Al Raed
Al Raed Saudi Football Club is a Saudi football club based in Buraidah, established in 1954 as the first football club in the Qassim region of Saudi Arabia. The club plays their home matches at King Abdullah Sports City and has competed in the Saudi Pro League since 2008, though they were relegated in 2025. One of their notable founders is Abdulaziz Al-Aboudi, and they have achieved success in domestic competitions, particularly winning the Saudi First Division League twice.
History
Overview
General information about the club
Al Raed (Arabic: نادي الرائد Nādī ar-Rāʾid; lit. 'Pioneer Club') holds the distinction of being the first football club established in the Qassim region of Saudi Arabia. Founded in 1954, the club has been a pioneering force in Saudi football, representing the city of Buraidah. The club's name, meaning "Pioneer," reflects its status as a trailblazer in the region's football development.
Most recent season and achievements
In the 2024-2025 season, Al Raed showed improvement in the King's Cup, progressing to the quarter-finals after defeating Al-Jabalain. This marked a significant improvement compared to previous seasons where they were eliminated in earlier rounds. However, the club faced relegation from the Saudi Pro League in 2025, ending their 17-year stay in the top division that began in 2008.
History
Early years
Al Raed was established in 1954 with Abdulaziz Al-Aboudi as one of its notable founders. The club first qualified for the Premier League Saudi Arabia in the 1980-1981 season, where they met Club K in the qualifiers held in Riyadh. In 1986, they achieved a historic milestone by becoming the first team from the Qassim region to enter the Saudi Premier League.
Successful period
The club experienced multiple successful promotions to the Premier League, achieving this feat at the end of 1989, 1992, 1998, 2002, and 2007. Their youth development also showed promise, with the junior team reaching the Saudi Premier League clubs for juniors in both 1999 and 2003, demonstrating the club's commitment to developing young talent.
Current period
Since 2008, Al Raed has maintained their position in the Saudi Pro League until their relegation in 2025. Their King's Cup performances have shown a varied trajectory, with eliminations in the Round of 16 by Al-Hilal in 2021-2022 and by Al-Nassr (3-0 defeat) in 2022-2023, followed by an early exit to Al-Najma in the Round of 32 during 2023-2024.
Achievements and Honors
Domestic competitions
Al Raed has achieved notable success in the Saudi First Division League, winning the championship twice in 1991-92 and 2007-08. The club has also been runners-up on four occasions: 1985-86, 1988-89, 1998-99, and 2001-02, demonstrating consistent competitive performance in the second tier of Saudi football.
Traditional Rivals
Al-Taawoun
Al Raed contests the Al-Qassim derby with Al-Taawoun, their local rivals who share the same home stadium, King Abdullah Sports City in Buraidah. This rivalry represents the regional competition within the Qassim area and adds local significance to their encounters.
Club Traditions and Behind the Scenes
Stadium
The club plays their home games at King Abdullah Sports City in Buraidah. This venue is shared with their rivals Al-Taawoun, creating a unique situation where both clubs call the same stadium home. The shared stadium arrangement adds an interesting dynamic to the Al-Qassim derby when both teams face each other on what is technically both teams' home ground.