Hubbry Logo
Al-Riyadh SCAl-Riyadh SCMain
Open search
Al-Riyadh SC
Community hub
Al-Riyadh SC
logo
7 pages, 0 posts
0 subscribers
Be the first to start a discussion here.
Be the first to start a discussion here.
Al-Riyadh SC
Al-Riyadh SC
Al-Riyadh SC
View on Wikipedia
from Wikipedia

Riyadh F.C. or Al-Riyadh (Arabic: نادي الرياض السعودي, romanized: nādī ar-Riyāḍ as-saʿūdī, lit. 'Saudi Riyadh Club') is a professional football club based in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. It currently plays in the Saudi Pro League (the first tier of professional football in Saudi Arabia). It was established in 1953 as Ahli Al-Riyadh, then changed its name to Al-Yamamah and finally to Al-Riyadh. Best known for its football team, Al-Riyadh also have squads in other sports.

Key Information

Al-Riyadh have won one major title: the Crown Prince Cup in 1994.[3] The team also finished as runners-up in the Saudi Premier League in 1994;[4] they have never won the top league.

Al-Riyadh was promoted to the Saudi Pro League in 2023.[3]

History

[edit]

Early history

[edit]

The club was founded in 1953 under the name "Ahli Al-Riyadh", before changing to "Al-Yamama" and then to "Al-Riyadh."[5] It is currently based in west Riyadh.[6] They reached the final of the Kings Cup in 1962 and 1978, but triumphed on neither occasion.[7]

Golden era

[edit]

Al-Riyadh was promoted to the Saudi Premier League at the end of the 1988/89 season after winning the Saudi First Division League.[8]

In the early 1990s, under the leadership of the Brazilian coach Zumario and players such as Khalid Al-Qarouni, Talal Al-Jabreen, Yasser Al-Taafi and Fahd Al-Hamdan, Al-Riyadh won the Crown Prince Cup in 1994.[4] They were unable to retain the Cup in 1995, losing in the final to Al-Hilal.[9] However, they did win the 1995 Federation Cup[7] and reached the semi-final of the 1995 Asian Cup Winners' Cup.[10] In 1998, Al-Riyadh once again reached the finals of the Crown Prince Cup, and lost to Al-Ahli.[11]

Al-Riyadh were relegated at the end of the 2004/5 season.[12]

Return to the top flight

[edit]

Al-Riyadh finished fourth in the Saudi First Division League in the 2022/23 season.[13] Normally, a fourth-place finish would not be good enough for promotion, but the Saudi Premier League was expanding from 16 teams to 18, offering an additional promotion spot.[3]

Honours

[edit]

Domestic

[edit]

Continental

[edit]

Players

[edit]

Current squad

[edit]
As of 3 September 2025

Note: Flags indicate national team as defined under FIFA eligibility rules; some limited exceptions apply. Players may hold more than one non-FIFA nationality.

No. Pos. Nation Player
2 DF  KSA Mohammed Al-Saeed
4 DF  ESP Sergio González
5 DF  FRA Yoann Barbet
6 MF  KSA Saud Zidan
7 DF  KSA Osama Al-Bawardi
8 MF  IRQ Ibrahim Bayesh
9 FW  SEN Mamadou Sylla
10 FW  FRA Teddy Okou
11 MF  KSA Khalil Al-Absi
12 DF  KSA Sulaiman Hazazi
14 MF  KSA Talal Al-Shubili
15 FW  KSA Nasser Al-Bishi
16 MF  KSA Mohammed Suhluli
17 DF  KSA Abdullah Hassoun
18 MF  YEM Khaled Al-Asbahi
No. Pos. Nation Player
19 MF  CIV Ismaila Soro
20 MF  POR Tozé
22 GK  KSA Abdulrahman Al-Shammari
23 DF  KSA Mohammed Al-Khaibari
33 DF  KSA Ammar Al-Harfi (on loan from Saudi Arabia Al-Ula)
82 GK  CAN Milan Borjan
87 DF  KSA Marzouq Tambakti
88 MF  KSA Yahya Al-Shehri
90 FW  KSA Talal Haji (on loan from Saudi Arabia Al-Ittihad)
— GK  KSA Emad Al-Feda
— GK  SVN Jan Petek
— MF  ENG Samuel Sackey
— MF  KSA Farhah Al-Shamrani (on loan from Saudi Arabia Al-Ittihad)

U21 squad

[edit]

Note: Flags indicate national team as defined under FIFA eligibility rules; some limited exceptions apply. Players may hold more than one non-FIFA nationality.

