There are some venues around the world where the atmosphere simply hits different, where the intensity and ferocity of support acts not just as a 12th man, but often as a 13th as well.Think the likes ...
There are some venues around the world where the atmosphere simply hits different, where the intensity and ferocity of support acts not just as a 12th man, but often as a 13th as well.
Think the likes of Liverpool’s Anfield, the Bernabeu in Madrid or La Bombonera in Buenos Aires, each famed for a spirit that must be experienced to be believed.
Well, you can add the Alinma Stadium in Jeddah to that list, too.
Whether it’s for Al Ittihad or Al Ahli, the 62,000-capacity stadium is, currently at least before the swathe of development for the 2034 FIFA World Cup, the crown jewel of football venues in Saudi Arabia. Hence, it’s nickname as “The Jewel” or, in Arabic, “Al Jawhara”.
There is something that little special about the fandom in Jeddah, a spark you can feel in your body but difficult to put into words. It’s a sensation that absolutely has to be witnessed firsthand.
From the heat and intensity of the elements to the way the stands are designed to be almost on top of the action, matches at the Alinma Stadium bring a level of fervour that make it one of the most intimidating venues in all of Asia.
Just ask Rio Ferdinand, who was blown away by the experience when on the sidelines for Al Nassr’s recent victory against Roshn Saudi League champions Al Ittihad - and not just by the noise, but the colour also.
The stadium has become synonymous with some of the region’s most incredible tifos and visual displays, with both Al Ittihad and Al Ahli fans constantly trying to outdo each other. The stadium is the canvas, the fans the artists.
As Al Ittihad stormed to the RSL title last season, and Al Ahli did likewise in the AFC Champions League Elite, there is no doubt that the vociferous support they received more than played a role in their respective success.
The atmosphere inside the Alinma Stadium for Al Ahli’s matches against Al Hilal and Kawasaki Frontale in the semi-final and final, respectively, was off the charts, providing an incredible backdrop to the tail end of Asia’s most important club competition.
In turn, it showcased to the world the power of Jeddah’s football fandom.
It’s no surprise, therefore, that the two clubs who call the venue home share the largest support through the opening four matchweeks of the 2025-26 RSL, with each averaging more than 45,000 already: title-holders Al Ittihad come in at 46,821, while Al Ahli have averaged 45,848.
For sure, it highlights the growing strength of the RSL.
The top average attendances so far in the #RoshnSaudiLeague 📊
— Roshn Saudi League (@SPL_EN) October 4, 2025
Who will be the highest come the end of the season? pic.twitter.com/DlAQarCQXg
But while the city splits along tribal lines, across the next week rival supporters will come together and unite for a common cause as the Saudi Arabia national team attempts to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
In the past, the stadium has proven a hostile place to visit when qualification is on the line; just ask Japan in 2018 and Australia in 2022, both of whom were no match for the Green Falcons and not as well for the intensity of the occasion.
In football, club loyalties matter, but nothing stirs emotion like the national team. It’s a sense of pride and patriotism that is unmatched, especially in the Kingdom.
Herve Renard’s side face two do-or-die clashes against Indonesia and Iraq during the next week in Group B of the Fourth Round of Asian Qualifiers, the first on Wednesday night, the second next Tuesday.
Coming the close of play then, the top-placed team from each group - the other pool, played in Doha, features Qatar, the UAE and Oman - qualifying automatically for next year’s global showpiece.
Having been awarded hosting rights for this crucial round, the fans can more than play their part to make the Alinma Stadium a hostile arena for both Indonesia and Iraq. If ever Saudi Arabia needed their "12th man", it is right now.
The energy on the pitch will be matched by the vibrancy all around the players. And, as Al Ittihad and Al Ahli have shown over the past 12 months, the more the fans give, the more the players offer in return.
Opposing supporters have come through on their mission to help bring success to their teams in a standout year for Saudi clubs. Now it’s time to join forces to deliver something the whole country can celebrate.
Category: General Sports
