AL-HASA: When the world’s top footballers made their way to Saudi Arabia after the arrival of Cristiano Ronaldo, most of the international fan focus was on the top six. The Eastern Province, in particular, saw most media outlets focus on Al-Qadsiah and Al-Ettifaq. Yet between Riyadh and Dammam lies a city called Al-Mubarraz, home of Al-Fateh.
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For the international audience, they may have come across the club when Jason Denayer or Cristian Tello joined the club. But for local fans, they were mostly known for their Leicester City-like achievement in 2013.
Against all odds — powered by the duo of Doris Salomo and Elton “Arabia” — Al-Fateh were crowned champions of the Saudi Pro League for the first time in their history, just a few years after securing their maiden promotion to the top tier.
13 years on, Al-Fateh are known for more than their one-off victory. Donning the nickname of “The Model Club”, Al-Fateh have set an example for clubs in Saudi Arabia and the Middle East.