No. Pos. Nation Player
13 DF  MAR Ahmed Khatir
21 DF  YEM Abdulaziz Al-Asbahi
29 MF  KSA Salman Al-Matar
32 FW  ARG Luca Ramirez
44 DF  KSA Saud Tambakti
77 FW  SDN Sultan Harun
No. Pos. Nation Player
— GK  KSA Abdulmalik Al-Khaibari
— DF  KSA Faisal Al-Zeer
— DF  KSA Essam Bahri
— MF  KSA Akram Yousef
— MF  KSA Hussain Al-Raqwani
— FW  KSA Thamer Al-Dhafeeri

Out on loan

[edit]

Note: Flags indicate national team as defined under FIFA eligibility rules; some limited exceptions apply. Players may hold more than one non-FIFA nationality.

No. Pos. Nation Player
24 FW  KSA Rayan Al-Bloushi (on loan to Saudi Arabia Al-Jabalain)
25 DF  KSA Suwailem Al-Menhali (on loan to Saudi Arabia Abha)
50 DF  KSA Nawaf Hawsawi (on loan to Saudi Arabia Al-Najma)
66 DF  KSA Majed Al-Qahtani (on loan to Saudi Arabia Al-Bukiryah)
No. Pos. Nation Player
79 MF  KSA Fahad Al-Jizani (on loan to Saudi Arabia Abha)
— DF  KSA Sultan Al-Essa (on loan to Saudi Arabia Al-Hazem)
— MF  KSA Nawaf Al-Harbosh (on loan to Saudi Arabia Al-Bukiryah)
— FW  JOR Amin Abu Khalifa (on loan to Saudi Arabia Al-Bukiryah)

Coaching staff

[edit]
Position Staff
Head coach Spain Javier Calleja
Assistant coach Spain Luismi Loro
Saudi Arabia Al-Hamidi Abdullah Al Otaibi
Goalkeeper coach Spain Jesús Unanua
Strength and conditioning coach India Prandeep Bordoloi
Youth coach Portugal Fábio Castro
Doctor Brazil Gustavo Campos

Managerial history

[edit]

International competitions

[edit]

Overview

[edit]
As of 1 July 2023
Competition Pld W D L GF GA
Arab Cup Winners' Cup 15 7 2 6 21 18
Arab Super Cup 2 0 2 0 1 1
Asian Cup Winners' Cup 4 3 0 1 7 2
TOTAL 21 10 4 7 29 21

Record by country

[edit]
Country Pld W D L GF GA GD Win%
Algeria 2 1 1 0 2 1 +1 050.00
Bahrain 1 1 0 0 2 0 +2 100.00
Egypt 2 0 1 1 3 4 −1 000.00
Jordan 2 1 0 1 1 1 +0 050.00
Kuwait 2 1 0 1 2 2 +0 050.00
Lebanon 2 2 0 0 5 0 +5 100.00
Qatar 1 0 0 1 1 3 −2 000.00
Saudi Arabia 1 0 1 0 0 0 +0 000.00
Sudan 1 1 0 0 2 1 +1 100.00
Syria 2 1 0 1 3 2 +1 050.00
Tunisia 3 0 1 2 1 4 −3 000.00
United Arab Emirates 1 1 0 0 2 0 +2 100.00
Yemen 1 1 0 0 5 3 +2 100.00
TOTAL 21 10 4 7 29 21 +8 047.62

Matches

[edit]
Season Competition Round Club Home Away Aggregate
1995 Arab Cup Winners' Cup Group B Egypt Al-Ahly 2–2 2nd
Tunisia Club Africain 0–1
United Arab Emirates Al-Nasr 2–0
Syria Al-Ittihad Aleppo 2–0
SF Tunisia ES Sahel 0–2 0–2
Asian Cup Winners' Cup 2R Lebanon Homenmen 3–0 2−0 5–0
QF Kuwait Kazma 2–1 0−1 2–2[A]
SF Iraq Al-Talaba – Withdrew
1996 Arab Super Cup Final Tunisia ES Tunis 1–1 2nd
Saudi Arabia Al-Hilal 0–0
Arab Cup Winners' Cup Group A Bahrain Al-Muharraq 2–0 1st
Jordan Al-Wehdat 1–0
Algeria Olympique Médéa 1–1
SF Jordan Al-Faisaly 0–1 0–1
1999 Arab Cup Winners' Cup QR Sudan Al-Merrikh 2–1 2nd
Egypt Al-Masry 1–2
Yemen Al-Ittihad Ibb 5–3
Group B Syria Al-Jaish 1–2 3rd
Qatar Al-Gharafa 1–3
Algeria MC Oran 1–0

Key: QR – Qualifying round; 1R/2R – First/Second round; R16 – Round of 16; QF – Quarter-final; SF – Semi-final;

Notes
  • ^
    Al-Riyadh advanced after Kazma withdrew.

