Discover the rich history, titles, idol players and legendary coaches of Internacional de Porto Alegre, one of the giants of Brazilian football.
AL DUHAIL – QATAR: RED POWER OF THE GULF
Al Duhail SC is synonymous with rapid success and footballing ambition in Qatar. Founded in 2009 as Lekhwiya SC and renamed after merging with El Jaish in 2017, the club has won titles at record speed, becoming a winning machine. With stars like Almoez Ali, Nam Tae-hee, and Moroccan Medhi Benatia, and top coaches such as Djamel Belmadi and Hernán Crespo, Al Duhail has dominated the Qatari league and made its mark in Asia. Its modern stadium, attacking style, and ability to attract international talent make it a key club for understanding Gulf football.
Recent Birth and Meteoric Rise
The club was founded in 2009 as Lekhwiya Sports Club, created as part of a state project to promote national sport. In just one year, they were promoted to the Qatar Stars League, and in the 2010-11 season, they surprised everyone by winning the championship in their debut season in the top division. From then on, they continued to accumulate titles.
In 2017, they merged with El Jaish SC and adopted the name Al Duhail SC, taking the name from one of Doha's most important districts. This merger transformed them into a super club with resources, elite infrastructure, and continental ambitions. A new, yet dominant club. What makes Al Duhail special is its ability to have built a winning culture in a very short time. Their approach has always been modern: attacking play, key signings, and a solid core of local players like Almoez Ali, combined with foreign talent.
Founded in 2009 as Lekhwiya
Merged with El Jaish in 2017
First division debut: champions in 2011
Home ground: Abdullah bin Khalifa Stadium
Strong and modern identity
National Titles and Asian Challenges
Since their debut in the top flight, Al Duhail has become the team to beat in Qatar. They have won multiple league titles, Emir Cups, and League Cups, always with competitive squads. Their style is characterized by ball possession, high pressing, and direct attacking play.
At the continental level, Al Duhail has been a regular in the AFC Champions League, reaching the quarterfinals on several occasions. Although it has yet to be crowned champion in Asia, it has earned respect as one of the toughest clubs on the continent, especially playing at home.
Highlights
8 Qatar Leagues (last in 2022-23)
4 Emir Cups
3 Qatar League Cups
3 Super Cups
Best continental performance: ACL semi-finals 2022
The trophies have continued to arrive, and each season the club aims for at the top both locally and internationally. The pressure of competing with historic clubs like Al Sadd has forged a growing rivalry that ignites every derby.
Brilliant Players and Top Coaches
Al Duhail has been home to spectacular players. Almoez Ali, a striker for the Qatari national team, came up through the club and was key in the 2019 Asian Cup. South Korean Nam Tae-hee was a star for years, contributing quality and creativity. And names like Medhi Benatia, Youssef Msakni, Edmilson Junior, and Mario Mandzukic also left their mark.
Furthermore, it is one of the clubs that has most contributed players to the Qatari national team, reinforcing its leading role in the development of local football. In Europe, many scouts closely follow what is produced in Al Duhail.
Technicians who led the way
Djamel Belmadi – multiple champion and initial architect of success
Sabri Lamouchi – tactical consolidation
Hernán Crespo – Asian champion and semi-finalist
Luis Castro – offensive and dynamic approach
Hernán Crespo achieved one of the most important milestones by leading the team to the semi-finals continental. His tactical work and international experience gave the club a more global vision, without losing its essence of attacking play.
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