Amidst an atmosphere charged with anticipation and public enthusiasm, German coach Matthias Jäissle, manager of Al-Ahli, emphasized the paramount importance of the upcoming match against Al-Ittihad, scheduled for Friday evening. The King Abdullah Sports City Stadium in Jeddah, known as "The Shining Jewel," will host this highly anticipated encounter as part of the 25th round of the Saudi Professional League, a football summit that has captivated fans both locally and regionally.

Technical warnings and concerns about individual errors

During the pre-match press conference, Jääsle clarified his tactical approach, emphasizing that the Al-Ittihad match represents a "crucial turning point" in the team's league campaign. The German coach explained that he had held intensive meetings with the players to warn them against the dangers of individual errors, especially those occurring near the goal, noting that such lapses could prove costly in derby matches, which are often decided by small details.

Yasleh added: “The technical staff has studied Al-Ittihad team thoroughly and comprehensively, and we know very well that the opponent is very dangerous in quick attacking transitions. Therefore, we have the appropriate technical vision to deal with their strengths and stop their danger, while maintaining defensive balance and tactical discipline throughout the 90 minutes.”.

The Jeddah derby: A historical legacy and a struggle for influence

Given the overall context of the event, the Al-Ahli vs. Al-Ittihad match is not just an ordinary league fixture, but the historic Jeddah Derby, one of the oldest and fiercest derbies in the Arab world and Asia. This match carries added significance due to the long-standing rivalry between Jeddah's two giants, each striving to assert its dominance over the city and delight its vast fan base. This match comes at a time when Saudi football is experiencing an unprecedented global surge, drawing the world's attention to the King Abdullah Sports City Stadium (The Shining Jewel) to witness this football extravaganza.

In this context, the Al-Ahly coach pointed out his full awareness of the level of public passion accompanying the match, stressing that derby matches always have a special character that is different from the rest of the matches, and require a very high level of mental readiness from the players to absorb the pressures and turn them into positive energy on the field.

Zakaria Hawsawi's future and administrative files

On another note, Yassla addressed the rumors circulating about the renewal of Zakaria Hawsawi's contract, stating that the coach preferred to separate the technical and administrative aspects. He clarified that the renewal matter falls entirely under the purview of the club's management, explaining that any official decision regarding the player's future will be announced transparently through Al-Ahli's official channels. He added that he prefers to focus entirely on preparing for the upcoming crucial match.

Yasleh concluded his remarks by emphasizing his confidence in his players and their ability to deliver a performance worthy of Al-Ahly Club's name, hoping that everyone would adhere to the technical instructions to achieve the desired result in this crucial round of the Roshan League.

Al-Hilal Saudi Club officially announced the successful surgery performed this morning in Finland on their right-back, Hamad Al-Yami , to repair his injured knee. This decisive medical step puts an end to the speculation surrounding the player's condition, while simultaneously confirming the end of his current season with the club due to the lengthy treatment and rehabilitation program required.

Details of surgery in Finland

The delicate surgery was performed by world-renowned surgeon Lasse Lempienen , one of the most famous orthopedic and sports medicine surgeons in Europe, specifically in Finland, a leading destination for football stars worldwide seeking treatment for complex injuries. The procedure was conducted under the close and continuous supervision of Al-Hilal's medical staff, who were present and oversaw all procedures related to Al-Yami's case from the moment of injury until his exit from the operating room, ensuring the highest medical standards were met.

Behind the scenes of the injury against Al-Taawoun

The details of the painful injury date back to the intense match between Al-Hilal and Al-Taawoun, in the tenth round (postponed) of the Saudi Professional League. Al-Yami suffered a severe knee injury, forcing him to leave the field in pain and unable to continue playing. Subsequent medical examinations and scans confirmed that the player required immediate surgery to ensure a full recovery and avoid any future complications that could affect his football career.

