Al-Nassr Football Club(Arabic:نادي النصر لكرة القدم,romanized:nādī al-naṣr li-kurat al-qadam,lit.'Victory Football Club') is a professionalfootballclub based inRiyadh,Saudi Arabia. The club competes in theSaudi Pro League,the top tier of theSaudi football league System.Al-Nassr isone of only three clubs to have participated in every seasonof thehighest-tier Saudi leaguessince their inception. In addition to football, Al-Nassr is amulti-sports clubwith teams in various sports, includinghandball,basketball,esports,volleyball,and more, catering to both men and women of all ages.

Al-Nassr
Full nameAl-Nassr Football Club
Nickname(s)Al-Alami(The Global One)
FarisNajd(Knight of Najd)
Nadi Al-Shams(The sun club)
Qalb Najd(Heart of Najd)
Al'asfar Al'kabir (The big Yellow)
Nassrawis (Supporters)
Founded24 October 1955;69 years ago(1955-10-24).[1]By the Jabaa brothers
GroundAl-Awwal Park
Capacity25,000
OwnerPublic Investment Fund(75%)
Al Nassr Non-Profit Foundation (25%)[2]
PresidentAbdullah Al-Majid
Head coachStefano Pioli
LeagueSaudi Pro League
2023–24Pro League, 2nd of 18
Websitealnassr.sa
Current season
Al Nassr active departments

Football
(men's)

Football
(women's)

Basketball
(men's)

Futsal
(men's)

Al-Nassr has won 28[3]official titles across multiple competitions. In domestic competitions, they have claimed theSaudi Pro Leaguenine times, threeCrown Prince's Cuptitles, and threeSaudi Federation Cuptitles. They have also won sixKing's Cuptitles and twoSuper Cuptitles. At the continental level, the club earned an Asiandoublein 1998 by winning both theAsian Cup Winners' Cupand theAsian Super Cup.At the regional level, Al-Nassr won twoGCC Club Championshiptitles and oneArab Club Champions Cuptitle.

The club has a long-standing rivalry with city rivals Al-Hilal, whom they contest theRiyadh derbywith, the most followed match in the country.

Al-Nassr signed global superstarCristiano Ronaldo[4]in January 2023, a move that has been credited with revolutionizing Saudi Arabian football. Ronaldo's presence in the country has been hailed as a cultural phenomenon, setting the stage for numerous top-level European league players to join the Saudi Pro League, while also generating significant exposure for Saudi Arabian football.

Al-Nassr has also played a key role in the success of theSaudi Arabia national football teamat both the continental and regional levels. Theall-time leading goal scorer for the national teamisMajed Abdullah,an Al-Nassr player and legend who was developed in the club's youth sector, along with many other prominent names in Saudi football.

The club'smascotis "Knight," which represents the historic Knights ofNajd.Al-Nassr has a market value of €144 million as of 2024, the third-highest in Saudi Arabia.[5]

History

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Beginnings and triumphs (1955–1989)

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Al Nassr was established in 1955 by theAl-Ja'babrothers. Training took place in an old playground at Gashlat Al-Shortah, west shirts. In addition to the Al-Ja'ba brothers, Ali and Al-Owais, PrinceAbdul Rahman bin Saud Al Saudbecame the head of Al Nassr, he spent more than 39 years as the president for 3 stints until his death. His love of the team made him accept the challenge of being the president of a second-division club and turning it into a champion, and therefore, he is known as Al-Nassr's Godfather. They were promoted to the first division in 1963. During the 1970s and 1980s, the club won oneCategorization Leagueand threeSaudi Premier Leaguetitles, FiveKing's Cups,twoCrown Prince's Cups,and oneFederation Cup.The team's success was built around the "Saudi Golden Trio" ofMajed Abdullah,Fahd Al-BishiandMohaisen Al-Jam'an.[6]

Picture for the team with trophies won in 1974
Majed Ahmed Abdullahis Al Nassr's all-time leader in goals scored and appearances.

The End of Majed Abdullah Era (1989–2000)

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In the 1990s (year), Al Nassr managed to win two furtherSaudi Premier Leaguetitles in the 1993–1994 and 1994–1995 seasons, the 1990 King's Cup and the 1997–1998 Federation Cup. Towards the end ofMajed Abdullah's career, he still wasn't able to lift the ultimate prize inUAFAregion; theArab Club Champions Cupwhile the other top clubs in Saudi already succeeded in doing this. Despite that, Al Nassr managed to triumph in the continental tournaments. The 37-year-old striker,Majed Abdullahat the time, managed to win twoGCC Club Cups,oneAsian Cup Winners' Cupand oneAsian Super Cup.Majed Abdullah announced his retirement on 12 April 1998 following Al-Nassr's win in the 1998 Asian Cup Winner's Cup againstSuwon Samsung BluewingsfromSouth Koreain front of70,000fans in Riyadh. Majed retired at 39 years old as the all-time top scorer of the Saudi League with 189 goals and is also Al-Nassr's all-time top scorer with 260 goals, a record that was considered untouchable until the coming ofAbderrazak Hamdallah.

After becoming champion of theAsian Super Cup,Al-Nassr was eligible to represent theAFCregion in the firstFIFA Club World Cup.In that championship Al-Nassr played againstCorinthians,Real MadridandRaja Casablancaand finished 3rd in the group, the club became the first team to officially represent Asia in an international tournament, which was held in Brazil from 5 January to 14 January, in the year 2000. The nickname "The Global One (Al-Alami)"was obtained following their respective participation in the Club World Cup. Al Nassr won the FIFA Fair Play Award and 6th place following the end of the Club World Cup and was the first team in the world to win the award.[7]

Participating squad in the world Cup

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Number Player
Goalkeepers
1 Mansoor Al-Qahtani
22 Mohammed Al-Khojali
9 Mohamed Shareefy
Defenders
2 Nasser Al Halawi
5 Smahi Triki
4 Saleh Aboshahin
12 Hamad Al Khathran
16 Abdulaziz Al-Janoubi
20 Mohsin Harthi
21 Hadi Sharify
23 Ibrahim Al Shokia
Midfielders
3 Faisal Al Dosari
6 Ibrahim Al-Harbi
8 Fahad Al-Bishi
10 Fuad Amin
14 Nassib Al Ghamdi
17 Mansour Al-Mousa
18 Abdullah Al Karni
Forwards
7 Fahad Al-Mehallel
11 Mohaisn Al-Jam'aan
13 Ahmed Bahja
15 Nahar Al Dhaferi
19 Moussa Saïb
Manager
Milan Živadinović

Slow Decline (2001–2007)

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After the Golden Trio's retirement, Al Nassr's fresh squad at the time made an impressive performance during their first run in theFIFA Club World Cup.The Club then went on to sign some internationally recognized players, such as Ivory Coast'sFadel Keïtaand formerBarcelonaAttacking MidfielderJulio César Baldivieso.