    • See also

    [edit]

    References

    [edit]
    [edit]
    Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

    Al-Riyadh SC

    View on Grokipedia
    from Grokipedia
    Al-Riyadh SC is a professional association football club based in , , founded in 1953 and currently competing in the , the top tier of Saudi football. The club plays its home matches at the Prince Turki bin Abdulaziz Stadium, a venue with a capacity of 15,000 spectators built in 1983. During the 1990s, Al-Riyadh experienced a golden era, highlighted by winning the in the 1993–94 season and finishing as runners-up in the Saudi Premier League that same year after finishing second in the regular season standings but losing the title decider to Al-Nassr. The club also secured regional success by reaching the semi-finals of the in 1995 and 1996. In recent years, Al-Riyadh has focused on rebuilding, achieving back-to-back promotions to return to the for the 2023–24 season after clinching the First Division title in 2022–23. The club maintains a competitive squad featuring international talents and continues to develop its youth academies as part of its strategy to reclaim past glories in domestic and regional competitions.

    History

    Founding and early years

    Al-Riyadh SC was established in 1953 in , , by a group of local football enthusiasts under the initial name Ahli Al-Riyadh. The club underwent name changes, first to and later to its current designation, Al-Riyadh SC, reflecting its evolving identity within the local sports scene. In its formative years, Al-Riyadh participated in regional leagues in the area during the and , building a foundation amid the growing popularity of . The club made its debut in national competitions with the 1974–75 Saudi Categorization League, marking its entry into the country's top-tier structure as one of the selected teams from the Central region. Throughout the 1970s and 1980s, Al-Riyadh experienced a series of promotions and relegations between the Saudi Premier League and the First Division, highlighting the challenges of establishing stability. Key milestones included winning the Saudi First Division in the 1977–78 season for promotion to the Premier League, finishing as runners-up in 1979–80 and 1982–83, and securing another First Division title in 1988–89 to return to the top flight. During this period, the club developed youth programs to nurture local talent, fostering strong ties in through grassroots initiatives and participation in regional youth competitions from the onward. These efforts helped solidify Al-Riyadh's role as a pillar, emphasizing football's role in social development before the professionalization surge in the .

    Golden era in the 1990s

    The marked Al-Riyadh SC's most successful era, characterized by competitive performances in domestic competitions and initial forays into continental play. Under the guidance of Brazilian manager Zé Mario, who took charge in 1993, the club experienced a significant rise, leveraging a blend of tactical discipline and key individual talents to challenge Saudi football's established powerhouses. In the 1993–94 Saudi Premier League season, Al-Riyadh finished as runners-up, accumulating 39 points from 22 matches and trailing champions Al-Hilal by five points, a result that highlighted their emergence as a serious contender. The following campaign, 1994–95, saw them secure third place with 41 points, level on points with Al-Ittifaq but behind on , further solidifying their status among the league's elite. This period of consistency was underpinned by standout contributions from players such as Khalid Al-Qarouni, Talal Al-Jabreen, Yasser Al-Taafi, and Fahd Al-Hamdan, whose experience and skill formed the core of the team's attacking and defensive strategies. The club's pinnacle achievement came in the 1993–94 Saudi Crown Prince Cup, where they defeated Al-Shabab 1–0 in extra time to claim their major domestic trophy to date. This victory not only boosted morale but also qualified Al-Riyadh for their debut in Asian club competition, the 1995–96 , where they advanced to the semi-finals before withdrawing. The era's successes elevated Al-Riyadh's profile, with three players representing at the , reflecting the club's growing influence in national football circles. The club also achieved regional success by winning the 1992 Gulf Club Champions Cup and reaching the semi-finals of the 1993 .

    Decline and recent promotions

    Following a period of relative stability in the , Al-Riyadh SC began to experience inconsistent performances in the early , culminating in their relegation from the Saudi Premier League at the end of the 2004–05 season after finishing in the bottom three. The club spent the subsequent 18 years competing in the First Division League, marked by mid-table finishes and occasional near-misses for promotion, but hampered by limited resources and competitive challenges in the lower tiers. The turning point came in the 2021–22 season when Al-Riyadh secured promotion from the Saudi Second Division League by finishing second in the standings, earning a spot in the Yelo League (First Division) for the following campaign. In 2022–23, they achieved a fourth-place finish in the First Division with 59 points from 34 matches, which qualified them for the promotion playoffs; a decisive 1–0 victory over Al-Orobah on May 16, 2023, confirmed their return to the after nearly two decades away. Upon re-entering the top flight in 2023–24, Al-Riyadh focused on consolidation, finishing 14th with 35 points (8 wins, 11 draws, 15 losses) to secure survival and avoid the relegation zone. In the 2025–26 season, as of November 19, 2025, the club holds a mid-table position of 12th after eight matches, accumulating 8 points (2 wins, 2 draws, 4 losses). This resurgence has been supported by stable under president Bandar Al-Muqail, whose tenure has emphasized strategic investments and squad rebuilding to sustain top-flight competitiveness.

