Nejmeh SC

{{short description|Lebanese association football club}} {{About|the Lebanese football club|other similarly named clubs|Al-Nejmeh (disambiguation){{!}}Al-Nejmeh}} {{pp|small=yes}} {{Use dmy dates|date=March 2023}} {{Infobox football club | nickname = {{lang|ar|القلعة النبيذية}} (The Burgundy Castle)<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://ahdaaf.me/2016/03/29/the-birth-death-and-re-birth-of-lebanese-football/|title=The Birth, Death and Re-Birth of Lebanese Football {{!}} Ahdaaf|language=en-US|access-date=25 May 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190402204736/https://ahdaaf.me/2016/03/29/the-birth-death-and-re-birth-of-lebanese-football/|archive-date=2 April 2019|url-status=usurped}}</ref> | short name = Nejmeh | ground = [[Rafic Hariri Stadium]] | capacity = 5,000 | clubname = Nejmeh | image = Nejmeh Club Beirut.png | upright = 0.8 | fullname = Nejmeh Sporting Club | founded = {{start date and age|1945|3|10|df=y}} | chairman = Saeed Serbeh | manager = [[Engin Fırat]] | league = {{Lebanese football updater|Nejmeh}} | season = {{Lebanese football updater|Nejmeh2}} | position = {{Lebanese football updater|Nejmeh3}} | pattern_la1 = _tri23h | pattern_b1 = _tri23h | pattern_ra1 = _tri23h | pattern_sh1 = _tri23h | pattern_so1 = | leftarm1 = FF0013 | body1 = FF0013 | rightarm1 = FF0013 | shorts1 = 000000 | socks1 = FF0000 | pattern_la2 = | pattern_b2 = | pattern_ra2 = | pattern_sh2 = | pattern_so2 = | leftarm2 = | body2 = | rightarm2 = | shorts2 = | socks2 = | current = 2025–26 Lebanese Premier League | website = {{URL|https://nejmehsc.com/}} }} {{Squads sidebar |main=Nejmeh |team1=Nejmeh SC |league1=Football (men) |team2=Nejmeh SC (women) |league2=Football (women) |team3=Nejmeh SC (futsal) |league3=Futsal }} '''Nejmeh Sporting Club''' ({{langx|ar|نادي النجمة الرياضي|lit=The Star Sporting Club}}) is a [[Association football|football]] club based in Manara, a neighbourhood in [[Ras Beirut]], [[Beirut]], Lebanon, that competes in the {{Lebanese football updater|Nejmeh}}.

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 Cup|Lebanese FA Cups]], 12 [[Lebanese Elite Cup|Lebanese Elite Cups]], and eight [[Lebanese Super Cup|Lebanese Super Cups]]. In Asia, Nejmeh were runners-up in the [[2005 AFC Cup]], where they lost to [[Al-Faisaly SC|Al-Faisaly]] of Jordan.

Nejmeh is [[Sectarianism in Lebanon|primarily]] supported by the [[Lebanese Sunni Muslims|Sunni Muslim community]] with a minority of [[Lebanese Shia Muslims|Shiites]] and [[Lebanese Druze|Druzes]],<ref name="Maugendre">{{Citation | last = Maugendre | first = Axel | title = Ethnography of the Lebanese Football Clubs | journal = Athens Journal of Sports | volume = 5 | issue = 3 | pages = 213-226 | date = 31 August 2018 | language = English | url = https://www.athensjournals.gr/sports/2018-5-3-3-Maugendre.pdf | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20190718023450/https://www.athensjournals.gr/sports/2018-5-3-3-Maugendre.pdf | archive-date = 18 July 2019 | doi = 10.30958/AJSPO.5-3-3}}</ref> and shares a historic rivalry with fellow Beirut-based club [[Al Ansar FC|Ansar]], known as the [[Beirut derby (football)|Beirut derby]]. The club's board is affiliated with the [[Future Movement]] political party and the [[Hariri family]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=تحالف النجمة والأنصار: فتّش عن السياسة |url=https://al-akhbar.com/Sport_Lebanon/263396 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210713165445/https://al-akhbar.com/Sport_Lebanon/263396 |archive-date=13 July 2021 |access-date=2021-07-13 |website=الأخبار |language=ar}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=24 April 2021 |title=نهائيّ النجمة – الأنصار: هزيمة العهد.. ومشروع نائب |url=https://www.asasmedia.com/news/388782%26p%3D260 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210713165711/https://www.asasmedia.com/news/388782%26p%3D260 |archive-date=13 July 2021 |access-date=2021-07-13 |website=asasmedia.com}}</ref>

