SPL · Riyadh, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia · Prince Turki bin Abdulaziz Stadium
Al-Riyadh SC
The capital's fourth club, Al-Riyadh SC bring over seven decades of history and a red-and-black identity to a Saudi Pro League increasingly defined by the Riyadh power struggle.
Al-Riyadh SC are the fourth club from the Saudi capital to compete in the modern Saudi Pro League, adding another dimension to a city already home to Al Hilal, Al Nassr, and Al-Shabab. Founded in 1953 — originally as "Ahli Al-Riyadh" before name changes to "Al-Yamama" and finally "Al-Riyadh" — the club have spent most of their history in the lower divisions, earning promotion to the Saudi Pro League in 2023.
Life in the top flight has been challenging. As a recently promoted club without PIF backing or the historical pedigree of the Riyadh big three, Al-Riyadh have found themselves in a constant fight for survival. The club's red and black colors stand out in a capital dominated by Al Hilal's blue, Al Nassr's yellow, and Al-Shabab's white.
Under Spanish manager Javier Calleja for the 2025-26 season, Al-Riyadh bring tactical organization and defensive discipline to their matches, knowing that competing with the league's wealthy elite requires maximum effort from every player. The Prince Turki bin Abdulaziz Stadium provides a modest but passionate home for a club that is still establishing itself at the highest level.
Al-Riyadh's challenge is clear: prove that the capital has room for a fourth competitive club in an era when the financial gap between the haves and have-nots has never been wider.