The 2024–25 AFC Champions League Elite concluded with a historic victory for Al-Ahli Saudi FC, who secured their first-ever continental title by defeating Japan’s Kawasaki Frontale 2–0 in the final held on May 3, 2025, at King Abdullah Sports City in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.
A New Era for Asian Club Football
This season marked the inaugural edition of the AFC Champions League Elite, a rebranded and reformatted version of Asia’s premier club competition. The tournament featured 24 teams from 12 associations, divided into East and West regions. The league phase introduced a novel structure, with teams playing eight matches against different opponents, leading to a centralized knockout stage in Jeddah.
The Final Showdown
In the final, Al-Ahli capitalized on early opportunities to establish a commanding lead. Galeno opened the scoring following a defensive error by Kawasaki, and Franck Kessié doubled the advantage before halftime . Despite Kawasaki’s efforts, they were unable to overcome the deficit, and Al-Ahli maintained their lead to clinch the title.
Standout Performances
Roberto Firmino was named Player of the Tournament, contributing six goals and seven assists throughout the competition . His teammates, Édouard Mendy and Riyad Mahrez, also played pivotal roles in Al-Ahli’s success. Notably, all three players achieved the rare feat of winning both the UEFA Champions League and the AFC Champions League, underscoring their exceptional talent and experience.
Kawasaki Frontale’s Journey
Kawasaki Frontale’s path to the final was marked by resilience and determination. They navigated the league phase and knockout rounds with commendable performances, including victories over formidable opponents. However, in the final, defensive lapses proved costly. Head coach Shigetoshi Hasebe acknowledged that individual errors and tactical missteps contributed to their defeat, emphasizing the need for growth and improvement in future campaigns.
Implications and Future Prospects
Al-Ahli’s triumph not only secured them the AFC Champions League Elite title but also earned them qualification for the 2025 FIFA Intercontinental Cup and the 2029 FIFA Club World Cup . This victory signifies a significant milestone for the club and highlights the growing influence of Saudi Arabian football on the Asian stage.
The tournament’s centralized format in Jeddah, along with substantial investments in Saudi clubs, has sparked discussions about competitive balance within Asian football. While the influx of star players has elevated the tournament’s profile, concerns have been raised regarding fairness and inclusivity.
As the AFC Champions League Elite looks ahead to future editions, the 2024–25 season will be remembered for its ground-breaking changes, thrilling matches, and the emergence of new champions in Al-Ahli Saudi FC.