Despite the expensive signings at the time, Al-Nassr failed to keep their position in the league and soon received some major setbacks. Things got worse as the next season went by. In 2006–07, the club only managed to avoid relegation on their last day of the season, which prompted honorary members, includingMajed Abdullah,to intervene. Their plan was to begin an effective long-term plan to restructure the management this period was called the Great Setback as the club at the time lost its place in the top during this period rivals Al-Hilal got more wins against Al-Nassr then ever before and broke the record for most wins in the derby which was held by Al-Nassr for many years.

Recent resurgence (2008–2015)

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Al Nassr fans at theKing Fahd International Stadiumin 2008 supporting the club despite not winning a trophy for almost ten years at the time

After a major overhaul of playing staff, Al Nassr went on to win the Federation Cup 2008 againstcity rivals,Al-Hilal.In the next season, Al Nassr made a record-breaking transfer by signing youngMohammad Al-SahlawifromAl-Qadsiahin 2009 for SR32 million ($8 million) fee, breakingYasser Al-Qahtani's record transfer to Al-Hilal from the same team as Sahlawi.

Newly reformed Al Nassr put lots of hope on their young striker's shoulders. In his first season with Al-Nassr, Al-Sahlawi scored 21 goals in 36 matches and received the Young Player of the Year award from STC. However, the club only finished third in 2009–10. Despite that, Al Nassr were eligible to secure a place in theAFC Champions Leaguefor the following season.

Bader Al-Mutawa finest hours

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Their second match in the 2011 AFC Champions League were against Uzbekistan clubPakhtakor,which resulted in a 2–2 draw with the decisive goal coming fromBader Al-Mutawa,a loaned player from a Kuwaiti club who was also part of theKuwaiti military.In the second match againstEsteghlal,Al Nassr managed to secure their first 3 points by winning 2–1, withHussein Abdulghaniscoring. In the third match, Al Nassr was defeated byAl-Saddwith them scoring 1 goal byLee Jung-Soo.

Once again Al Nassr was pitted against Al-Sadd fromQatarwith Abdulghani clutching 1 goal to force a draw result. In the fifth match however, Al Nassr secured a big victory against Pakhtakor withSaud Hamoodand Sahlawi each scoring 1 goal, while Al-Mutawa scored 2 goals. In the final group stage game, Al Nassr were beaten by Esteghlal 2–1 with Al-Mutawa scoring for the club again. Al Nassr narrowly avoided elimination by getting 2nd position in their group.

In the round of sixteen however, Al Nassr's dream to win a continental competition again since the time ofMajed Abdullahperished whenZob Ahandefeated Al Nassr 4–1, with Bader once again listing his name in goal chart. Shortly after the continental campaign was over, Bader chose to depart to Kuwait to return to his club and resume military duties. In his short time with Al Nassr, he managed to make a good record by scoring 5 goals, one of the top ten highest scorers in AFC during 2011.

2010 to 2015 Season

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In 2010–12, Al Nassr saw itself in the King's Cup. In the 2010–12 season, the Al Nassr coach,Francisco Maturana,aimed for the club to become the Saudi giant it once was. Once again Al Nassr were denied to become champions in the final of the Crown Prince Cup match, where Al-Hilal defeated them in a penalty shootout.

In the 2013–14 season, the club coach was replaced withJose Daniel Carreno.Al Nassr then went on a 22-game win streak without defeat and almost won atrebleby winning both thePro LeagueandCrown Prince's cupagainst city rivals Al-Hilal. this secured their place in the2015 AFC Champions Leaguefollowing the astonishing season.

The Age of the 3 Strikers (2015–2022)

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The 2010s marked the growth of football in most Asian countries, both in league quality and their national teams. The AFC Champions League also started to spark interest among football enthusiasts worldwide.

In the 2014–15 season, Al Nassr continued to defend their title as champions, winning the league. However, the team failed to achieve their treble after losing in the King's Cup final and only reaching the semi-final of the Crown Prince Cup. Many fans felt let down by the club after losing in the group stage of theAFC Champions LeagueagainstBunyodkor,Al-Duhail,andPersepolis.

Al-Sahlawi,who was 27 years old at the time, managed to score 25 goals from his 37 appearances that season. For these reasons, the coach was replaced by former Colombian goalkeeperRene Higuita.Even with him training the team, Al Nassr still failed to make an impact in theAFC Champions League.After being defeated byAl-DuhailandZob Ahan,Al Nassr finally defeated Bunyodkor in consecutive matches.

The start of the 2016–17 season marked the transfer of two Croatian players to the club:Ivan TomecakandMarin Tomasov,who were loaned to Al Nassr.Abdullah Madu,a new center-back at the time, also began playing with the club. However, that season, the club only finished in 3rd position in the Pro League, behind their rivalAl-Ahliand city rivalAl-Hilal.

Al Nassr only finished second in the Crown Prince Cup that season, losing to Al Hilal once again. They were also runners-up to Al Ahli in the final of the King's Cup. Al Nassr failed to qualify for theAFC Champions League 2017and theAFC Champions League 2018.In the 2015–16 season, Al-Sahlawi scored 10 goals in his 29 appearances. In the 2016–17 season, Al-Sahlawi scored 11 goals in 27 appearances, and in the next season, he scored 12 goals from 24 appearances.

Al Nassr's coachGustavo QuinterosfromBoliviadecided to signwingback,Sultan Al-Ghannamon 12 March 2018 for a free transfer fromAl-Faisaly.Ghannam quickly proved his talent by becoming a key player in both defense and offense. The club also signed two of the best Moroccan players at the time,Abderrazak HamdallahandNordin Amrabat.Both of them joined theSaudi Pro Leagueon 16 July and 23 August 2018.

