Al Nejmeh
Wikipedia - Nejmeh SC
Nejmeh Sporting Club (Arabic: نادي النجمة الرياضي, lit. 'The Star Sporting Club') is a football club based in Manara, a neighbourhood in Ras Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon, that competes in the Lebanese Premier League.
The club was established in Beirut in 1945, and received its license in 1947. Nejmeh have won nine Lebanese Premier League titles, eight Lebanese FA Cups, 12 Lebanese Elite Cups, and seven Lebanese Super Cups. In Asia, Nejmeh were runners-up in the 2005 AFC Cup, where they lost to Al-Faisaly of Jordan.
Nejmeh is primarily supported by the Sunni Muslim community with a minority of Shiites and Druzes, and shares a historic rivalry with fellow Beirut-based club Ansar, known as the Beirut derby. The club's board is affiliated with the Future Movement political party and the Hariri family.
History
Nejmeh was founded in 1945 by the Druze and Sunni communities from Ras Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon, as an association football club, with Anis Radwan as their first president. This committee applied for a license at the Lebanese Government on 4 March 1947, which was issued on 28 April. The choice of club's name is said to have came on 11 October 1945, when a meeting was held at Radwan's house at night to discuss the affairs of the team. Looking at the sky's stars, Radwan decided to call the team Nejmeh (The Star). The five-pointed star is the Druze's religious symbol.
On 25 July 1950, Nejmeh won the Lebanese Second Division, but were only officially promoted in 1951, during which Papken Poyajian was appointed president of the club. They first competed in the Lebanese Premier League during the 1953–54 season. Nejmeh finished runners-up in the Lebanese FA Cup twice: in 1951 and 1964, losing in the finals to Shabiba Mazraa and Safa respectively.
Nejmeh lifted their first trophy, the Lebanese FA Cup, on 31 October 1971, when they won 3–1 against Safa. Nejmeh's goals were scored by Jamal Al Khatib, Hassan Chatila, and Mahmoud Chatila. During the 1970s, Brazilian international players Pelé and Bebeto played matches with Nejmeh as honorary guests.
The team competes in the Lebanese Premier League, where it has consistently been a formidable force, securing numerous league titles and domestic cups. Al Nejmeh is celebrated for its attacking style of play, showcasing a blend of skillful local talent and international players. The club's home matches are held at the iconic Camille Chamoun Sports City Stadium, where fans create an electrifying atmosphere, passionately supporting their team.
Beyond its on-field success, Al Nejmeh is also dedicated to community engagement and youth development, fostering the next generation of soccer talent in Lebanon. The club's commitment to sportsmanship and excellence has made it a beloved institution in Lebanese football, earning respect both locally and regionally. With a legacy of triumphs and a vision for the future, Al Nejmeh continues to inspire soccer enthusiasts and aspiring athletes across the nation.