From a local merger to Saudi football's historic cup winners
In short: Al-Fayha Club is more than just a team; it is the result of a 1953 merger designed to unite Al-Majma'ah. From its roots as a community safe haven, it has evolved into a professional force capable of upsetting giants and reaching continental stages.
Founded in 1953 and officially registered on August 15, 1966, Al-Fayha was born from the merger of two local clubs: Minikh and Al-Fayha. This union created a singular representative for the city of Al-Majma'ah. Beyond sports, the club has historically served as a vital social pillar, acting as an interactive hub and safe haven for the city's youth since its inception.
The club's journey to the top flight was marked by persistence. After winning their first promotion to the First Division in 1985, they experienced several cycles of promotion and relegation. A significant turning point occurred on April 29, 2017, when Al-Fayha secured its first-ever promotion to the Saudi Pro League following a 2–1 home victory against Ohod. They were officially crowned champions of the Saudi First Division on May 5, 2017.
The club's modern era reached a pinnacle in the 2021–22 season. Under manager Vuk Rašović, who implemented a disciplined organizational style and direct play, Al-Fayha achieved the best defensive record in the league. This momentum culminated in a historic run in the King Cup, where they defeated giants like Al Ittihad 1–0 in the semi-finals before clinching their maiden title via a penalty shootout against Al Hilal.
This victory paved the way for their debut in the 2023–24 AFC Champions League. On October 3, 2023, they secured their first win in this continental competition with a 2–0 victory over Pakhtakor of Uzbekistan. While they eventually bowed out after an aggregate defeat to Al Nassr, the club's rise from a local merger to international competition remains a defining narrative of Saudi football.
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- Summary by Intellect · source: Al-Fayha Club
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