Al-Fayha
Al-Fayha Club is a professional football club founded in 1953 and based in Al-Majma'ah, Saudi Arabia. The club competes in the Saudi Pro League, the country's top tier, and plays their home matches at Al-Majma'ah Sports City Stadium. Known by their nickname "Al-Burtuqali" due to their orange and blue colors, Al-Fayha achieved their greatest success by winning the King's Cup in 2022, marking their first major trophy. The club has also won the Saudi First Division title once in 2016-17 and the Saudi Second Division twice, in 1984-85 and 2013-14.
History
Overview
General information about the club
Al-Fayha Club was founded in 1953 in Al-Majma'ah and officially registered on August 15, 1966. The club is one of the oldest in Saudi Arabia and represents the merger of two different clubs, Minikh and Al-Fayha, who joined forces to become the sole representative of Al-Majma'ah. Since its formation, the club has played a continuous role in serving the youth of Al-Majma'ah and is considered one of the most active and interactive clubs in the city.
Most recent season and achievements
In recent seasons, Al-Fayha has established itself as a competitive force in Saudi football. The club made their AFC Champions League debut in the 2023-24 season, recording their first victory with a 2-0 win against Pakhtakor of Uzbekistan, with both goals scored by Abdelhamid Sabiri. They finished as group runners-up with 9 points before being eliminated by Al Nassr in the Round of 16 with a 3-0 aggregate defeat.
History
Early years
Al-Fayha won their first promotion to the First Division in 1985 and spent five consecutive seasons in the top flight before relegation at the end of the 1989-90 season. After a 14-year absence, the club returned to the First Division as runners-up in the 2003-04 Second Division, spending four more consecutive seasons before another relegation in 2007-08.
Successful period
The club's breakthrough came during the 2013-14 season when they won the Second Division title. On April 29, 2017, Al-Fayha achieved historic promotion to the Pro League for the first time following a 2-1 home victory against Ohod. They were crowned champions of the 2016-17 Saudi First Division on May 5, 2017, after drawing 1-1 away against Wej.
Crisis and recovery
Al-Fayha spent three consecutive seasons in the Saudi top flight, performing above expectations in their debut season but struggling in subsequent campaigns. They couldn't avoid relegation in the 2019-20 season, losing 0-1 to Al-Taawoun on the final matchday. However, the club quickly bounced back, achieving promotion to the top flight following a 0-0 home draw with Al-Tai on May 20, 2021, finishing as runners-up with 81 points.
Current period
In their return to the Pro League, Al-Fayha acquired notable players including veteran Serbian goalkeeper Vladimir Stojković, Greek midfielder Panagiotis Tachtsidis, and Macedonian international Aleksandar Trajkovski. Under manager Vuk Rašović, the club employed a direct play approach with disciplined organization, achieving the best defensive record in the 2021-22 league season.
Achievements and Honors
Domestic competitions
Al-Fayha's domestic honors include one Saudi First Division League title (2016-17) and one runners-up finish (2020-21). In the Saudi Second Division, they have claimed two titles (1984-85, 2013-14) and finished runners-up once (2003-04). The club's crowning achievement came with their King's Cup victory in 2021-22, their first major trophy. They also reached the Saudi Super Cup final in 2022, finishing as runners-up.
Continental and global competitions
The club made their continental debut in the 2023-24 AFC Champions League, qualifying after their King's Cup triumph. They participated in one AFC Champions League campaign, reaching the Round of 16 before being eliminated.
Symbols and Colors
Traditional home and away kits colors
Al-Fayha's traditional colors are orange and blue, which have earned them the nickname "Al-Burtuqali" (The Orange). These distinctive colors have been associated with the club throughout their history and remain their primary identity on the pitch.
Traditional Rivals
Al-Faisaly
Al-Faisaly serves as a city rival to Al-Fayha, with both clubs sharing the Al-Majma'ah Sports City Stadium as their home ground.
Al-Mujazzel
Al-Mujazzel is another local rival based in Al-Majma'ah, also sharing the same stadium facilities with Al-Fayha.
Club Traditions and Behind the Scenes
Nicknames
The club is commonly known as "Al-Burtuqali," which translates to "The Orange," directly referencing their distinctive orange and blue color scheme.
Stadium
Al-Fayha plays their home matches at Al-Majma'ah Sports City Stadium in Al-Majma'ah. The stadium is shared with city rivals Al-Faisaly and Al-Mujazzel, making it a central hub for football in the region. The venue has witnessed many of the club's historic moments, including crucial matches during their promotion campaigns and their memorable King's Cup run.
Al-Fayha
Club Information
Official Name
Al-Fayha
Short Name
FAY
Tactical Formation
4-3-3
Stadium Information
Stadium Name
King Salman bin Abdulaziz Sport City Stadium
Capacity
5.000
City
Al Majma'ah,
Surface
artificial turf
Key Personnel
Captain
Sami Al Khaibari
Captain's Stats
185cm, 74kg
Head Coach
Pedro Emanuel dos Santos Martins Silva
Head Coach Age
51 Age
Coach Nationality
PT
Coach Contract
10/12/2024 - 30/06/2026
Recent Honours
| Season | Competition | Achievement |
|---|---|---|
| 2022-2023 | Siêu Cúp Ả Rập Saudi | 🏆 2 |
| 2021-2022 | Cúp Nhà Vua Ả Rập Saudi | 🏆 2 |
| 2020-2021 | Hạng Nhất Ả Rập Saudi | 🏆 2 |
| 2016-2017 | Hạng Nhất Ả Rập Saudi | 🏆 1 |
Current Season Stats
| Competition | Rank | Matches | W-D-L | Points |
|---|
Goal Statistics
Pro League (SAU)
41 Scored - 54 Conceded
Pro League (SAU)
27 Scored - 49 Conceded
Pro League (SAU)
44 Scored - 52 Conceded
AFC Champions League Elite (AFC)
12 Scored - 10 Conceded
Pro League (SAU)
31 Scored - 43 Conceded