Despite never winning the title, Ahly’s consistent performances have earned them four third-place finishes, the most recent coming in 2023.
The Club World Cup was first contested in 2000 in Brazil. Although it was suspended from 2001 to 2004 due to various challenges, including the collapse of FIFA's marketing partner, the tournament has since become a prestigious fixture for club sides worldwide.
Japan 2005
Ahly's 'Dream Team' - featuring the likes of Mohamed Abou Treika, Mohamed Barakat, Emad Meteb, and Mohamed Shawky - had dominated the local and African scenes and arrived in Japan with high hopes of reaching the final. Led by legendary coach Manuel Jose, the African champions were given a reality check after a 1-0 defeat to Saudi Arabia’s Ittihad Jeddah. Demoralized, they suffered another loss to Sydney FC, settling for a fifth-place finish.
Brazilian side São Paulo won the title, beating Liverpool 1-0 in the final.
Japan 2006
A year later, Ahly returned to Japan and made history. The Red Devils won bronze, securing Africa’s first-ever medal at the Club World Cup.
After defeating Auckland City 2-0 in the quarterfinals, they lost 2-1 to Brazilian giants Internacional in the semifinals but bounced back to beat Club América 2-1 in extra time in the third-place playoff.
Internacional went on to defeat Barcelona 1-0 in the final.
Japan 2008
The 2008 edition saw Ahly fall short of expectations.
Despite their high motivation after clinching their sixth CAF Champions League title, they suffered a 4-2 loss to Mexico’s Pachuca in the quarterfinals and another defeat to Adelaide United in the fifth-place playoff.
Manchester United claimed the title after defeating LDU Quito 1-0.
Japan 2012
After missing three consecutive tournaments from 2009 to 2011, Ahly returned in 2012 with renewed determination.
Hossam El Badry's men beat Sanfrecce Hiroshima 2-1, but then lost 1-0 to Brazil’s Corinthians in the semifinals and fell 2-0 to Monterrey in the third-place match.
Corinthians triumphed by defeating Chelsea 1-0 in the final.
Morocco 2013
In 2013, Ahly made their fifth appearance—this time in Morocco—but their campaign was disappointing.
Fans and players were hoping for a memorable farewell for iconic playmaker Mohamed Abou Treika, who had decided to hang up his boots after the tournament. The prospect of facing Bayern Munich in the semifinal was seen as a fitting end to a glorious career.
However, a 2-0 loss to Guangzhou Evergrande in the quarterfinals was a bitter blow, especially as Abou Treika picked up an injury. He eventually played his final game for Ahly in the tournament.
In the fifth-place playoff, Ahly, led by Mohamed Youssef, suffered a heavy 5-1 defeat to Monterrey.
Bayern Munich went on to win the title after beating hosts Raja Casablanca 2-0. Raja became the second African team to reach the final, after TP Mazembe in 2010.
Qatar 2020
The 2020 edition, delayed until February 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, marked a milestone for Ahly.
The Red Devils claimed bronze, becoming the first Arab and African team to win two medals in the tournament.
After defeating Al-Duhail in the first round, they lost 2-0 to Bayern Munich in the semifinald. However, Pitso Mosimane's men beat Palmeiras 3-2 in a penalty shootout during the third place contest.
Bayern Munich went on to beat Tigres UANL to claim the title.
UAE 2021
Playing in the United Arab Emirates, Ahly began their campaign without several key players, who were away with Egypt in the Africa Cup of Nations final.
Nevertheless, the Egyptians managed to beat Monterrey 1-0, courtesy of a goal from Mohamed Hany, before losing 2-0 to Palmeiras in the semifinals.
In the third-place match, Ahly delivered a stunning performance against Asian champions Al-Hilal, winning 4-0 to earn another bronze medal. Defender Yasser Ibrahim was the hero, scoring twice—his only goals on the international stage—while Ahmed Abdel-Kader and Amr El Sulaya added to the tally.
Chelsea claimed the title after overcoming Palmeiras in extra time.
Morocco 2022
Although they finished as runners-up in the CAF Champions League, Ahly qualified as Africa’s representatives because champions Wydad Casablanca were the tournament hosts.
In 2022, Ahly’s run in Morocco ended with a fourth-place finish.
After victories over Auckland City and Seattle Sounders, they lost 4-1 to Real Madrid in the semifinals and 4-2 to Flamengo in the third-place match.
Real Madrid won the title, defeating Al-Hilal 5-3 in the final.
Saudi Arabia 2023
Ahly’s most recent appearance came in Saudi Arabia in 2023, where they again earned third place.
The Red Devils opened their campaign with a dominant 3-1 win over Ittihad Jeddah, led by 2022 Ballon d'Or winner Karim Benzema. Ali Maaloul, Hussein El Shahat, and Emam Ashour converted Ahly's dominance into goals, while Benzema netted a late consolation for the hosts.
In the semifinals, they once again fell short of reaching the final after a wasteful performance against Brazilian side Fluminense, led by veterans Marcelo, Keno, and Felipe Melo.
Claiming bronze with a 4-2 win over Urawa Red Diamonds was a mere consolation.
Manchester City were crowned champions after thrashing Fluminense 4-0 in the final.
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