Al-Shabab, one of the pillars of Saudi football history, is experiencing one of its most difficult competitive periods in the current 2025/2026 Roshan Professional League season. The team, which has always been a formidable force in the title race, now finds itself struggling to regain its balance and escape the specter of relegation that threatens its stability, amidst a series of disappointing results that are unworthy of the "Sheikh of Clubs" and its vast fan base.
In the latest chapter of this struggle, Al-Shabab failed to capitalize on their match against bottom-of-the-table Al-Najma to secure a morale-boosting victory that would have lifted them out of the relegation zone. They had to settle for a draw, earning a single point that brought their total to just 12. This draw has left the team in a precarious position, currently sitting in 14th place, level on points with Al-Kholoud and Damac but ahead on goal difference. They are only three points clear of Al-Riyadh in 16th place, the last position that leads directly to relegation to the First Division.
A rich history and a painful reality
This crisis takes on deeper dimensions when considering the historical background of Al-Shabab Club, the first club founded in the capital, Riyadh, and boasting a rich history of local and continental championships. The presence of a team of this stature and history struggling at the bottom of the table reflects the magnitude of the technical and administrative challenges it faces, and comes as a shock to the Saudi sports community, which is accustomed to seeing Al-Shabab as a fierce competitor among the top four.
Lack of personality at big events
What perhaps exacerbates the concerns of Al-Shabab fans is the team's inability to compete with direct rivals and top clubs this season. Under the leadership of Spanish coach Manuel Algausil, the team has failed to prove itself in high-profile matches, suffering consecutive defeats against Al-Hilal, Al-Ittihad, and Al-Nassr, and managing only a single draw against Al-Ahli. This inability to perform in big games points to a clear technical gap and the current players' inability to handle the pressure of crucial matches.
Technical attempts thwarted by offensive impotence
Technically, Al-Shabab displays good organization and the ability to control possession and build attacks from the back at times, a clear hallmark of the Spanish school of football. However, the team suffers from a severe lack of attacking prowess. The numbers don't lie: the team has scored only 14 goals in 16 matches, a very poor scoring rate that cannot guarantee survival in a league that boasts some of the world's best defenders and goalkeepers. Conversely, they have conceded 25 goals, reflecting a flaw in their defensive system as well.
Numbers in the language: Youth harvest in the 25/26 season
The tragedy of Al-Shabab this season can be summarized in the following figures after 16 rounds:
– Number of matches: 16.
– Wins: Only
– Draws: 6.
– : 8.
– Goals scored: 14.
– Goals conceded: 25.
– Points: 12.
