The Arab Club Cup is indeed back, and excitement is building up, especially among Cristiano Ronaldo’s fans. The 2023 edition has drawn attention, not only for the thrilling performances but also because it marked the first major trophy Ronaldo won in Saudi Arabia. The tournament’s final was a dramatic affair, with Ronaldo scoring the decisive goal in extra time to help Al Nassr defeat their Arch-rival Al Hilal, making it one of the most memorable versions of the tournament. The competition was held in the cooler regions of Saudi Arabia, such as Abha and Taif, adding an interesting dynamic to the matches.
However, the Arab Club Cup faced some criticism and controversy. UAFA president Prince Turki bin Abdulaziz referred to the tournament as a “friendly trophy,” which led to debates over its prestige and value within the region. Despite this, the tournament has continued to attract attention.
Looking ahead, the Arab Club Cup is scheduled to take place in July 2025, during the same window as the FIFA Club World Cup, adding another layer of intrigue. Set to be held in Cairo, Egypt, the upcoming edition features all the league champions from UAFA member countries, along with the previous champion, Al Nassr. This edition is also expected to serve as a preparation for the upcoming season, offering teams a chance to fine-tune their squads and tactics ahead of the new campaign. Fans are eagerly anticipating whether the 2025 Arab Club Cup will live up to the high expectations set by the last edition and its star-studded lineups.
