The Ultimate Guide to Al-Okhdood Club: History, Stats, and Future in the Saudi Pro League

In the rapidly evolving landscape of Saudi Arabian football, few stories are as compelling as the rise of Al-Okhdood Club (often spelled Al-Akhdoud). Based in the historic city of Najran, this club has transformed from a regional contender into a staple of the Saudi Pro League (SPL). Known affectionately as the "Ambassador of Najran," Al-Okhdood represents the spirit and heritage of southern Saudi Arabia.

Whether you are a die-hard fan, a sports analyst, or a curious observer of the Roshn Saudi League, this comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about Al-Okhdood Club—from its ancient historical roots to its current net value and achievements.

1. The Deep History of Al-Okhdood Club

Founded in 1976, Al-Okhdood Club is more than just a sports entity; it is a cultural landmark. The club’s name, Al-Okhdood (Arabic for "The Ditch"), refers to the historical site in Najran mentioned in the Qur'an. This connection to the region’s ancient history gives the club a unique identity among Saudi teams.

For decades, the club navigated the lower tiers of Saudi football. However, the last five years have seen a meteoric rise. After winning the Saudi Second Division in 2021, the club secured a historic promotion to the top-flight Saudi Pro League in May 2023, becoming the 37th club to compete at the highest level of Saudi football.

2. Team Leadership: Coach, Manager, and President

Stability in the boardroom and tactical brilliance on the pitch have been the pillars of Al-Okhdood's survival in the SPL.

The Manager and Coaching Staff

As of late 2025, the team is led by the experienced Portuguese tactician Paulo Sérgio. Appointed in March 2025, Sérgio brought a pragmatic approach that helped the club navigate the intense pressure of the 2024-25 season. His coaching philosophy emphasizes a strong defensive block and rapid transitions.

⚽ Manager: Paulo Sérgio (Portugal) ⚽ Assistant Coach: Hélder Carvalho ⚽ Goalkeeping Coach: Vlada Avramov

Club President and Administration

The club is presided over by Sami Al-Fadhel (Sami Al Fadehl). Under his leadership, Al-Okhdood has modernized its infrastructure and successfully recruited high-caliber international players despite having a smaller budget than the "Big Four" clubs (Al-Hilal, Al-Nassr, Al-Ittihad, and Al-Ahli).

3. The 2025-26 Squad and Captain

The Al-Okhdood squad is a blend of local Saudi talent and seasoned internationals.

The Captain

The leadership on the pitch is often shared among senior figures, but Saeed Al-Rubaie and the Brazilian veteran Petros are the primary voices in the locker room. Petros, formerly of Al-Nassr, brings a "winning mentality" and deep knowledge of the Saudi game to the midfield.

Key Players to Watch

⚽ Khaled Narey (Togo): A versatile winger known for his pace and crossing ability. ⚽ Christian Bassogog (Cameroon): An AFCON winner who provides explosive power in the attack. ⚽ Samuel Portugal (Brazil): A reliable goalkeeper on loan from Porto, crucial for the team's defensive stability. ⚽ Blaž Kramer (Slovenia): The primary target man for the 2025-26 season.

4. Al-Okhdood Net Value and Financial Assets

While Al-Okhdood does not boast the billion-dollar valuations of the PIF-owned giants, it is a financially stable club with a growing market presence.

Market Valuation (2025 Estimates)

As of the 2025-26 season, the total market value of the Al-Okhdood squad is estimated at approximately €10.78 million to €12 million.

Physical Assets: The Stadium

The club’s greatest physical asset is the Prince Hathloul bin Abdulaziz Sports City stadium in Najran.

⚽ Capacity: 12,000 seats. ⚽ Features: A state-of-the-art multi-purpose facility that serves as a fortress for the team, given the unique climate and altitude of the Najran region.

5. Major Achievements and Milestones

Achievement	Tier	Seasons
Saudi Second Division Winners	3rd Tier	1991–92, 2020–21
Saudi Third Division Winners	4th Tier	2003–04, 2017–18
Promotion to Saudi Pro League	1st Tier	2023 (Historical first)
King's Cup Participation	National	Consistent Round of 32/16 appearances

6. Comparison: Al-Okhdood vs. Other SPL Clubs

How does the "Ambassador of Najran" stack up against the rest of the league?

⚽ Vs. The "Big Four": Al-Okhdood operates on a fraction of the budget of Al-Hilal or Al-Nassr. However, they have earned a reputation as "giant killers" at home, using their compact stadium and the Najran fans' energy to frustrate star-studded opponents. ⚽ Vs. Mid-Table Rivals: In terms of squad value, Al-Okhdood is comparable to clubs like Al-Orobah and Al-Riyadh. Their strategy focuses on loaning talent from bigger clubs (like Mateo Borrell from Al-Ittihad) to fill gaps in the roster. ⚽ The "Najran Advantage": Unlike the Riyadh or Jeddah clubs, Al-Okhdood represents an entire geographical region, giving them a more concentrated and passionate local fanbase.

Al-Okhdood Club: Information Summary Table

Full Name	Al-Okhdood (Al-Akhdoud) Saudi Club
Founded	1976
City	Najran, Saudi Arabia
Colors	Light Blue and White
Stadium	Prince Hathloul bin Abdulaziz Sports City (12,000)
Current Manager	Paulo Sérgio (Portugal)
Club President	Sami Al-Fadhel
Current League	Saudi Pro League (Roshn Saudi League)
Squad Value	Approx. €11 million

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Who is the current coach of Al-Okhdood?

The current head coach is Paulo Sérgio, a Portuguese manager who took over in March 2025.

What is the meaning of the name "Al-Okhdood"?

The name refers to the historical "Ditch" or "Trench" in Najran, which is a significant site mentioned in Islamic history and the Qur'an.

What is Al-Okhdood's highest achievement?

Their greatest achievement is their promotion to the Saudi Pro League in 2023, marking their first time ever competing in the top tier of Saudi football.

Where does Al-Okhdood play their home matches?

They play at the Prince Hathloul bin Abdulaziz Sports City in Najran, which holds 12,000 spectators.

Is Al-Okhdood owned by the PIF?

No, Al-Okhdood is currently under the supervision of the Saudi Ministry of Sport and is part of the ongoing privatization program for Saudi clubs.

Conclusion

Al-Okhdood Club is a testament to the growth of football across all regions of Saudi Arabia. While they may not have the financial muscle of the league's titans, their rich history, strategic management, and passionate local support make them a formidable presence in the Saudi Pro League. As they continue to establish themselves in the 2025-26 season, the "Ambassador of Najran" remains a team that no opponent can afford to overlook.