5 factors for Al Najmah to make RSL debut a season of success

Much has been made of NEOM Sports Club’s first foray in the Roshn Saudi League this season, but they are one of two teams making their RSL debut this season.

The second is Al Najmah, who are playing in the top flight for the first time since the 2002-03 season, making this their first campaign there in the Saudi Pro League era.

It’s uncharted territory for the side from Unaizah, who on Saturday make their home debut against one of the giants of Saudi Arabia as RSL champions Al Ittihad come to town.

Ahead of this momentous occasion for Al Najmah, we take a look at what they need to make this season a success.

Introducing the 2025-26 RSL new boys

NEOM SC, Al Najmah and Al Hazem the promoted trio

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Home Fortress

Despite playing in the Saudi second tier last season, the intimate surrounds of the 3000-capacity Al Najmah Club Stadium were often full to the brim with supporters spurring their team towards what was, ultimately, promotion to the RSL.

The atmosphere provided an incredible backdrop to some of the club’s biggest moments, and no doubt played a role in their eventual promotion. The noise, the colour, and the flares set the tone for the action on the pitch.

Now, temporary home King Abdullah Sports City might be 10 times what they’re used to - in capacity - but the logic still applies: if Al Najmah can make a trip to Buraidah a difficult one for visiting teams, they can set themselves up to thrive by picking up precious points at home.

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Iraqi starlet

It’s fair to say Al Najmah had a more modest summer transfer window compared to some RSL clubs, but they still managed to land one of the prized signings in Iraqi young gun Ali Jasim.

Still only 21, Jasim has been a rising star in Iraqi football for many years now, growing to become an influential part of the Lions of Mesopotamia side hoping next month to qualify for the next FIFA World Cup - ironically, at the expense of Saudi Arabia.

That might not make him very popular should that eventuate, but regardless, Jasim’s talent will be a joy to watch this season. Having been signed by Cesc Fabregas’ Como in Serie A on the back of winning the golden boot at last year’s AFC Under-23 Asian Cup, the forward is a star on the rise.

Indeed, Jasim scored on RSL debut in the opening-round defeat at Al Qadsiah. It showed that, in their historic first campaign, Al Najmah should be the beneficiaries of his obvious ability.

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Honduran Heroes

Elsewhere in the transfer window, Mario Silva’s side also sealed the signature of a pair of Honduran internationals who will be important cogs in different areas of the pitch.

Striker Romell Quioto is a veteran of the national team at age 34, playing 77 times with 18 goals, including three at this year’s CONCACAF Gold Cup, which featured Saudi Arabia.

The powerful frontman is no stranger to football in the Kingdom having played against Al Najmah in the second tier for the past few seasons for Al Arabi. However, this term he steps up to the RSL, where he hopes to continue his impressive goalscoring record.

Compatriot Deiby Flores, five years younger at 29, arrives after two seasons with Toronto FC in the MLS having also spent time in Greece, Hungary and his native Honduras.

A defensive midfielder, he’ll perform a pivotal role at the heart of his new team, where his international experience - 55 caps - will be invaluable.

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Learning from Mourinho

Portuguese manager Mario Silva had a fine playing career, playing in the FC Porto side that won the 2002-03 UEFA Cup and the 2003-04 UEFA Champions League with Jose Mourinho as mentor.

It’s invaluable experience that only a select band of head coaches can call upon and, coupled with his previous managerial experience in Portugal and Spain, he proved last year he was a perfect fit for Al Najmah.

Having helped the team earn an historic promotion, Silva was rewarded with a new contract, and that continuity could be priceless as Al Najmah embark on their debut campaign in the top flight.

Silva’s knowledge of the club and what’s required to fulfill their ambitions and, in turn, his club’s familiarity with him and his style, will be crucial as Al Najmah navigate the increased challenge of the RSL.

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Experience and leadership

When clubs make the step up from the second tier to the RSL, what they need to call upon most is experience to guide them through the heightened level of competition – and, with that, expectation.

While Al Najmah are new in the RSL, on their books they have players with plenty of top-level know-how that could be key.

Take, for example, Brazilian defender Samir, who played more than 150 games for Serie A side Udinese across six seasons in the north of Italy, not to mention a campaign in England’s Premier League with Watford and a few seasons with Tigres in Mexico.

Meanwhile, Moroccan international Jawad El Yamiq featured at the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar, starting their famous 1-0 win against Portugal in the quarter-finals and the 2-0 defeat to France in the semi-final as his national team etched their name in the record books.

Along with playing in Spain’s La Liga, El Yamiq spent the past few seasons at Al Wehda, so brings that all-important RSL experience to a side that otherwise has very little. That's why he's been handed the captain's armband at Al Najmah.