==History== [[File:Nejmeh 1945.jpg|thumb|alt=|300x300px|Nejmeh's lineup in 1945]] Nejmeh was founded in 1945 by the [[Lebanese Druze|Druze]] and [[Lebanese Sunni Muslims|Sunni]] communities from [[Ras Beirut]], [[Beirut]], Lebanon,<ref name=":7">{{Cite web|last=Alami|first=Mona|date=1 September 2009|title=Religious about football|url=http://www.nowlebanon.com/NewsArchiveDetails.aspx?ID=111940|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110419190012/http://www.nowlebanon.com/NewsArchiveDetails.aspx?ID=111940|archive-date=19 April 2011|access-date=15 October 2010|website=NOW Lebanon}}</ref> as an [[association football]] club, with Anis Radwan as their first president.<ref name=":3">{{Cite web|title=Establishment of the club|url=https://www.nejmehclub.com/our-history/|access-date=23 February 2019|website=NEJMEH SC|language=en-US|archive-date=17 May 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210517170408/https://www.nejmehclub.com/our-history/|url-status=usurped}}</ref> This committee applied for a license at the Lebanese Government on 4 March 1947,<ref name=":6">{{Cite web|title=النجمة عميد الأندية اللبنانية... عراقة وتاريخ وإنجازات – Al Laeb Al Arabiاللاعب العربي|url=https://laebarabi.com/news/2020/3/11/--3|access-date=2021-01-01|website=Al Laeb Al Arabi|language=ar-LB|archive-date=31 March 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220331075815/https://www.laebarabi.com/news/2020/3/11/--3|url-status=live}}</ref> which was issued on 28 April.<ref name=":3" /> 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.<ref name=":3" /> Looking at the sky's stars, Radwan decided to call the team Nejmeh (The Star).<ref name=":3" /> The [[five-pointed star]] is the Druze's religious symbol.<ref name=":7" />

On 25 July 1950, Nejmeh won the [[Lebanese Second Division]], but were only officially promoted in 1951,<ref name=":6" /> during which [[Papken Poyajian]] was appointed president of the club. They first competed in the [[Lebanese Premier League]] during the 1953–54 season.<ref name=":6" /> Nejmeh finished runners-up in the [[Lebanese FA Cup]] twice: in 1951 and 1964, losing in the finals to [[Al Shabiba Mazraa Beirut|Shabiba Mazraa]] and [[Safa SC|Safa]] respectively.<ref name=":03">{{Cite web |last=Stokkermans |first=Karel |title=Lebanon – List of Cup Winners |url=https://www.rsssf.org/tablesl/lebcuphist.html |access-date=5 March 2021 |website=[[RSSSF]]}}</ref>