Hamdallah, nicknamed "The Executioner," proved himself to be a menace when he made his debut againstAl-Qadsiah,making two assists. In his second match, he scored his first goal for the club againstAl-Taawoun.After this, Al-Sahlawi's position as the club's favorite striker began to shift toward Hamdallah as the formerChinese Super Leaguestar adapted to his teammates. The Moroccan forward broke records in the league since it became professional in 2007 and carried his team to qualify for the2019 AFC Champions Leagueby defeatingFK AGMK.

In the 2019 AFC Champions League, Al Nassr secured second position in the group stage, just below Zob Ahan, and advanced past the round of sixteen with Hamdallah scoring. In the quarter-finals, Al Nassr was defeated byAl-Sadd4–3. Hamdallah scored 4 goals in the 2019 AFC Champions League.

Despite a poor start due to a previous ankle injury, Hamdallah ended his first season in theSaudi Pro Leagueas the top scorer, impressively scoring 34 goals. By this time, Hamdallah had completely replaced Al Sahlawi as the main striker.

In the 2018–19 season, he won the league title with his team and scored a record 34 goals, alongside his teammateNordin Amrabat.He scored in the final match againstAl-Batin.On 3 January 2019, Hamdallah scored his first hat-trick for the club againstAl-Jandalin the Round of 64 of the2019 King's Cup.

Ten days later, he scored a super hat-trick againstAl-Ansar.He scored consecutive super hat-tricks againstAl-Fayhain the Round of 16. On 27 April 2019, Hamdallah scored a double in a 4–2 loss in the semi-final againstAl-Ittihadin the2019 King Cup.By the end of 2019, Hamdallah managed to surpass several stars such asRobert LewandowskiandLionel Messito become the world's top scorer, as noted byIFFHS,after reaching 57 goals in the year. Al Sahlawi also left the club to joinAl-Shabab.

On 4 January 2020, Hamdallah scored in a 1–1 draw againstAl-Taawounto win the2019 Saudi Super Cup.On 30 January 2021, Hamdallah scored in a 3–0 victory against rivalsAl-Hilalto win the2020 Saudi Super Cup.

2020 AFC Champions League campaign

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Al Nassr was eligible to join the2020 AFC Championsafter winning one of the domestic cups and the league. As they entered the group stage, Al Nassr drew 2–2 withAl-Saddfrom Qatar, with Hamdallah scoring one of the two goals. In the next match againstAl-Ainfrom theUAE,Hamdallah scored again. In the third match, Hamdallah scored twice in a 2–0 win against Iranian clubSepahan,and in the next consecutive match against the same team, Hamdallah scored again and assisted his fullback teammateAbdullah Madu.

In the later match againstAl-Sadd,the team drew 1–1 before a loss due to a single goal fromKodjo Fo-Doh LabaofAl-Ain.After reaching the knockout stage in the round of sixteen, Hamdallah scored the only goal in a 1–0 victory againstAl-Taawoun.The club advanced to the next stage. Al Nassr met their old rival, Al-Ahli, in the quarter-finals of the AFC Champions League. The Riyadh and Jeddah clubs have a long history of rivalry. Al Nassr won the "Classico" afterGonzalo Nicolas MartínezandAbdulfattah Asirieach scored a goal, with Hamdallah creating key moments for both.

However, Al Nassr lost in the semi-finals after a dramatic penalty shootout against Iranian clubPersepolis,ending their dream of lifting theAFC Champions Leaguetrophy. Despite this, Hamdallah managed to win the AFC Champions League golden boot, tying withJúnior Negrãowith 7 goals, but winning due to having more assists. Despite this, the manager was dissatisfied with Hamdallah's performance.

2021–2022: Season and key role of Talisca

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On 23 November 2020, Al Nassr officially terminated the contract of strikerAbderrazak Hamdallah.Although his contract was terminated, Hamdallah was allowed to continue playing for the remainder of his contract. Meanwhile, Al Nassr began searching for a replacement for Hamdallah, with many European players who had previously joined theChinese Super Leagueleaving due to stricter foreign player policies. This created an opportunity for other Asian clubs to acquire talented players at a lower cost.

Prior to joining Al Nassr,Taliscahad won the 2019Chinese Super Leaguetitle withGuangzhou Evergrande.Talisca officially joined Al Nassr on 17 May 2021 for a reported transfer fee of $9.5 million. On 8 June 2021,Vincent Aboubakar,aCameroonianstriker, also signed for Al Nassr, with a reported transfer fee of $6 million. Both players made their debut for the club during the second half of the 2020–21Saudi Pro Leagueseason.

Talisca and Aboubakar made their debuts in a 4–1 victory overDamacon 13 August 2021, with each of them, along with Hamdallah, scoring once. In the following match, Talisca scored the only goal in a 1–0 win againstAl-Faisaly,further solidifying his place in the team. Hamdallah played his final match for the club in a 1–0 loss toAl-Ettifaq,in whichFilip Kissscored the match-winning goal.

Jalolidin Masharipov, who had been on loan atShabab Al-Ahliin theUAE,returned to Al Nassr and made his first appearance in a 1–0 victory againstAl-Fatehon 1 January 2022. Despite the team's efforts under the leadership of managerMiguel Ángel Russo,Al Nassr was unable to secure any trophies that season, leading to Russo's departure and the appointment ofRudi Garciaas head coach.

Garcia oversaw a significant squad overhaul, bringing in new players, includingVillarrealfull-backÁlvaro González Soberon,who was a free agent at the time. With a strengthened squad, Garcia aimed for a domestictreble,Talisca scored his first hat-trick for Al Nassr in a 4–1 away win againstAl-Raed,which helped him become the league's top scorer beforeCristiano Ronaldo's arrival.

The Ronaldo years (2023–present)

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Ronaldo(left) captaining Al Nassr in 2023

On 30 December 2022, Al Nassr signedCristiano Ronaldoafter the Portuguese player leftManchester Unitedby mutual agreement. Ronaldo's contract runs for two-and-a-half years until summer 2025, with a total salary of €200 million per year, thought to be the highest ever paid to a professional footballer. He made an immediate impact on the global following of the club, with theirSocial mediaaccounts growing to unbelievable numbers.[8]Al Nassr finished in second place in the2022–23 season.