    Club identity and facilities

    Name changes, crest, and colours

    Al-Riyadh SC was founded in 1953 under the name Ahli Al-Riyadh. The club underwent several name changes in its early years, first to Al-Yamamah and later to Al-Riyadh, reflecting its growing identity tied to the . By the , it was officially recognized as Al-Riyadh Saudi Club within the Saudi Arabian football structure, solidifying its status as a professional entity. The club's crest has evolved through multiple iterations since the late , with designs emphasizing the of the club name alongside geometric and symbolic elements representative of Saudi heritage. The current version, in use since approximately , features a streamlined incorporating the full name "Al-Riyadh Saudi Club" in both and English, set against a backdrop that evokes the urban landscape of . Al-Riyadh SC's primary kit colours are and , which have dominated home jerseys since the late 1990s and symbolize the club's dynamic presence in Saudi football. Away kits traditionally use or contrasting shades, while and appear in third kits as a nod to national colours. Kit manufacturers have included until 1999, Nike briefly in 2004–2005, from 2021 to 2023, and since 2024. Sponsorship on kits was absent from 1999 to 2022, followed by Yelo until 2024 and the current Science Technology partnership. These branding elements underscore Al-Riyadh SC's role in representing 's sporting heritage, fostering local pride and cultural connection within the broader context of Saudi professional football.

    Stadium and training grounds

    Al-Riyadh SC's home venue is the Prince Turki bin Abdul Aziz Stadium, located in the Dhahrat Laban district of , . Constructed in 1988, the stadium has a seating capacity of 15,000 and primarily hosts the club's domestic league and cup matches. The opened in 1988 and has served as Al-Riyadh SC's base since the club's early years in professional football. The club's operations are supported by facilities adjacent to or integrated with the stadium complex, including dedicated pitches and a gymnasium for player development and preparation. Average at home Pro League matches has ranged from approximately 1,800 to 2,000 in the 2023/24 and 2024/25 seasons.

    Honours

    Domestic achievements

    Al-Riyadh SC's domestic achievements are primarily concentrated in the , when the club experienced its most successful period, including a major cup triumph and strong league performances that elevated its status in Saudi football. The club's sole major domestic trophy came in the , marking a pinnacle in its history. Subsequent years saw consistent contention for top honors, though the team has not replicated that success in recent decades. Their return to the top flight via promotion in 2023 underscored resilience amid periods of relegation and lower-tier competition. The most notable accomplishment was winning the 1993–94 , the club's only title in this prestigious knockout competition. Al-Riyadh defeated Al-Shabab 1–0 after extra time in the final held in , securing the victory through a determined defensive display and a decisive goal in the additional period. This win, under coach Zé Mario, highlighted key contributions from forwards like Fahd Al-Hamdan, who was instrumental in the campaign's attacking play. The triumph qualified Al-Riyadh for continental competition and remains a cornerstone of the club's legacy, celebrated as a breakthrough against more established rivals. In the Saudi Premier League, Al-Riyadh achieved runner-up status in the 1993–94 season, finishing behind champions Al-Nassr after a competitive final. The team amassed 39 points in the regular season with 11 wins, 6 draws, and 5 losses, scoring 29 goals while conceding 17, with Fahd Al-Hamdan leading the scorers with 14 goals. This performance disrupted the dominance of traditional powerhouses like Al-Hilal and Al-Nassr, showcasing Al-Riyadh's potential as a top contender. The following 1994–95 season saw them place third in the regular phase with 41 points (11 wins, 8 draws, 3 losses), tallying 36 goals for and 21 against, though Al-Nassr ultimately claimed the title. These placements, the highest in club history, demonstrated tactical discipline and offensive prowess during a golden era. Al-Riyadh's best performance in the King Cup of Champions came in the 1994–95 season, reaching the final before a 0–1 loss to Al-Hilal. This run included a 2–0 semi-final victory over Al-Ittifaq, reflecting strong cup form that complemented their league efforts. The final exit, despite goals from key players like Al-Hamdan, ended hopes of another deep tournament run but affirmed the team's competitiveness in domestic knockouts during the mid-1990s. More recently, Al-Riyadh secured the Saudi First Division title in the 2022–23 season, earning promotion back to the after finishing atop the second tier with a dominant record. This achievement, their second second-tier championship following the 1988–89 win, revitalized the club after years in lower divisions and set the stage for their current top-flight participation. The promotion campaign emphasized rebuilding and integration, providing crucial context for the club's resurgence. Overall, Al-Riyadh has competed in the top flight across multiple spells, including continuous participation from 1989–90 to 1999–2000, brief returns in 2002–03 to 2004–05, and since 2023–24, totaling 16 seasons in the Saudi Premier League/Pro League as of the 2024–25 season. These domestic highlights, though limited in trophies, have shaped the club's identity as a resilient Riyadh-based outfit capable of challenging elites.

