Saudi clubs have reinforced their dominance on the Asian stage, not only through performance but also by achieving significant financial returns in the AFC Champions League Elite.
Al-Ahli, Al-Ittihad, and Al-Hilal collectively generated approximately $16.1 million in prize money, highlighting the strong balance between sporting success and financial growth within Saudi football.
Al-Ahli topped the list after winning the continental title, earning $12.5 million following their 1-0 victory over Japan’s Machida in the final held in Jeddah, confirming their dominance in the 2025–2026 edition.
Al-Ittihad secured $1.9 million after reaching the quarterfinals, delivering competitive performances before exiting the tournament against the same Japanese opponent.
Meanwhile, Al-Hilal earned $1.7 million despite being eliminated in the Round of 16 after a dramatic penalty shootout loss to Qatar’s Al-Sadd, reflecting the high level of competition among Asia’s elite clubs.
These figures underscore the effectiveness of Saudi Arabia’s sports investment strategy, which continues to combine competitive excellence with strong financial outcomes, positioning the Kingdom for sustained leadership in Asian football.