Nejmeh lifted their first trophy, the Lebanese FA Cup, on 31 October 1971, when they won 3–1 against Safa.<ref name=":5">{{Cite web|date=2020-05-14|title=النجمة بطل كأس لبنان للمرة الأولى عام 1971 – فادي سمعان|url=https://www.nidaalwatan.com/article/20973-%D9%85%D9%86-%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%B0%D8%A7%D9%83%D8%B1%D8%A9-%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%B1%D9%8A%D8%A7%D8%B6%D9%8A%D8%A9%D8%A7%D9%84%D9%86%D8%AC%D9%85%D8%A9-%D8%A8%D8%B7%D9%84-%D9%83%D8%A3%D8%B3-%D9%84%D8%A8%D9%86%D8%A7%D9%86%D9%84%D9%84%D9%85%D8%B1%D8%A9-%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%A3%D9%88%D9%84%D9%89-%D8%B9%D8%A7%D9%85-1971|access-date=2020-08-30|website=نداء الوطن|language=en|archive-date=29 August 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220829074434/https://www.nidaalwatan.com/article/20973-%D9%85%D9%86-%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%B0%D8%A7%D9%83%D8%B1%D8%A9-%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%B1%D9%8A%D8%A7%D8%B6%D9%8A%D8%A9%D8%A7%D9%84%D9%86%D8%AC%D9%85%D8%A9-%D8%A8%D8%B7%D9%84-%D9%83%D8%A3%D8%B3-%D9%84%D8%A8%D9%86%D8%A7%D9%86%D9%84%D9%84%D9%85%D8%B1%D8%A9-%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%A3%D9%88%D9%84%D9%89-%D8%B9%D8%A7%D9%85-1971|url-status=live}}</ref> Nejmeh's goals were scored by [[Jamal Al-Khatib]], Hassan Chatila, and Mahmoud Chatila.<ref name=":5" /> During the 1970s, Brazilian international players [[Pelé]]<ref>http://forum.kooora.com/?t=5801520 {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150402093358/http://forum.kooora.com/?t=5801520|date=2 April 2015}} pictures of the visit and details about Pelé's Nejmeh experience in Arabic.</ref><ref>http://pelethebest.blogspot.com/2014/11/pele-em-hebraico-significa.html?m=1 {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150212170900/http://pelethebest.blogspot.com/2014/11/pele-em-hebraico-significa.html?m=1|date=12 February 2015}} Set of pictures of Pelé with Nejmeh SC in Lebanon</ref><ref>http://blogbaladi.com/brazilian-football-legend-pele-played-for-lebanese-nejmeh-sc-in-1975/ {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150212165334/http://blogbaladi.com/brazilian-football-legend-pele-played-for-lebanese-nejmeh-sc-in-1975/|date=12 February 2015}} Picture of Pelé with Nejmeh Club prior to the friendly game where he played for the team.</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=55bructrax |date=Feb 5, 2013 |title=Pelé, the day he postponed a war in Lebanon (April 6, 1975) |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SaO2EyaTSWs |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151010083805/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SaO2EyaTSWs |archive-date=Oct 10, 2015 |website=YouTube}}</ref> and [[Bebeto]]<ref>http://www.gettyimages.ae/detail/news-photo/former-brazilian-world-cup-winner-bebeto-wearing-a-t-shirt-news-photo/2554235 {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150402164236/http://www.gettyimages.ae/detail/news-photo/former-brazilian-world-cup-winner-bebeto-wearing-a-t-shirt-news-photo/2554235|date=2 April 2015}} Bebeto in the Nejmeh Club kit during the game.</ref><ref>http://www.gettyimages.ae/detail/news-photo/famous-brazilian-soccer-player-bebeto-gives-the-thumbs-up-news-photo/2548910 {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150212164505/http://www.gettyimages.ae/detail/news-photo/famous-brazilian-soccer-player-bebeto-gives-the-thumbs-up-news-photo/2548910|date=12 February 2015}} Picture of Bebeto in Beirut with details about the visit.</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=O Portal de Notícias do Estado de S. Paulo |url=http://m.estadao.com.br/noticias/esportes,bebeto-reforca-flamengo-de-guarulhos,20030912p54029,0.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220829074420/https://www.estadao.com.br/ |archive-date=29 August 2022 |access-date=26 July 2016}}</ref> played matches with Nejmeh as honorary guests.

==Colours and badge== Ever since the club's foundation, the traditional and primary color of Nejmeh has been [[burgundy (color)|burgundy red]].<ref name=":1" /> The club's badge was composed of a star in the center, in reference to the club's name which, in Arabic, means "Star".<ref name=":3" /> The two [[Cedrus libani|cedars]] on the side of the logo recalled Lebanon's national symbol.

In 2019 the logo underwent various changes: the star changed from white to gold, the cedars from green to burgundy and the text from burgundy to black. Other minor changes have also been made such as the enlargement of the width of the white border, and the shift of the text "BEIRUT 1945", which moved from the center of the star to underneath it.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.elsport.com/news/show/499273/%D8%B4%D8%B9%D8%A7%D8%B1-%D8%AC%D8%AF%D9%8A%D8%AF-%D9%84%D9%86%D8%A7%D8%AF%D9%8A-%D8%A7%D9%84%D9%86%D8%AC%D9%85%D8%A9|title=شعار جديد لنادي النجمة|website=Elsport News|language=ar|access-date=2019-07-17|archive-date=17 July 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190717225718/https://www.elsport.com/news/show/499273/%25D8%25B4%25D8%25B9%25D8%25A7%25D8%25B1-%25D8%25AC%25D8%25AF%25D9%258A%25D8%25AF-%25D9%2584%25D9%2586%25D8%25A7%25D8%25AF%25D9%258A-%25D8%25A7%25D9%2584%25D9%2586%25D8%25AC%25D9%2585%25D8%25A9|url-status=live}}</ref>

In 2023 the logo was drastically changed, with a more simplistic style being adopted. It became a [[pictogram]] of a burgundy "N" (for Nejmeh) and a "C" (for Club) fused together, with a gold star in the center. The text "1945" above and "BEIRUT" below are written in burgundy.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-07-26 |title=رسميًا.. النجمة يجري تعديلا جوهريا على شعاره القديم |url=https://www.kooora.com/?n=1257227 |access-date=2023-07-27 |website=كووورة |archive-date=27 July 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230727193759/https://www.kooora.com/?n=1257227 |url-status=live }}</ref>