2023 Arab Club Champions Cup

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Ronaldo(left) playing for Al Nassr againstPersepolisin the2023–24 AFC Champions League.

TheArab Club Champions Cupis a seasonal club football competition organised by theUnion of Arab Football Associations(UAFA) and contested by top clubs from theArab world.

On 28 July 2023, just one day after Al Nassr finished their Japan World Tour in friendly matches againstInter MilanandParis Saint-Germainthe Al Nassr main squad faced their opponent,Al-Shababin the group stage ofArab Club Champions Cupwhich resulted in a 0–0 draw. Al Nassr's success came later when facingUS Monastir,in which Ronaldo scored a goal in a 4–1 victory. In the final match in the group stage againstZamalekfrom Egypt, Ronaldo managed to equalize in the 87th minute securing the club their place in the next stage with a 1–1 draw.

On 6 August 2023, Al Nassr facedRaja Casablancain the first one-legged knockout game, in which they won 3–1 to reach the next round. In the semifinal on 9 August 2023, Ronaldo secured their position in the final for the first time in the championship history after scoring a penalty againstAl-Shortafrom Iraq winning 1–0.

On 12 August 2023, theArab Club Champions Cupfinal was played.Al Nassrwho were 1–0 down toAl-Hilalpicked up a red card in the 71st min. Just 3 minutes later,Cristiano Ronaldoscored, making it 1–1, sending the final to extra time. With just 10 men,Cristiano Ronaldoscored in the 98th minute to secure a 2–1 comeback againstAl-Hilalin thefinal.Ronaldo finished the top scorer of the tournament with 6 goals and won the Golden Boot, whileNawaf Al-Aqidiwon the Golden Glove.

Al Nassr supporters in a match againstAl-Raed

End of 2023

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Following the move of Cristiano Ronaldo in the summer of 2023, ex-European team playersOtávio,Sadio Mané,Aymeric Laporte,Seko Fofana,Marcelo Brozovic,Aziz BehichandAlex Tellesjoined the club.

At the end of the 2023 year, Al Nassr were 2nd in the league, trailing onlyAl-Hilal.They finished 1st and unbeaten in theirAFC Champions Leaguegroup drawing Saudi ClubAl-Fayhain the Round of 16.Taliscacurrently sits 1st in the golden boot standings of theAFC Champions Leaguewith 8 goals in just the group stage. Al Nassr has qualified for the semi-finals of the King's Cup after beating Saudi heavyweightsAl-Shabab5–1.

2024

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TheIFFHSrecognizedCristiano Ronaldoas the global top scorer, finishing the 2023 calendar year with 54 goals. As of February 2024, he has 30 goals in the first half of the season, scoring in every competition.

Before the second half of the season, Al Nassr were supposed to go on a tour to China facingShanghai Shenhuaon 24 January andZhejiang Professionalon 28 January but the tour was delayed and to be held in a future date. Al Nassr faced Saudi rivals,Al-Hilaland MLS sideInter Miamiin theRiyadh SeasonCup. The Cup ended with Al Nassr facing Al-Hilal on 8 February 2024. Al Nassr started the second half of the season with anAFC Champions Leaguematch against Saudi teamAl-Fayhaon 12 January.

Al Nassr were knocked out of the2023–24 AFC Champions LeaguebyAl-Ainin the quarter finals, losing 1–0 in the first leg and winning 4–3 in the second leg, which led a 4–4 aggregate to penalties, which they lost 1–3.

They also lost theKing's Cupon penalties, and wereSaudi Super Cupsemi finalists, and finished 2nd in the league with 82 points, the highest points in the club's history. Ronaldo won the golden boot and broke the record for most goals scored in a singleSPLseason. However, fans were angry after losing every domestic title and getting knocked out of theChampions Leagueat the start of the2024–25season. The president Ibrahim al-Muhaidib resigned for not being given enough control over the club, and managerLuis Castrowas replaced in September 2024 byStefano Pioli.[9]On 20 September, Al-Nassr announced the launching of a TV channel for the club under the name of "NASSR TV",in partnership withDAZN.The channel is the first of its kind in the country and the region.[10]

2025

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On January 1st, 2025, Majid Al-Jam'an replaced Guido Fienga as the club's Executive Director, with Fienga becoming the club's advisor after public pressure from the supporters.[11]

Al-Nassr SoldSeko Fofanain the winter window for €20,000,000 to the French sideRennais,making it the biggest sale outside the Saudi Pro League, although higher sales have been made within the league itself.[12]

Crest and colours

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Al Nassr (Arabic:النصر) is the Arabic word for "victory", clubs with the same name are found inOman,Kuwait,Bahrain,UAE,andLibyabut the Saudi Arabian club was the first to take the name.

The club's logo represents the map ofArabiawith yellow and blue colours. Yellow for the sand of the Arabian deserts and blue for the water in theArab Sea,theArabian Gulfand theRed Seasurrounding theArabian Peninsula.Recently, the old logo has been replaced by a "modernised" version, but it is still heavily influenced by the old club logo. The new logo only represents the football team while the old logo represents the club as a whole.

Team colours

Kit suppliers and shirt sponsors

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Period Kit manufacturer Shirt main sponsor
1955–1978 In-House None
1979–1980 Adidas None
1981–1988 In-House None
1989–1990 Duarig None
1991–1996 In-House None
1997–2001 Nike None
2002–2005 In-House None
2006–2008 Lotto Al-Jawal
2008–2010 STC
2010–2012 Nike
2012–2013 NFC
2013–2014 Nassrawi.com[a]
2014–2017 Mobily[13]
2017–2018 New Balance[14] None
2018–2021 Victory Etihad Airways[15]
2021–2022 Lebara[16]
2022–2023 Duneus[17] Shurfah[18]
2023–2024 Nike[19] KAFD[b]
2024– Adidas[20]

Kit deals

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Kit supplier Period
Total Value
Ref

2024–2027

Total27million
(9million per year)
[21]

