Majrashi: Al Ahli's Mr. Popular proving sure-fire hit at Asian champions | OneFootball

Ali Majrashi has experienced the full gamut of emotions as an Al Ahli player.

Having joined the Jeddah club in January 2022, only a few months later he was on the pitch in that fateful game against former employers Al Shabab, which saw the Saudi top-flight ever-present relegated for the first time in their 88-year history.

Then came the joy of winning promotion back to the Roshn Saudi League at the first time of asking. True to a club of their stature, Al Ahli earned their place again at the top table just in time for the RSL revolution.

Ali Majrashi, here with Ivan Toney, is one of the most popular players in the Al Ahli squad

And, only earlier this month, there were tears of sheer ecstasy as Majrashi played a leading role in Al Ahli clinching their first piece of continental silverware.

It was in their hometown that Matthias Jaissle’s men triumphed in the AFC Champions League Elite, defeating Japan’s Kawasaki Frontale convincingly in the final.

Predictably, only a select band of players remain at Al Ahli who have been through that rollercoaster journey along with Majrashi, living that spectrum of emotions.

That is why, presumably, the enormity of what had gone before was etched all over his face as the cameras at Alinma Stadium cut to him in floods of tears.

It’s hard, of course, to pinpoint the exact emotion expressed at that time. Was it joy, relief, ecstasy, redemption? Was it perhaps a mix of all those?

Undeniably, it was the culmination of a three-year journey since joining Al Ahli, and Majrashi let it all out in the celebrations - both after the game and in the days that followed as the club deservedly basked in their large slice of history.

It’s worth noting, too, that Majrashi was no bit-part player in Al Ahli’s success. Patently, he was one of their finest performers across the three games held in quick succession as part of the new-look AFC Champions League Elite Finals, all of which were played in Jeddah.

Majrashi’s energy as he marauded forward from right full-back was as infectious as his determination in tracking back and completing his defensive duties. It is that enterprise and work rate that has made him such a fan favourite among the Al Ahli faithful.

In the semi-final against fellow RSL side Al Hilal, the Saudi defender was outstanding, completing more tackles (5) and winning more duels (14) than any other player in white.

The same was almost true in the final, with Majrashi leading tackles (7) and behind only Roger Ibanez in duels won, with eight.

Ali Majrashi and Roger Ibanez have perfected a trademark celebration at Al Ahli

In a team full of so many stars and standouts, it’s easy to look past the contribution of Majrashi and focus on the likes of Ibanez, Riyad Mahrez, Roberto Firmino or Galeno – all of whom enjoyed fantastic continental campaigns.

Given Majrashi’s output, it’s easy to see why coaches love him - he ranks second in the 2024-25 RSL for tackles, with 93 - and it was easy to understand why Saudi Arabia manager Herve Renard called him up for the recent international window in March.

There, in a crucial qualifier for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Renard introduced Majrashi at half-time against Japan at Saitama Stadium. Entrusted in a vital encounter, he put in a stellar display in the second half as the visitors walked away with what could prove a valuable point in their pocket.

With Majrashi’s form having only improved since then, especially on the grand stage of the AFC Champions League Elite, there’s no doubt he will have a part to play in Saudi Arabia’s final two 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers next month, against Bahrain and Australia.

But before then, the 25-year-old has domestic matters to attend to as Al Ahli chase a second straight top-three finish in the RSL. After their slow start this season, which saw them win only three of their opening nine matches, that opportunity looked to have slipped away.

However, going into the final three rounds of the 2024-25 campaign, just two points separate Al Nassr in third and Al Ahli in fifth.

With Al Qadsiah in between, the fight is well and truly on, especially with Al Ahli riding the wave of confidence and momentum following their continental glory.

A 3-1 defeat at Al Shabab last time out dented those chances somewhat, so Jaissle’s side will need to bounce back straight away at home to Al Kholood on Saturday.

Yet, whatever happens from here, the season has already been an unqualified success. Having already encountered so much in three years at Al Ahli, Majrashi will have sights set firmly on maintaining his upward trajectory from here.