Injury Shadow Over Ibanez as Ahli Jeddah Readies for Saudi Clasico Against Al-Shabab
14 October 2025
Doubts surround the participation of Brazilian Rogério Ibanez of Ahli Jeddah in the highly anticipated Clasico against Al-Shabab, set to be hosted at King Abdullah Sports City in Jeddah on Friday, in the fifth round of the Roshen Saudi Pro League.
Ibanez’s ankle injury during recent training has unsettled coach Matias Jaissle, who relies on the defender’s resilience and experience in such marquee clashes.
According to the Saudi newspaper Al-Riyadiyah, the club’s medical staff have intensified the treatment program to prepare the Brazilian defender for the upcoming match. He will undergo a thorough medical examination about 48 hours before kickoff to determine his final status, with a last on-field rehearsal scheduled for Thursday to decide his participation.
Jaissle fears losing one of his key defensive pillars as Ahli Jeddah leans on the central duo of Merih Demiral and Ibanez, who have formed the team’s backbone in domestic and continental competitions.
Defensive Rock with Attacking Edge
Ibanez is one of the standout performers for Ahli this season, contributing to the team’s first major trophy by winning the Saudi Super Cup in Hong Kong against Al-Nassr on penalties (5-3).
The Brazilian defender has so far played 10 matches this season for Ahli Jeddah: 4 in the Roshen League, 2 in the AFC Champions League, 2 in the Saudi Super Cup, 1 in the King’s Cup, and 1 in the Confederations Cup, scoring one goal and receiving three yellow cards.
Known as a “defensive rock with attacking traits,” he not only defends but also advances in set pieces, with a strong heading ability and accurate passing under pressure.
Since arriving from AS Roma, Ibanez has appeared in 88 matches across all competitions, scoring 11 goals and providing 5 assists, contributing clearly to the team’s triumphs in the AFC Champions League and the Saudi Super Cup. He was a star in the final against Al-Nassr, scoring the equalizing goal before his team clinched the title on penalties.
Uncertain Future and European Pursuits
While Ahli Jeddah focuses on utilizing his services, Ibanez’s future remains shrouded in mystery amid reports of a potential return to Europe.
The player has delivered standout performances since arriving in Jeddah, drawing serious interest from several clubs, notably Valencia CF, which reportedly showed strong interest in signing him.
Italian journalist Rudy Galetti, via X, asserted that Valencia placed Ibanez at the top of its defensive priority list due to his consistent performances and versatility across multiple positions.
Despite European temptations, Ahli’s management insists on keeping him until 2027, with no immediate plan to sell. The club aims to continue competing for the Roshen title and to maintain continental prestige after its Asia Elite triumph.
A Promising Twinning Between Ahli Jeddah and Al-Shabab Before the Clasico
As fans await Ibanez’s return, pre-match developments off the field include talks of a formal Twinning Agreement between the two clubs to ease media tensions and coordinate cooperation on several fronts.
According to Al-Yawm, Abdul Rahman bin Turki, a Shabab elder statesman, and other Ahli Jeddah dignitaries have discussed a new phase of relations based on mutual respect, including a media cease-fire, joint social responsibility programs, and interactive fan events.
Details of the twinning are expected to be announced before Friday’s clash at the Enma Stadium, in a fixture likely to attract a massive crowd and regarded as one of Saudi Arabia’s hottest derbies.
The Clasico will be a double test for Ahli: technically to gauge readiness with or without Ibanez, and morally to prove the club can harness the positive atmosphere with Al-Shabab to push for top spot.
The final decision rests with the medical staff, who will conduct a decisive assessment 48 hours before kickoff. If he is not ready, Jaissle will reshuffle his defensive plans.
Punchline time: If Ibanez plays, the back line will resemble a fortress with a moat; if not, the defense will be more like a fashionable fence—great to look at, but not very practical. And for good measure: the bench is sharpening its own version of frontline humor—because football is serious, but the snacks on game day are legendary.