    Regional and continental achievements

    Al-Riyadh SC's involvement in regional and continental competitions has been modest, largely concentrated in the mid-1990s when strong domestic performances, including a victory in the 1993–94 season and league runners-up finish that year, earned them qualification for Asian and Arab tournaments. The club also won the Gulf Club Champions Cup in 1992 and reached the semi-finals of the in 1993. In the 1995–96 , Al-Riyadh advanced to the quarter-finals, defeating opponents in earlier rounds before a 1–0 aggregate loss to Kuwaiti side ended their campaign. This represented their deepest run in an AFC competition, highlighting the club's competitive edge during a period of elevated national standing. Regionally, Al-Riyadh achieved their most notable success in the , reaching the semi-finals in both the 1995 and 1996 editions—tied to their triumph—though they fell short of the final in each instance, with the 1995 loss coming against Al-Hilal. These performances underscored the club's ability to compete against top Arab opposition amid their peak.

    Team and staff

    Current first-team squad

    As of November 2025, Al-Riyadh SC's first-team squad for the 2025–26 season consists of 30 players, featuring a mix of experienced international talents and emerging Saudi prospects under manager Daniel Carreño, who was appointed on November 14, 2025, following the dismissal of . The squad includes 12 foreign players, representing 40.0% of the roster, with an average age of 25.8 years, emphasizing a balance between defensive solidity and attacking flair. Key reinforcements in the 2025 summer targeted midfield and defensive depth, including signings like Fahad Al-Jayzani from SC, Mamadou Sylla from , Sergio González from , and from Beitar Jerusalem, aligning with the strategy to bolster competitiveness in the league. The squad is led by captain Milan Borjan in goal, with Ivorian forward Mohamed Konaté serving as the top scorer from the previous season. Contract expirations vary across the roster, with several core players committed until 2026 or 2027. Below is the current first-team roster, categorized by position, including nationalities and ages as of November 2025 (sourced from official league and transfer records).

    Goalkeepers

    No.PlayerNationalityAgeContract Expiry
    82 (Captain)382026
    -Emad Al-Feda282026
    22Abdulrahman Al-Shammari262025
    -Jan Petek192027

    Defenders

    No.PlayerNationalityAgeContract Expiry
    5322026
    4Sergio González332026
    13Ahmed Khatir202028
    -Marzouq Tambakti222026
    23Mohammed Al-Khaibari302025
    12Sulaiman Hazazi282026
    7Osama Al-Bawardi262027
    -Mohammed Al-Saeed242026
    -Ammar Al-Harfi212027
    -Abdulaziz Al-Asbahi202028

    Midfielders

    No.PlayerNationalityAgeContract Expiry
    20Tozé322026
    8252026
    -Fahad Al-Jayzani (2025 signing)212027
    14Talal Al-Shbely202028
    10332025

    Forwards

    No.PlayerNationalityAgeContract Expiry
    9Mamadou Sylla312026
    99Talal Haji242027
    32Luca Ramirez222026
    11Khalil Al-Absi232025
    15Nasser Al-Bishi252026
    This composition provides sufficient depth for league and cup competitions, with foreign players like Barbet, González, Tozé, and Sylla forming the backbone of the .

    Youth and reserve squads

    Al-Riyadh SC's and reserve squads form a foundational part of the club's development pipeline, emphasizing the cultivation of local talent through competitive leagues and structured training. The U21 team participates in the Saudi U21 Elite League, where it competes against other professional clubs' reserves to hone skills and prepare players for senior football; in the 2025 season, the squad has recorded 7 points from 6 matches with a of -2. The academy operates multiple age-group teams, including U15 and U16 squads registered under the , alongside junior women's programs, to build a comprehensive pathway from grassroots to professional levels. Notable graduates from the system include defender Abdulelah Al-Khaibri, born in 1997, who progressed to earn caps for the national team after stints with Al-Riyadh and other clubs. Emerging prospects like 19-year-old attacking Farhah Al-Shamrani, a Saudi Arabia U20 international, exemplify successful transitions, having featured in the first-team squad during the 2024–25 season. The club's youth development aligns with broader Saudi initiatives, including partnerships between the and European entities for training camps and talent exchanges introduced since , aimed at exposing young players to advanced methodologies.

