Saudi Gazette report
JEDDAH — In a historic night of celebration, Al Ittihad concluded their title-winning campaign in the Saudi Pro League with a 1-0 victory over Damac on Monday at King Abdullah Sports City Stadium in Jeddah.
The final matchday was more than a football fixture — it was a spectacle of unity, passion, and triumph.
With four massive tifos unfurled across the stands, including the main banner reading "When we talk, we do," the crowd of over 60,000 created an electric atmosphere befitting champions.
Dutch winger Steven Bergwijn netted the decisive goal in the 72nd minute, sealing Ittihad's 27th win of the season and lifting them to 83 points, ten clear at the top.
Damac, meanwhile, ended the campaign 14th with 35 points.
Following the final whistle, Saudi Minister of Sports Prince Abdulaziz bin Turki Al Faisal presented the championship trophy to captain Karim Benzema, who led his teammates to the podium amid fireworks and deafening cheers.
Earlier, club legend Ahmed Jamil carried the trophy onto the pitch to a roaring reception.
Fans had queued outside the stadium hours before kickoff, eager to witness the moment their club officially reclaimed the league crown for the 14th time in its history — and for the third time in the Saudi Pro League era.
Adding to the festivity, renowned singer Ahmed Saad performed a live concert on the pitch after the trophy presentation, capping off an unforgettable night.
In a unique gesture of appreciation, Al Ittihad allowed a number of supporters to take photos with the trophy in the stands — a rare and emotional moment for a fanbase that stood by the club through highs and lows.
Club president Loay Mashabi, who received a thunderous ovation, told SSC channel he was overwhelmed by the occasion: “I don’t know if I will ever experience a joy greater than this. Making millions of fans happy is a responsibility I carry with pride.”
When asked about his future, Mashabi deferred: “Right now, our focus is on the King’s Cup final. After that, we’ll see what comes next.”