Stadiums

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Throughout its history, Al-Nassr has played in many stadiums. From 1972 until 2020, the club's home stadium wasPrince Faisal bin Fahd Sports City Stadium.From 1987 until 2020, the club alternated its home stadium withKing Fahd Sports City.In 2020, Al-Nassr moved toKing Saud University Stadium:this move stirred controversy, as the stadium had been the home of their rivals,Al-Hilal,between 2018 and 2020. Al-Nassr and Al-Hilal are expected to share thePrince Mohammed bin Salman Stadiumupon its planned completion in 2029.[22]

Current squad

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As of 31 January 2025[23]

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

No. Pos. Nation Player
2 DF KSA Sultan Al-Ghannam(vice-captain)
3 DF FRA Mohamed Simakan
4 DF KSA Mohammed Al-Fatil
7 FW POR Cristiano Ronaldo(captain)
8 MF KSA Abdulmajeed Al-Sulaiheem
9 FW COL Jhon Durán
10 FW SEN Sadio Mané
11 MF CRO Marcelo Brozović
12 DF KSA Nawaf Boushal
16 FW KSA Mohammed Maran
17 MF KSA Abdullah Al-Khaibari
19 MF KSA Ali Al-Hassan
20 MF BRA Ângelo Gabriel
22 GK KSA Ahmed Al-Rehaili(on loan fromAl-Ettifaq)
23 MF KSA Ayman Yahya
24 GK BRA Bento
No. Pos. Nation Player
25 MF POR Otávio
27 DF ESP Aymeric Laporte
29 MF KSA Abdulrahman Ghareeb
36 GK KSA Raghed Al-Najjar
50 DF KSA Majed Qasheesh
51 FW KSA Abdulrahman Al-EnaziU19
54 FW KSA Faris SalemU19
58 DF KSA Mohammed HazaziU19
60 FW KSA Saad HaqawiU19
61 GK KSA Mubarak Al-BuainainU19
70 DF KSA Awad AmanU19
71 MF KSA Mubarak Al-DawsariU19
78 DF KSA Ali Lajami
80 MF BRA Wesley
83 DF KSA Salem Al-Najdi
MF KSA Bassam HazaziU19

Other players under contract

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

No. Pos. Nation Player
14 MF KSA Sami Al-Najei
No. Pos. Nation Player
DF KSA Hamad Al Mansour

Out on loan

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

No. Pos. Nation Player
1 GK KSA Amin Bukhari(on loan toDamac)
5 DF KSA Abdulelah Al-Amri(on loan toAl-Ittihad)
30 FW KSA Meshari Al-Nemer(on loan toDamac)
38 MF KSA Fahad Al-Taleb(on loan toAl-Najma)
42 DF KSA Mansour Al-Shammari(on loan toAl-Jubail)
44 GK KSA Nawaf Al-Aqidi(on loan toAl-Fateh)
46 MF KSA Abdulaziz Al-Aliwa(on loan toAl-Ettifaq)
No. Pos. Nation Player
55 DF KSA Abdulaziz Al-Faraj(on loan toAl-Tai)
57 FW KSA Muhannad Barah(on loan toAl-Saqer)
66 DF KSA Waleed Saber(on loan toAl-Jeel)
92 FW KSA Fahad Al-Zubaidi(on loan toAl-Orobah)
99 DF KSA Aser Hawsawi(on loan toAl-Jubail)
MF KSA Rakan Al-Ghamdi(on loan toJong NEC)

Personnel

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Current technical staff

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Position Name
Head Coach Stefano Pioli
Assistant Coach Luciano Vulcano
Goalkeeping Coach Tony Mingual
Physiotherapist Roberto Morosi
Head Doctor Carlos Miguel
Youth Coach Ivan Matić
Youth Coach Džemal Adilji
Video Analyst Gianmarco Pioli
Match Analyst Jesse Fioranelli
Sporting Director Fernando Hierro
Assistant Sporting Director & Head of Scouts Department Adrián Espárraga
Executive Director Majid Al-Jam'an
Talent Scouting Marcelo Salazar
Chief Scout Rafa Gil
Director of football Omar Hawsawi
Club advisor Guido Fienga

Board members

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Office Name
President Abdullah Al-Majid
Member Board Raid Ismail
Member Board Abdulaziz Al-Omran
Member Board Maram Al-Johani

Coaching history

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No. Head coach Nationality From Until Trophies won
1 Ahmed Al-Joker 1960 1962
2 Ahmed Abdullah 1962 1965
3 Lamaat Qatna 1966 1967
4 Abdulmajid Tarnah 1967 1969
5 Hassan Sultan 1969 1970
6 Zaki Osman 1971 1971
7 Mimi Abdelhamid 1972 1972
8 Hassan Khairi 1973 1974 2Crown Prince's Cup
1King's Cup
9 Mahmoud Abou-Regaila 1975 1975 1Categorization League
10 Vivas 1976 1976
11 Ljubiša Broćić 1 July 1976 31 December 1979 1King's Cup
1Federation Cup
12 Chico Formiga 1980 1982 1stSaudi Premier League
2ndSaudi Premier League
1King's Cup
13 Francisco Sarno 1983 1983
14 José Chira 1983 1983
15 Carpergiani 1983 1984
16 Robert Herbin 1985 1986 1King's Cup
17 Billy Bingham 30 July 1987 30 June 1988 1King's Cup
18 Joel Santana 1 July 1988 30 June 1989 1Saudi Premier League
19 Yousef Khamees 1989 1989
20 Claudio Deorati 1990 1990 1King's Cup
21 Nasser Al-Johar 1990 1991
22 Dragoslav Šekularac 1992 1992
23 Qadies 1992 1993
24 Majed Abdullah 1993 1993
25 Nasser Al-Johar 1993 1993
26 Jean Fernandez 1993 1994 1Saudi Premier League
28 Henri Michel 1995 1995
29 Yousef Khamees 1995 1995 1Saudi Premier League
30 Jean Fernandez 1995 1996 1GCC Club Cup
31 Ilie Balaci 1996 1997 1GCC Club Cup
32 Dimitar Penev 1997 1997 1Federation Cup
33 Dušan Uhrin 1997 1998
34 Jean Fernandez 1 January 1998 30 June 1998 1Asian Cup Winners' Cup
35 Dutra 1998 1999 1Asian Super Cup
36 Procópio Cardoso 1999 1999
37 Milan Živadinović[24] 1999 2000
38 Yousef Khamees 2000 2000
39 Artur Jorge 2000 2001
40 Héctor Núñez 2001 2001
41 Salih Al-Mutlaq 2001 2001
42 Jorge Habegger 2001 2002
43 Julio Asad 2002 2003
44 Ljubiša Tumbaković 2003 2003
45 Mircea Rednic 2004 2004
46 Mohsen Saleh 2004 2004
47 Dimitar Dimitrov 2004 2005
48 Mariano Barreto 2005 2006
49 Yousef Khamees 2006 2006
50 Khalid Al-Koroni 2006 2006
51 Jorge Habegger 2006 2007
52 Julio Asad 30 January 2007 30 June 2007 1Federation Cup
53 Ednaldo Patrício 2007 2007
54 Foeke Booy 2007 2007
55 Rodion Gačanin 2008 2008
56 Edgardo Bauza 2009 2009
57 Jorge da Silva 2009 2010
58 Walter Zenga 2010 2010
59 Dragan Skočić 2011 2011
60 Gustavo Costas 2011 2011
62 Ali Kmeikh 2011 2011
63 Francisco Maturana 2011 2012
64 José Daniel Carreño 10 September 2012 2 May 2014 1Saudi Pro League