    Management and coaching staff

    The management of Al-Riyadh SC is headed by president Bandar Al-Muqail, who assumed the role in 2020 with a background in that has supported the club's revival initiatives. The technical staff is led by Daniel Carreño from , appointed on November 14, 2025, following the dismissal of . Carreño previously served in youth roles. Among the assistant coaches is Marin Boandra, a Romanian specialist in fitness who joined the club in and continues to oversee physical preparation. The coaching team also includes a dedicated goalkeeping coach to support specialized . Post the 2023 promotion to the , Al-Riyadh SC recruited a and bolstered its medical team to ensure compliance with top-tier league standards, enhancing overall operational and player welfare capabilities.

    Managerial history

    Al-Riyadh SC, founded in 1953, has experienced a diverse managerial history featuring over 20 head coaches, reflecting the club's evolution from regional competitions to the . In the initial decades from the 1950s through the 1970s, the team was led primarily by local Saudi coaches, though formal records of their tenures and achievements remain scarce due to the nascent stage of organized professional . The club's first documented foreign appointment came in the early with Brazilian coach Zé Mario, who managed from 1993 to June 1995 and contributed to competitive performances in the Saudi Premier League during a period of growing professionalization. This was followed by Hungarian Bertalan Bicskei from 1995 to June 1996, under whom the team maintained mid-table stability. In the late , French manager Jean-Michel Cavalli took charge from 1997 to 1997, overseeing 18 matches with a points per match average of 1.00 amid efforts to build squad cohesion. Saudi coach Khalid Al-Koroni emerged as a key figure in the and , holding multiple stints including from August 2004 to February 2005 and a brief from to April 2010, during which he focused on stabilizing the team in the First Division after a challenging period. His repeated appointments highlight his impact on club culture, though specific win rates from these eras are not comprehensively documented. The saw further transitions with various local and international hires, contributing to the club's status between divisions, but detailed tenures for this period emphasize continuity over high-profile successes. The most recent era, post-2023 promotion to the , has featured a series of international managers aimed at consolidation in the top flight. The following table summarizes key recent head coaches, their tenures, and notable impacts:
    ManagerNationalityTenureMatchesWinsDrawsLossesWin Rate (%)Notable Impact
    Jul 2023 – Sep 2023732242.9Strong start with three opening wins, setting foundation for survival.
    BrazilOct 2023 – Jun 202424681025.0Guided team to 14th place, avoiding relegation in first top-flight season in 20 years.
    Bandar Al-Kubaishan (interim)Sep 2023 – Oct 2023 & Apr 2025 – Jun 20255+N/AN/AN/AN/AProvided stability during transitions.
    Jul 2024 – Apr 20253611101530.6Improved team positioning to fourth early in season; 1.14 points per match.
    Jul 2025 – Nov 2025822425.0Managed early 2025–26 results with 8 points from 8 matches before dismissal.
    Daniel CarreñoNov 2025 – present10100.0Appointed November 14, 2025; early tenure includes a draw.
    Overall, Al-Riyadh's managerial landscape has shifted toward experienced international hires in recent years to enhance competitiveness, with a total of more than 21 head coaches reflecting the club's adaptive approach to challenges in Saudi football.

    Records and statistics

    Domestic league performance

    Al-Riyadh SC has experienced fluctuating fortunes in the Saudi domestic league system since the inception of the in 1976, with periods of competitive presence in the top tier interspersed with stints in lower divisions. The club's most notable success in the Pro League came during the mid-1990s, when it finished as runners-up in the 1993–94 season and third in the 1994–95 season, marking their highest placements to date. These performances established Al-Riyadh as a mid-table contender during that era, though the club faced relegation challenges in the early , ultimately dropping from the Pro League at the end of the 2004–05 season after a string of fifth-place finishes in the preceding years. Following nearly two decades in the lower tiers, Al-Riyadh mounted a strong comeback through the division system. In the 2021–22 season, the club secured promotion from the Saudi Second Division League by finishing third in their group and advancing via playoffs. The following year, in 2022–23, they placed fourth in the during the regular season and earned promotion to the Pro League following Al-Kholood's disqualification due to financial issues, returning to the top flight for the first time since 2005. Upon their return to the Pro League, Al-Riyadh demonstrated resilience in avoiding immediate relegation. In the 2023–24 season, they recorded 8 wins, 11 draws, and 15 losses across 34 matches, accumulating 35 points to finish 14th and secure their top-flight status. In the 2024–25 season, they finished 11th with 10 wins, 8 draws, and 16 losses, accumulating 38 points. As of November 6, 2025, in the ongoing 2025–26 season, Al-Riyadh has played 8 matches with 2 wins, 2 draws, and 4 losses, sitting 12th in the table with 8 points; their home form has yielded 2 wins, 1 draw, and 1 loss from 4 games, while away results remain a challenge with no victories, 1 draw, and 3 losses from 4 outings. Overall, in their recent Pro League stint from 2023 to mid-2025–26, the club has achieved 20 wins, 21 draws, and 35 losses, reflecting a trend toward defensive solidity with an average of about 1.14 goals scored per match in the current season.
    SeasonLeagueTierPositionNotes
    1993–9412ndRunners-up
    1994–9513rdBest non-championship finish
    2004–051RelegatedFinal top-flight season pre-hiatus
    2021–22Saudi Second Division33rd (group)Promoted via playoffs
    2022–23Saudi First Division24thPromoted following Al-Kholood disqualification
    2023–24114th8W-11D-15L, 35 pts
    2024–25111th10W-8D-16L, 38 pts
    2025–26 (partial)112th2W-2D-4L, 8 pts (as of Nov 6, 2025)

