Al-Ahli vs. Al-Ittihad

The Jeddah Derby between Al-Ahli and Al-Ittihad is the oldest continuous rivalry in Saudi Arabian football, dating back to their first meeting in 1951. Also known as the Red Sea Derby, this fixture pits Jeddah's two most historic clubs against each other in a contest that has shaped the identity of the city's football culture for over seven decades. Al-Ittihad, founded in 1927, and Al-Ahli, founded in 1937, represent the two pillars of Jeddah's sporting heritage, and their meetings electrify the city like no other event.

The rivalry has produced extraordinary drama across more than 12 cup finals, with Al-Ittihad holding a 7-5 advantage in those deciding matches. The derby's all-time leading scorer is Saeed Ghurab, who netted 20 goals across both sides of the divide — 17 for Al-Ittihad and 3 for Al-Ahli — embodying the intense personal connections that players develop with this fixture. Al-Ittihad's 7-0 demolition of Al-Ahli in the 1960 King's Cup remains the largest margin of victory in the derby's long history.

The rivalry suffered a painful interruption when Al-Ahli were relegated in 2022 for the first time in their history, ending the longest-running top-flight derby in Saudi football. The separation lasted just one season, with Al-Ahli returning in October 2023 to restore the Jeddah Derby to its rightful place in the Saudi Pro League calendar. The enforced absence only intensified the passion when the fixture resumed, reminding fans on both sides of just how much this rivalry means to the fabric of Jeddah football.