Riyad Mahrez and Roberto Firmino Shined in AFC Champions League, but Saudi Dominance Raises Concerns
Roberto Firmino, Riyad Mahrez, and their club Al-Ahli capped off a remarkable campaign by clinching their first AFC Champions League Elite title in front of a roaring home crowd of 60,000 fans in Jeddah. The Saudi side secured a 2-0 victory over Kawasaki Frontale of Japan in Saturday night’s final, signaling another chapter in the growing strength of Saudi clubs on the continental stage.
Although Firmino was not included in the Saudi Pro League’s squad this season—due to the league’s cap of 10 foreign players—his influence in the Champions League was undeniable. With the continental tournament allowing squads greater flexibility, Firmino returned to the lineup and impressed throughout, ultimately being named the competition’s Most Valuable Player.
Al-Ahli’s triumph, bolstered by star names like Mahrez and Firmino, underlines how Saudi Arabian clubs have leveraged their financial and political clout to dominate the revamped AFC Champions League. The tournament’s uneven format, influenced by regional power dynamics, continues to spark debate across Asia about fairness and competitive balance.
While the win was a high point for Al-Ahli, concerns remain about the long-term implications of Saudi dominance and what it means for the future of Asian football.
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