    International competition record

    Al-Riyadh SC has participated in international competitions primarily during the mid-1990s, competing in the (AFC) Cup Winners' Cup and the (UAFA) . The club's overall record across these tournaments stands at 14 matches, with 9 wins, 2 draws, and 3 losses, though they withdrew from one semi-final fixture without playing. Their performances were concentrated in 1995 and 1996, reflecting their domestic success as winners in 1994 and strong league finishes during that era. No further international appearances have been recorded since then.

    By Competition

    AFC Cup Winners' Cup
    Al-Riyadh's sole participation in an AFC-organized tournament was the 1995–96 edition, where they reached the semi-finals as Saudi domestic cup winners. In the second round, they defeated 5–0 on aggregate (2–0 away, 3–0 home). The quarter-finals saw them face , securing a 2–1 home win in the first leg and a 0–1 away loss in the second, advancing 2–2 on aggregate via (5–4). They were eliminated in the semi-finals after withdrawing against , allowing the Iraqi side to progress to the final. This campaign yielded 4 matches, 3 wins, 1 loss, and 1 victory, marking their deepest run in an AFC competition.     UAFA Arab Cup Winners' Cup
    Al-Riyadh competed in the 1995 and 1996 editions of this regional tournament for cup winners. In 1995, hosted in , , they finished second in Group 2 with 2 wins, 1 draw, and 1 loss (goals: 6–3). Key results included a 2–0 win over Al-Ittihad Aleppo of , a 2–0 win over Al-Nasr SC of , a 2–2 draw with of , and a 0–1 loss to of . They advanced to the semi-finals but lost 0–2 to of , placing fourth overall (5 matches total). In 1996, hosted in , , they topped Group 1 undefeated with 3 wins (goals: 6–1), defeating Muharraq Club of 2–0, Al-Wahdat SC of 1–0, and Olympique Médéa of 3–1. A semi-final loss to Al-Faysali SC of was followed by a third-place finish after defeating Olympique Médéa 2–0 in the playoff (5 matches total, 4 wins, 1 loss). These campaigns represent Al-Riyadh's best regional achievements, with third place in 1996.

    Record by Country

    Al-Riyadh's international opponents were drawn from West Asian and Arab nations, with a positive record against most but struggles against Tunisian sides. The following table summarizes their head-to-head results (excluding the withdrawal against Iraq):
    CountryMatchesWinsDrawsLossesNotes
    1100vs. Olympique Médéa (3–1, 2–0)
    1100vs. Muharraq Club (2–0)
    1010vs. (2–2)
    2101vs. Al-Wahdat (1–0 win), vs. Al-Faysali (0–1 loss)
    3201vs. Al-Nasr SC (2–0 win), vs. (2–1 win, 0–1 loss; advanced on penalties)
    2200vs. Homenetmen FC (2–0, 3–0)
    1100vs. Al-Ittihad Aleppo (2–0)
    2002vs. (0–1), vs. Étoile du Sahel (0–2)

    Best Campaigns

    Al-Riyadh's most notable international achievement was reaching the semi-finals of the 1995–96 AFC Cup Winners' Cup, where they demonstrated strong defensive play but were hampered by the withdrawal. In regional play, third place in the 1996 highlighted their group stage dominance, while their 1995 edition run to the semi-finals showcased competitiveness against established Arab clubs. These efforts remain the club's high-water marks, with no progression beyond quarter-finals in AFC tournaments proper.

