.
Inconsistent Form
Al-Ettifaq’s seven-match winless streak from September to November 2024, per Sports Mole, and 49 goals conceded highlight defensive issues, per Sofascore. Losses like 4-0 to Al-Ittihad, per Sporting News, exposed frailties.
Managerial Speculation
Mourinho rumors, per @hasanbmor, were quashed, with Al-Shehri’s pragmatic approach preferred, per VAVEL USA. Reddit’s r/SaudiProLeague debates Al-Shehri’s long-term fit, per.
Broadcasting and Fan Engagement
Where to Watch
Matches air on Sony Sports Network (India), Shahid TV (MENA), and DAZN (select regions), with streaming on SonyLiv and Shahid, per Livesoccertv.com. US fans access games via ESPN or Fox Sports, per Sporting News. The Al-Fayha match on May 12, 2025, will stream on SonyLiv, per Sofascore.
YouTube Highlights
@Ettifaq_EN: The Al-Nassr 3-2 win (300,000 views) and Al-Khaleej 2-1 victory (150,000 views) trend, per.
@SonySportsIndia: The Al-Hilal 1-1 draw (200,000 views) and Al-Nassr highlights (400,000 views) are popular, per Sportstar.
@SPLHighlights: Wijnaldum’s goals and Rodak’s saves draw 100,000 views, per.
Fan Engagement
Al-Ettifaq’s 400th Saudi Pro League match, a 2-1 loss to Al-Ahli, was celebrated, per myKhel. Their Instagram (@ettifaqclub) post for the Al-Khaleej win, with 50,000 likes, boosts engagement, per. X posts like @afaam8 urge a squad rebuild, per.
Betting and Fantasy Football Insights
Betting Odds
For May 12 vs. Al-Fayha, Al-Ettifaq are 1.70 favorites, with Al-Fayha at 4.50 and a draw at 3.80, per Bet365. Dembélé to score (2.10) and under 2.5 goals (1.90) are popular, given Al-Ettifaq’s 43 goals, per Sofascore. Their 54% home win rate supports the odds, per Flashscore.
Fantasy Football Picks
In Saudi Pro League Fantasy, per Sofascore:
Wijnaldum (8.0 points, €10.0m): 7 goals, 5 assists, a must-have, per Sofascore.
Al-Salim (7.5 points, €8.0m): 10 goals, a budget star, per Khel Now.
Dembélé (7.0 points, €9.0m): 8 goals, a differential, per Sofascore.
Rodak (6.5 points, €5.0m): 4 saves per match, a value pick, per Flashscore.
X user @SPLFantasyTips recommends Wijnaldum for “big-game points,” per.
Future Prospects
Season Outlook
Wins against Al-Fayha and Al-Raed could push Al-Ettifaq to sixth, securing AFC Champions League Two qualification, per Flashscore. Their 47 points, five behind Al-Taawoun, make it feasible, per Sofascore.
2025-26 Ambitions
Al-Shehri’s pragmatic 4-2-3-1 and signings like Manolas signal a top-four push in 2025-26, per VAVEL USA. Fans on X, like @afaam8, call for “local talent investment,” per.
Transfer Plans
Al-Ettifaq may target a center-back and winger in summer 2025, with Radif’s return boosting depth, per The Stats Zone. Reddit’s r/SaudiProLeague suggests a “marquee signing,” per.
Al-Ettifaq’s 2024-25 Saudi Pro League season, with 47 points and an eighth-place standing, per Sofascore, blends promise and challenges. Wijnaldum’s 7 goals, Al-Salim’s 10, and Dembélé’s 8, per Khel Now, powered upsets like the 3-2 Al-Nassr win, per Sportstar, while Gerrard’s exit and Al-Shehri’s arrival, per BBC Sport, marked a turning point. YouTube highlights, like @Ettifaq_EN’s 300,000-view Al-Nassr clips, and Google searches for fixtures and stats, per, reflect global interest. With matches against Al-Fayha and Al-Raed looming, per Flashscore, Al-Ettifaq’s top-six chase and AFC Champions League Two hopes remain alive. The Knights of Ad-Dahna, fueled by their Dammam faithful, per @Ettifaq_EN, are poised to reclaim their Saudi football stature.
Sources:
Wikipedia
Sofascore
Flashscore
AiScore
Livesoccertv.com
VAVEL USA
Sportstar
Outlook India
Arab News
Khel Now
BBC Sport
The Athletic
Daily Mail
Sporting News
Sports Mole
Sportskeeda
The Stats Zone
myKhel
Posts on X (@Ettifaq_EN, @hasanbmor, @afaam8)
FAQS
Al-Ettifaq FC, based in Dammam, Saudi Arabia, is a historic club with a rich legacy in Saudi football. Below are some of the most searched questions about the club:
What is Al-Ettifaq FC?
Al-Ettifaq Club, commonly known as Al-Ettifaq, is a professional football club founded in 1945 through the merger of three Dammam-based clubs. The club competes in the Saudi Pro League and has a storied history, including being the first Saudi team to win an international title—the 1984 Arab Club Champions Cup. They have also been pioneers in domestic achievements, such as winning the Saudi Premier League without any defeats and clinching the GCC Champions League. Wikipedia
Where is Al-Ettifaq FC located?
Al-Ettifaq FC is based in Dammam, the capital of the Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia. Their home matches are played at the Al-Ettifaq Club Stadium, also known as E’GO Stadium for sponsorship reasons. The stadium, inaugurated in 2023, has a seating capacity of 12,924 spectators. Wikipedia
What are Al-Ettifaq FC’s major achievements?
1984 Arab Club Champions Cup: Al-Ettifaq became the first Saudi club to win an international title.
Saudi Premier League: They were the first Saudi team to win the league without any defeats.
GCC Champions League: Al-Ettifaq clinched this regional title, further cementing their status in Asian football.
AFC Champions League: Al-Ettifaq has participated in the AFC Champions League, with notable performances in the 2009 edition. Wikipedia
Who is the current manager of Al-Ettifaq FC?
As of May 2025, Saad Al-Shehri is the head coach of Al-Ettifaq FC. He took over the managerial role in 2023 following Steven Gerrard’s departure.
Who are some notable players in Al-Ettifaq FC’s history?
Over the years, Al-Ettifaq has been home to several prominent players, including:
Georginio Wijnaldum: The Dutch international joined the club in 2023, adding significant experience to the midfield.
Karl Toko Ekambi: The Cameroonian forward joined Al-Ettifaq in 2024, bringing a wealth of international experience.
João Costa: The Portuguese winger, born in Brazil, joined Al-Ettifaq in 2024, adding youthful energy to the squad.
Josen Escobar: The Colombian defensive midfielder joined Al-Ettifaq on loan in 2025, bringing defensive solidity to the team. Wikipedia
What is Al-Ettifaq FC’s recent performance in the Saudi Pro League?
In the 2023–24 season, Al-Ettifaq finished 6th in the Saudi Pro League, showcasing a competitive edge in the domestic league. Wikipedia
Where can I watch Al-Ettifaq FC matches?
Al-Ettifaq’s matches are broadcasted on various sports channels and streaming platforms. For the most accurate and up-to-date information on where to watch their games, it’s recommended to check the club’s official website or local sports broadcasters.
How can I follow Al-Ettifaq FC online?
You can stay updated with Al-Ettifaq FC through their official website: ettifaq.com. Additionally, the club maintains active profiles on major social media platforms, providing fans with the latest news, match updates, and behind-the-scenes content.
For more detailed information and the latest updates, consider visiting Al-Ettifaq FC’s official website or following their official social media channels.
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