1Crown Prince's Cup

65 Raúl Caneda 2014 2014
66 Jorge da Silva(interim) 29 November 2014 24 October 2015 1Saudi Pro League
67 Fabio Cannavaro 2015 2016
68 René Higuita(interim) 2016 2016
69 Raúl Caneda 2016 2016
70 Fabio Cannavaro 2016 2016
71 Zoran Mamić 2016 2017
72 Patrice Carteron 2017 2017
73 Ricardo Gomes 2017 2017
74 Gustavo Quinteros 2017 2018
75 José Daniel Carreño 2018 2018
76 Hélder(interim) 2018 2018
77 Rui Vitória 10 January 2019 27 December 2020 1Saudi Pro League

1Saudi Super Cup

78 Alen Horvat 30 December 2020 31 March 2021 1Saudi Super Cup
79 Mano Menezes 2021 2021
80 Marcelo Salazar(interim) 2021 2021
81 Pedro Emanuel 2021 2021
82 Miguel Ángel Russo 2021 2022
83 Rudi Garcia 2022 2023
84 Dinko Jeličić(interim) 2023 2023
85 Luís Castro 6 July 2023 17 September 2024 1Arab Club Champions Cup
86 Stefano Pioli 18 September 2024

Presidential history

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Abdul Rahman bin Saud bin Abdulaziz,Al Nassr president for more than 39 years and the club godfather.
No Name From To
01 Zeid Al-Ja'ba 1955 1956
02 Ahmed Abdullah Ahmed 1956 1960
03 Mohammed Asaad Al-Wehaibi 1960 1960
04 Mohammed Ahmed Al-Odaini 1960 1960
05 Prince Abdul Rahman bin Saud(1st presidential term) 1960 1969
06 Prince Sultan bin Saud 1969 1975
07 Prince Abdul Rahman bin Saud (2nd president term) 1975 1997
08 Prince Faisal bin Abdul Rahman bin Saud 1997 2000
09 Prince Abdul Rahman bin Saud (3rd presidential term) 2000 2004
10 Prince Mamdouh bin Abdul Rahman bin Saud 2005 2006
11 Prince Faisal bin Abdul Rahman bin Saud 2006 2009
12 Prince Faisal bin Turki bin Nasser 2009 2017
13 Salman malik 2017 2018
14 Saud Al-Suwailem 2018 2019
15 Safwan Al-Suwaiket 2019 2021
16 Musalli Al-Muammar 2021 2024
17 Ibrahim Al-Muhaidib 21/6/2024 3/9/2024
18 Abdullah Al-Majid 28/10/2024[25] present

Since thePIFacquired the club, the president has become more of an honorary figure, attending formal events and honoring the winners in various sectors of the club. The president no longer holds real decision-making power, with the last president to truly hold such authority being the 16th president. The current president can only advise the Executive Director, who now holds all decision-making authority.[26]

Executive Director

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No Name period
01 Guido Fienga 2023–2025
02 Majid Al-Jam'an 2025–present

Honours

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Al-Nassr has won a combined total of 28 official championships and 46 overall. In Saudi football, there is a project to document the country's football history, and many clubs are seeking to add trophies won in the past to their records. Depending on the outcome of this project, Al-Nassr and other clubs may see their official trophy count increase. The club holds various domestic and international records. The club is the first Asian club to play in theFIFA Club World Cup.On a continental level, Al-Nassr has appeared in four Asian finals, with two victories and two runner-up finishes.[27][28][29][30][31][32]

Al-Nassr FC Honours
Type Competition Titles Seasons
Domestic

(SAFF)

Categorization League/Premier League/Pro League.[33] 9 1974–75,1979–80,1980–81,1988–89,1993–94,1994–95,2013–14,2014–15,2018–19
King's Cup 6 1974,1976,1981,1986,1987,1990
Crown Prince's Cup 3 1972–73,1973–74,2013–14
Saudi Super Cup 2 2019,2020
Prince Faisal Cup/Saudi Federation Cup 3 1975–76,1997–98,2007–08
Continental(AFC) Asian Cup Winners' Cup 1 1997–98
Asian Super Cup 1 1998
Regional MENA(UAFA) Arab Club Champions Cup 1 2023
Regional Gulf Region(AGCFF) GCC Club Championship 2 1996,
1997
  • record
  • sshared record

Records and statistics

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League records

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Top scorers in theleague

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As of 7 February 2025
Player Nationality Years Goals
1 Majed Abdullah Saudi Arabia 1977–1998 189
2 Mohammad Al-Sahlawi Saudi Arabia 2009–2019 103
3 Abderrazak Hamdallah Morocco 2018–2021 77
4 Cristiano Ronaldo Portugal 2023–present 65
5 Talisca Brazil 2021–2025 62
6 Saad Al-Harthi Saudi Arabia 2004–2011 36
7 Hassan Al-Raheb Saudi Arabia 2013–2018 26
8 Giuliano
Yahya Al-Shehri
Brazil
Saudi Arabia
2018–2020
2013–2018
19
9 Sadio Mané
Adrian Mierzejewski
Senegal
Poland
2023–Present
2014–2016
18

Al-Nassr has reached four Asian finals, winning two titles and finishing as runners-up in two others, they claimed theAsian Super Cupand theAsian Cup Winners' Cupas champions, while finishing as runners-up in theAsian Club Championshipand theAsian Cup Winners' Cup.