    References

    1. https://www.spl.com.sa/en/news/507893/remodelled-al-riyadh-look-to-relive-former-glories
    2. https://riyadhclub.sa/
    3. https://www.arabnews.com/node/2572330/amp
    4. https://www.transfermarkt.com/al-riyadh-sc/erfolge/verein/31008
    5. https://www.transfermarkt.com/al-riyadh-sc/startseite/verein/31008
    6. https://www.worldfootball.net/teams/al-riyadh/9/
    7. https://www.rsssf.org/tabless/sau94.html
    8. https://www.rsssf.org/tabless/sau95.html
    9. https://www.rsssf.org/tablesa/ascup96.html
    10. https://www.spl.com.sa/en/news/511244/learning-under-lamouchi-how-al-riyadh-are-flying-high-in-rsl
    11. https://www.transfermarkt.com/al-riyadh-sc/platzierungen/verein/31008
    12. https://tribuna.com/en/league/division-2-ksa/table/2021-2022/
    13. https://www.soccerway.com/saudi-arabia/division-1-2022-2023/standings/
    14. https://fbref.com/en/squads/114f7a81/Al-Riyadh-SC-Stats
    15. https://www.sportsdunia.com/news/al-riyadh-fc-players-goalkeepers-defenders-midfielders-forwards-and-coaches
    16. https://saudipedia.com/en/article/1667/society/sports/al-riyadh-club
    17. https://www.sportsdunia.com/news/saudi-pro-league-teams-al-riyadh-sc-club-details-top-players-squads-historical-achievements-and-future-goals
    18. https://brandlogos.net/al-riyadh-sc-logo-vector-106439.html
    19. https://www.footballkitarchive.com/al-riyadh-fc-logo-history/
    20. https://www.footballkitarchive.com/al-riyadh-fc-kits/
    21. https://www.transfermarkt.us/al-riad/stadion/verein/31008
    22. https://stadiumdb.com/stadiums/ksa/prince_turki_bin_abdul_aziz_stadium
    23. https://www.transfermarkt.us/saudi-pro-league/besucherzahlen/wettbewerb/SA1/saison_id/2023
    24. https://www.transfermarkt.us/saudi-pro-league/besucherzahlen/wettbewerb/SA1/saison_id/2024
    25. https://www.transfermarkt.us/al-riad/erfolge/verein/31008
    26. https://www.transfermarkt.us/saudi-crown-princes-cup-1956-57-2017-18-/erfolge/pokalwettbewerb/SAUP
    27. https://www.transfermarkt.com/saudi-crown-princes-cup-1956-57-2017-18-/erfolge/pokalwettbewerb/SAUP
    28. https://www.mykhel.com/football/saudi-pro-league-history/
    29. https://www.transfermarkt.com/al-riyadh-sc/transfers/verein/31008/saison_id/2025
    30. https://www.spl.com.sa/en/teams/3090/al-riyadh/squad
    31. https://www.espn.com/soccer/team/squad/_/id/21965/al-riyadh
    32. https://www.sofascore.com/football/team/al-riyadh/168088
    33. https://www.livescore.com/en/football/saudi-arabia/saudi-arabia-u21-elite-league-2025/standings/
    34. https://saffplus.sa/en/entity/club/P5YOpcMn3VOrGCbXoL4mu
    35. https://www.transfermarkt.co.uk/al-riad/jugendarbeit/verein/31008
    36. https://www.arabnews.jp/en/features/article_131061/
    37. https://www.transfermarkt.us/al-riyadh-sc/startseite/verein/31008
    38. https://tribuna.com/en/clubs/al-riyadh/squad/2025-2026/
    39. https://www.transfermarkt.us/jean-michel-cavalli/profil/trainer/3962
    40. https://www.transfermarkt.us/khalid-al-koroni/profil/trainer/20112
    41. https://www.transfermarkt.us/odair-hellmann/profil/trainer/41640
    42. https://www.spl.com.sa/en/news/508543/hellmann-meticulous-brazilian-plotting-perfection-at-al-raed
    43. https://www.transfermarkt.us/sabri-lamouchi/profil/trainer/24207
    44. https://footystats.org/managers/france/sabri-lamouchi
    45. https://www.spl.com.sa/en/news/503630/al-riyadh-install-sabri-lamouchi-as-manager
    46. https://www.transfermarkt.com/javier-calleja/profil/trainer/42706
    47. https://www.spl.com.sa/en/news/753771/al-riyadh-appoint-spaniard-javier-calleja
    48. https://onefootball.com/en/news/learning-under-lamouchi-how-al-riyadh-are-flying-high-in-rsl-40206435
    49. https://fbref.com/en/squads/114f7a81/2024-2025/Al-Riyadh-SC-Stats
    50. https://www.rsssf.org/tablesa/arabcwc95.html
    51. https://www.rsssf.org/tablesa/arabcwc96.html
    Add your contribution
    Related Hubs
    User Avatar
    No comments yet.