Treatment plan and return date

According to the medical report, the operation was a complete success, thanks be to God. Hamad Al-Yami is scheduled to undergo a long-term treatment and rehabilitation program lasting approximately six months , meaning he will be out of action until the end of the current season. The rehabilitation program will be divided into several phases, beginning with intensive physiotherapy, followed by strength training, and culminating in individual ball work before he rejoins group training.

The impact of the absence on Al-Hilal's lineup

The absence of Hamad Al-Yami is a significant blow to Al-Hilal's coaching staff, especially given the fierce competition the team faces on all fronts, both domestically and continentally. Al-Yami is considered one of the promising young players the team relies on to bolster the bench and provide tactical solutions at full-back. This injury adds to the challenges facing the medical and coaching staff in maintaining the team's physical fitness amidst the relentless schedule of matches in the Roshan League and the AFC Champions League. Everyone hopes that the rehabilitation program will proceed as planned so that the player returns stronger next season.

In a spiritual atmosphere embodying the highest ideals of social solidarity and gratitude to those who give, the Friends of Football Players Charitable Association held its annual Ramadan Iftar banquet for 2026 on Wednesday. The event was attended by prominent sports figures, partners, supporters, and members of the association, in an evening that evoked memories of the golden age of Saudi football.

Priority of support for the founding generation of football

Captain Majed Ahmed Abdullah, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Association and a legend of Saudi football, affirmed during the ceremony that the Association's strategy places the "Generation of 1970" at the forefront of its priorities. The former captain of the Saudi national team and Al-Nassr club explained that this focus stems from a special appreciation for the players who represented the Kingdom in the late 1970s, noting that he was seven years old at the time and witnessed how these stars laid the foundations for the history of Saudi sports under circumstances entirely different from the present era.

This focus is logical given the historical context of football's development in the Kingdom; players in that era practiced the game as an amateur activity without lucrative professional contracts to secure their financial future, unlike later generations who benefited from the sporting boom and the era of professionalism. However, Majed Abdullah emphasized that the association does not neglect other generations, but rather includes those in need among them in its future plans and sustainable programs.

Figures reflect the scale of the donation

During the ceremony, the association presented the language of numbers that translates its efforts on the ground, as the statistics revealed the comprehensiveness of the support provided:

• Support track: 87,424 beneficiaries benefited from it.
• Housing track: Housing stability was secured for 1,368 beneficiaries.
• Empowerment Track: 1,753 beneficiaries were supported to build a professional future.
• Health track: 1,395 beneficiaries received the necessary medical care.

The association also recorded 2,471 community engagements, reflecting its vital role not only in providing financial support, but also in the social integration of veteran players.

Quality initiatives to improve quality of life

The association didn't stop at traditional support; it launched a series of impactful initiatives aimed at enhancing the economic and social stability of players and their families. Among the most prominent of these programs are: "Start Your Own Business" for economic empowerment, the "Complete Your Education" program, initiatives to furnish and renovate homes, coach training, and player employment. These efforts fall under the first phase of the "Friends... Following in the Footsteps of Champions" program, which also includes health programs and the rehabilitation of park fields.

From a humanitarian idea to an institutional entity

Majed Abdullah highlighted the story behind the association's founding, noting that it began as a humanitarian response to the suffering of some of his former teammates who faced harsh financial and social challenges after retirement. He explained that his personal experience and witnessing the circumstances of those he played alongside in his early career or with whom he shared achievements were the primary motivation for transforming the idea into a structured, institutional effort.

The association's president praised the efforts of the founding team and the individuals who supported the idea from its inception, specifically mentioning Fahd Al-Dosari and Engineer Fahd Al-Mutawa. He noted that preparing the legal documentation in accordance with the Kingdom's non-profit sector regulations required diligent work. Today, the association stands as a pioneering model in sports-related charitable work, transforming a dream into a sustainable entity that preserves the dignity of those who have served the nation in sporting arenas.