As of 17 February 2025
Competition Pld W D L GF GA
Asian Club Championship/AFC Champions League/AFC Champions League Elite.[34] 79 41 19 19 131 85
Asian Cup Winners' Cup 14 10 2 2 19 17
Asian Super Cup 2 0 2 0 1 1
TOTAL 94 51 22 21 151 103

Top scorers in Asian competitions

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As of 3 February 2025
Player Nationality Years Goals
1 Abderrazak Hamdallah Morocco 2018–2021 16
2 Cristiano Ronaldo Portugal 2023–present 12
3 Talisca Brazil 2021–2025 11
4 Giuliano Brazil 2018–2020 8
5 Fahad Al-Bishi Saudi Arabia 1984–2000 7
6 Bader Al-Mutawa
Ohene Kennedy
Kuwait
Ghana
2011
1993–1997
5

Matches

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As of 17 February 2025
Season Competition Round Club Home Away Aggregate
1991–92 Asian Cup Winners' Cup 1R Al-Ansar 2–1 2–1 4−2
QF Kazma 1–0 3−1
SF Al-Ramtha 1–0 3−1
Final Nissan 1–1 0–5 1−6
1995 Asian Club Championship 2R Yelimay Semipalatinsk 1–0 3−0[c] 4−0
QF Al-Arabi
2–1
1st
Saipa
0–0
Köpetdag Aşgabat
1–0
SF Thai Farmers Bank 1–0
Final Ilhwa Chunma
0–1
0–1
1996–97 1R Sharjah
[d]
w/o
2R Nejmeh 4–0 0−1 4−1
QF Al-Rayyan
1–2
3rd
Persepolis
3–2
Al-Zawraa
0–0
1997–98 Asian Cup Winners' Cup 2R Al-Shabab Al-Arabi
[e]
w/o
QF Al-Ittihad 0–0 3–2 3−2
SF Köpetdag Aşgabat
2–1
2−1
Final Suwon Samsung Bluewings
1–0
1−0
1998 Asian Super Cup Final Pohang Steelers 0–0 1–1[35] 1−1(a)
1998–99 Asian Cup Winners' Cup 2R Kazma 2–1 0–3 2−4
2011 AFC Champions League Group B Pakhtakor 4–0 2−2 2nd
Esteghlal 2–1 1−2
Al-Sadd 1–1 0−1
R16 Zob Ahan 1−4 1−4
2015 Group A Bunyodkor 1–1 1−0 3rd
Lekhwiya 1–3 1−1
Persepolis 3–0 0−1
2016 Group B Bunyodkor 3–3 1−0 3rd
Lekhwiya 1–1 0−4
Zob Ahan 0–3 0−3
2019 PO AGMK 4–0 4–0
Group A Al-Wasl 3–1 0−1 2nd
Zob Ahan 2–3 0−0
Al-Zawraa 4–1 2−1
R16 Al-Wahda 1−1 3−2 4–3
QF Al-Sadd 2−1 1−3 3–4
2020 Group D Al-Sadd 2–2 1–1 1st
Al-Ain 0−1 2−1
Sepahan 2−0 2−0
R16 Al-Taawoun 1−0 1–0
QF Al-Ahli 2−0 2–0
SF Persepolis 1–1(3–5p) 1–1(3–5p)
2021 Group D Al-Wehdat 1–2 0–0 1st
Al-Sadd 3−1 2–1
Foolad 2−0 1−1
R16 Tractor 1−0 1–0
QF Al-Wahda 5–1 5–1
SF Al-Hilal 1–2 1–2
2023–24 PO Shabab Al-Ahli 4–2 4–2
Group E Persepolis 0–0 2–0 1st
Istiklol 3−1 1–1
Al-Duhail 4−3 3–2
R16 Al-Fayha 2−0 1–0 3–0
QF Al-Ain 4–3 0–1 4–4(1–3p)
2024–25 AFC Champions League Elite League stage Al-Shorta 1–1 (A)
Al-Rayyan 2–1 (H)
Esteghlal 0–1 (A)
Al-Ain 5–1 (H)
Al-Gharafa 1–3 (A)
Al-Sadd 1–2 (H)
Al-Wasl 4–0 (H)
Persepolis 0–0 (A)

Key:PO –Play-off round;1R/2R –First/Second round;R16 –Round of 16;QF –Quarter-final;SF –Semi-final;H –Home game; A –Away game

Record by country

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As of 11 March 2024
Country Pld W D L GF GA GD Win%
Iran 19 8 5 6 23 21 +2 042.11
Iraq 3 2 1 0 6 2 +4 066.67
Japan 2 0 1 1 1 6 −5 000.00
Jordan 4 2 1 1 4 3 +1 050.00
Kazakhstan 2 2 0 0 4 0 +4 100.00
Kuwait 4 3 0 1 5 5 +0 075.00
Lebanon 4 3 0 1 8 3 +5 075.00
Qatar 18 7 6 5 28 30 −2 038.89
Saudi Arabia 5 4 0 1 7 2 +5 080.00
South Korea 4 1 2 1 2 2 +0 025.00
Tajikistan 2 1 1 0 4 2 +2 050.00
Thailand 1 1 0 0 1 0 +1 100.00
Turkmenistan 2 2 0 0 3 1 +2 100.00
United Arab Emirates 10 6 1 3 22 14 +8 060.00
Uzbekistan 7 4 3 0 16 6 +10 057.14

International records

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Competition Pld W D L GF GA
FIFA Club World Cup 3 1 0 2 5 8
Arab Club Champions Cup 0 0 0 0 0 0
GCC Club Championship 0 0 0 0 0 0
Arab Cup Winners' Cup 0 0 0 0 0 0
Arab Super Cup 0 0 0 0 0 0

All–time top goalscorers

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All competitions

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As of 7 February 2025
Player Nationality Years Goals
1 Majed Abdullah Saudi Arabia 1977–1998 259
2 Mohammad Al-Sahlawi Saudi Arabia 2009–2019 131
3 Abderrazak Hamdallah Morocco 2018–2021 115
4 Mohaisen Al-Jam'an Saudi Arabia 1984–2000 110
5 Cristiano Ronaldo Portugal 2023–present 88
6 Talisca Brazil 2021–2025 77
7 Fahad Al-Bishi
Ohene Kennedy
Saudi Arabia
Ghana
1984–2000
1993–1997
74
9 Mohammad S. Abdeli Saudi Arabia 1965–1980 73
10 Saad Al-Harthi Saudi Arabia 2004–2011 71

Notable players

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Youth Sector

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Al Nassr youth sectoris theyouth set-upofAl Nassr FC,The sector operates the system for boys from the age of nine upwards including teams and an academy.

