Damac FC

Damac FC were founded in 1972 in Khamis Mushait, a city nestled in the Asir Mountains of southwestern Saudi Arabia. Named after Damac Mountain, the club spent decades in the Saudi lower divisions, building a passionate local following in a region better known for its cooler climate and scenic landscapes than for top-flight football.

The club's breakthrough came in 2019 when they earned promotion to the Saudi Pro League for the first time in their history. What many expected to be a brief stay turned into something more durable — Damac not only survived their debut season but have managed to maintain their top-flight status through a combination of shrewd recruitment and defensive organization. The 2021-22 season proved particularly memorable, as the club finished fifth — their highest-ever league placing and a result that announced them as a genuine mid-table force.

Damac's identity is rooted in their Asir origins. Playing in red and white, the club represent a region that is geographically and culturally distinct from the Riyadh-Jeddah-Eastern Province heartlands of Saudi football. The mountainous terrain and cooler temperatures give Khamis Mushait a unique matchday atmosphere, and visiting teams often find the altitude and conditions challenging.

Under Portuguese coach Armando Evangelista, appointed ahead of the 2025-26 season, Damac have continued their pragmatic approach — prioritizing defensive solidity and counter-attacking football to compete against wealthier opponents. The club's sustained presence in the SPL, despite lacking the financial resources of the PIF-backed superclubs, stands as one of the league's most compelling underdog stories.