CAIRO – Fresh off clinching their record-extending 45th Egyptian Premier League title in the 2024–2025 season, Al-Ahly has turned their attention to the global stage as they prepare for the highly anticipated 2025 FIFA Club World Cup, scheduled to be held in the United States from June 15 to July 13.
The curtain has officially come down on the domestic campaign, and once again, Al-Ahly has underlined their status as the undisputed powerhouse of Egyptian football. Capping off a season defined by consistency, firepower, and resilience, the Red Devils clinched their third consecutive Egyptian Premier League title—further extending their all-time national record to an astounding 45 championships.
With the domestic mission accomplished, focus now shifts to the continental front. Egypt’s representatives for the 2025–26 CAF competitions have been confirmed, led by Al-Ahly, who will headline the CAF Champions League campaign as reigning champions. Joining them is league runners-up Pyramids FC, who continues to cement their place among Africa’s elite.
In the CAF Confederation Cup, Egypt will be represented by two storied clubs: Zamalek, who finished third in the league, and Al-Masry of Port Said, who sealed the final African berth with a strong fourth-place finish—a landmark moment for the Port Said outfit and their passionate fanbase.
Ready for global stage
Record African champions Al-Ahly is setting their sights on global glory as they prepare to compete in the inaugural 32-team FIFA Club World Cup across 11 cities in the United States.
The Red Devils have announced the appointment of Spanish tactician Jose Ribeiro as head coach of the first team on a two-year deal.
The Cairo powerhouse will kick off the expanded tournament in style, headlining the opening match on Sunday, June 15, at the iconic MetLife Stadium in New Jersey.
The 93,000-seat NFL venue—home to the New York Giants and Jets—will witness a blockbuster clash as Al-Ahly faces Major League Soccer’s Inter Miami, led by Argentine legend Lionel Messi.
Ahead of their global debut, the Red Devils will enter a closed training camp in the US to sharpen tactics and ensure peak readiness.
FIFA has confirmed a record-breaking $1 billion prize pool for the 2025 tournament. Each club will pocket a share of a $525 million participation fund, while an additional $475 million will be distributed based on results throughout the competition.
The eventual champions stand to collect up to $125 million—setting a new benchmark in prize money and eclipsing the earnings of recent FIFA World Cup winners in both the men’s and women’s editions.
Crowning glory
Al-Ahly’s final act of the season was nothing short of spectacular. Playing in front of a passionate crowd at Cairo International Stadium, the champions dismantled Pharco FC in a stunning 6–0 victory that epitomized their superiority throughout the season.
Palestinian striker Wessam Abou Ali delivered one of the most memorable individual performances of the campaign, netting a super hat-trick with goals in the 10th, 33rd, 61st, and 68th minutes—blending composure, movement, and clinical finishing. Hussein El-Shahat added a stylish fifth in the 75th minute, while Emam Ashour, the heartbeat of Al-Ahly’s midfield, put the final exclamation point on the rout with a stoppage-time strike.
The emphatic win not only confirmed Al-Ahly’s place at the summit of Egyptian football but also emphasised their dominance across all facets of the game. Their haul of 45 league titles places them far ahead of their nearest challengers—Zamalek (14) and Ismaily (3)—while El-Tersana, Olympic Club, Ghazl El-Mahalla, and Arab Contractors each boast a solitary triumph since the league’s inception in 1948–49.
Midfield maestro
Midfield talisman Emam Ashour finished the season as both Al-Ahly’s and the league’s top scorer with 13 goals.
He was followed closely by Wessam Abou Ali, whose 10 goals proved pivotal in decisive moments. El-Shahat and Slovenian striker Nejc Gradisar chipped in with five goals apiece, while Taher Mohamed Taher contributed four. Achraf Bencharki added three, further underlining the squad’s attacking diversity.
In total, 14 different players found the net for the Red Devils, reflecting a system that thrives on collective contribution and attacking unpredictability.
Balanced brilliance
Al-Ahly’s championship campaign was defined not just by their attacking brilliance but by an unwavering defensive structure that made them the most complete side in the league.
The Red Devils ended the season with the most goals scored (52) and the fewest conceded (18)—a defensive benchmark matched only by top-flight debutants ZED FC. Their outstanding +34 goal difference was the highest in the league, illustrating their dominance in both creation and containment.
Impressively, Al-Ahly remained undefeated on the field throughout the season. Their only recorded “loss” came via administrative forfeit, stemming from a disciplinary ruling after they failed to appear for a scheduled clash against arch-rivals Zamalek.
On the pitch, however, they were immaculate—registering 17 wins, the joint-highest alongside Pyramids FC, and keeping 13 clean sheets, a figure that speaks volumes about their defensive cohesion and tactical discipline.
Only two teams—NBE Club and Enppi—succeeded in keeping Al-Ahly off the scoresheet, a rare feat that underscores the sheer consistency and intensity of their attacking force. Week after week, the Red Devils imposed their tempo, overwhelmed defenses, and found ways to win—even when not at their fluent best.