Team Competition Titles Season
U-19 U-19 Premier League
U-17 U-17 Premier League 1 2022–23
U-16 U-16 Premier League
U-15 U-15 Premier League 1 2023–24
U-13 U-13 Premier League 1 2023–24

See also

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Notes

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  1. ^To promote the club's website
  2. ^owned byPublic Investment Fund
  3. ^Yelimay Semipalatinsk withdrew after the 1st leg
  4. ^Sharjah withdrew
  5. ^Al-Shabab Al-Arabi withdrew

References

edit
  1. ^"Club History".Al Nassr FC. Archived fromthe originalon 27 December 2014.Retrieved4 December2014.
  2. ^"Saudi Arabia's PIF takes over Al-Ittihad, Al-Nassr, Al-Hilal and Al-Ahli".BBC Sport.5 June 2023.Archivedfrom the original on 6 June 2023.Retrieved6 June2023.
  3. ^"Al-Nassr FC Trophies".Al-Nassr FC. Archived fromthe originalon 7 December 2014.Retrieved4 December2014.
  4. ^"Cristiano Ronaldo's trailblazing year in Saudi Arabia: A blend of football brilliance and cultural integration".Saudigazette.4 January 2024.Retrieved23 September2024.
  5. ^https://www.statista.com/statistics/1454604/saudi-arabia-top-soccer-clubs-saudi-pro-league-by-market-value/
  6. ^"تأسيس النصر".Al Jazirah.Retrieved9 January2025.
  7. ^Pierrend, José."FIFA Awards".The Rec.Sport.Soccer Statistics Foundation.Archivedfrom the original on 12 January 2016.Retrieved26 December2014.
  8. ^"Al-Nassr now boast more Instagram followers than every Premier League club outside 'Big Six' after Cristiano Ronaldo's move sparked incredible increase".TalkSport.5 January 2023.Archivedfrom the original on 5 January 2023.Retrieved6 January2023.
  9. ^"Η Αλ Νασρ του Ρονάλντο απέλυσε τον προπονητή της: Φαβορί ο Πιόλι".sport24.gr(in Greek).Retrieved18 September2024.
  10. ^"Nassr TV النصر يعلن عن إطلاق قناة".Sabq.Retrieved9 January2025.
  11. ^"تعيين ماجد الجمعان رئيسا تنفيذيا لنادي النصر".Al Riyadh.Retrieved9 January2025.
  12. ^"Seko Fofana joins French club Rennes after spell in Saudi Arabia".Arab News.Retrieved9 January2025.
  13. ^"موبايلي" تجدد رعايتها لـ "الهلال" وتوقع رعاية جديدة مع "النصر"".Akhbaar 24.Retrieved26 November2024.
  14. ^"Al-Nassr FC, New Balance Unveil New Home and Away Kits".8 November 2017.
  15. ^"Etihad Airways and Al-Nassr FC Announce Partnership".5 December 2021.
  16. ^"Al-Nassr Announces New Sponsorship Deal".25 January 2022.
  17. ^"Al-Nassr reveals new season kits with Duneus".
  18. ^"168 Million Secures Al-Nassr's Sponsorship with" Shurfah "".20 February 2022.
  19. ^"Al-Nassr's new kit manufacturing agreement with Nike".
  20. ^"Al-Nassr to switch kit supplier from Nike to Adidas next season".7 February 2024.
  21. ^"Al-Nassr secure landmark multi-year deal with Adidas".Sportsmint Media.Retrieved26 November2024.
  22. ^"Riyadh football clubs to get new stadium under $27m Qiddiya deal".
  23. ^"First team".Al Nassr FC.Archivedfrom the original on 21 July 2023.Retrieved21 July2023.
  24. ^مدرب النصر ميلان
  25. ^"Al-Majid Appointed as Chairman of Board of Directors of Al-Nassr Club Company".
  26. ^"PIF takes ownership of four Saudi Pro League clubs as Aramco, Neom, Driyah Gate and Royal Commission for Al-Ula also buy in".SportsPro.Retrieved9 January2025.
  27. ^Abdulaziz, Al Sharif (31 January 2014)."39 tournaments".Sabq Media Group.Archivedfrom the original on 16 December 2014.Retrieved15 December2014.
  28. ^"FIFA Club World Cup 2000".FIFA.Archivedfrom the original on 21 September 2021.Retrieved11 December2014.
  29. ^Pierrend, José."FIFA Awards".The Rec.Sport.Soccer Statistics Foundation.Archivedfrom the original on 12 January 2016.Retrieved26 December2014.
  30. ^Halchuk, Stephen."Asian Champions' Cup".Rec.Sport.Soccer Statistics Foundation.Archivedfrom the original on 12 August 2022.Retrieved26 December2014.
  31. ^Halchuk, Stephen."Asian Cup Winners' Cup".Rec.Sport.Soccer Statistics Foundation.Archivedfrom the original on 12 August 2022.Retrieved26 December2014.
  32. ^Halchuk, Stephen."Asian Super Cup".Rec.Sport.Soccer Statistics Foundation.Archivedfrom the original on 31 October 2015.Retrieved26 December2014.
  33. ^A note: The top tier of Saudi football has undergone several rebrandings. Al Nassr has won five Premier League titles, three Pro League titles, and one Categorization League title.
  34. ^Same competition, rebranded several times, similar to the European Cup (now known as the UEFA Champions League).
  35. ^Al-Nassr won the Super Cup with theaway goals rule.
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