==Stadium== {{main|Rafic Hariri Stadium}} [[File:Nejmeh Stadium, 2022.jpg|thumb|The entrance of the [[Rafic Hariri Stadium]] in 2022]] The [[Rafic Hariri Stadium]] is located in Manara area of [[Beirut]], Lebanon.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.the961.com/old-lebanon/discover-old-beirut-in-these-15-amazing-photos|title=Discover old Beirut in these 15 amazing photos|last=Kabboul|first=Tamarah|website=the961.com|date=8 February 2019|language=en-ca|access-date=23 February 2019|archive-date=24 February 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190224062445/https://www.the961.com/old-lebanon/discover-old-beirut-in-these-15-amazing-photos|url-status=live}}</ref> The stadium consists of a football field, and spaces that accommodate around 5,000 spectators, together with a VIP seats area that accommodates around 100 guests, a cafeteria, and a gymnasium.<ref name=":4">{{Cite web |title=The Stadium |url=https://www.nejmehclub.com/the-stadium/ |url-status=usurped |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190224062611/https://www.nejmehclub.com/the-stadium/ |archive-date=24 February 2019 |access-date=13 June 2022 |website=Nejmeh SC}}</ref>

The old club stadium first consisted of a sand training field over the land number 704 in [[Beirut|Ras Beirut]] area with no facilities or fences.<ref name=":4" /> The stadium went through a rehabilitation process, with improvements including implanting the field with grass, increasing the seats spaces to allow more spectators, and enhancing the stadium facilities, walls, and fences. The first phase of the process started in June 2003 and was completed in late March 2004.<ref name=":4" />

On 21 February 2005, the stadium was named "The Martyr [[Rafic Hariri]] Stadium" in honour of the late Prime Minister.<ref name=":4" />

==Supporters== Founded on 9 February 2018,<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://football-lebanon.com/details.php?id=7736|title=السوبرنوفا في الذكرى الثانية للتأسيس: حلمنا ان نرفع إسم نادينا عالمياً|last=Lebanon|first=Football|website=football-lebanon.com|access-date=2020-02-10}}{{Dead link|date=February 2024 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref> Nejmeh's "Ultras Supernova" was the first ultras group to be introduced in Lebanon.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://lebanonfg.com/single/1995|title=المدرجات لا تعترف إلا بالشجعان|website=lebanonfg.com|language=en|access-date=23 February 2019|archive-date=24 February 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190224173357/https://lebanonfg.com/single/1995|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name=":0">{{Cite web|url=https://www.facebook.com/COPA90/videos/1672583962826738/|title=Ultras Supernova: Lebanon's First Ultras Group|last=COPA90|via=Facebook|language=en|access-date=23 February 2019|archive-date=5 October 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201005181820/https://www.facebook.com/COPA90/videos/1672583962826738//|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://al-akhbar.com/Sport_Lebanon/262782|title=مباريات قويّة في الجولة العاشرة|website=الأخبار|language=ar|access-date=23 February 2019|archive-date=24 February 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190224002154/https://al-akhbar.com/Sport_Lebanon/262782|url-status=live}}</ref> The name "[[Supernova]]" is a reference to the etymology of Nejmeh which, in Arabic, means "Star".

Prior to the [[2018–19 Arab Club Champions Cup|Arab Club Champions Cup]] game against [[Al Ahly SC|Al-Ahly]] of Egypt, played on 13 August 2018, seven "Ultras Supernova" fans were arrested by the Egyptian national security because of the negative connotations the word "Ultras" has in Egypt.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.lbcgroup.tv/news/sports-lebanon/395144/%D9%82%D8%B6%D9%8A%D8%A9-%D9%85%D8%B4%D8%AC%D8%B9%D9%8A-%D8%A7%D9%84%D9%86%D8%AC%D9%85%D8%A9-%D8%A7%D9%84%D9%85%D9%88%D9%82%D9%88%D9%81%D9%8A%D9%86-%D9%81%D9%8A-%D9%85%D8%B5%D8%B1-%D9%85%D8%A7%D8%B0%D8%A7-%D8%AC%D8%B1%D9%89-%D9%85%D8%B9%D9%87%D9%85/ar|title=قضية مشجعي "النجمة" الموقوفين في مصر... ماذا جرى معهم؟|website=LBCI Lebanon|language=ar|access-date=23 February 2019|archive-date=24 February 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190224001823/https://www.lbcgroup.tv/news/sports-lebanon/395144/%D9%82%D8%B6%D9%8A%D8%A9-%D9%85%D8%B4%D8%AC%D8%B9%D9%8A-%D8%A7%D9%84%D9%86%D8%AC%D9%85%D8%A9-%D8%A7%D9%84%D9%85%D9%88%D9%82%D9%88%D9%81%D9%8A%D9%86-%D9%81%D9%8A-%D9%85%D8%B5%D8%B1-%D9%85%D8%A7%D8%B0%D8%A7-%D8%AC%D8%B1%D9%89-%D9%85%D8%B9%D9%87%D9%85/ar|url-status=live}}</ref> The fans were returned to Lebanon by request of the Lebanese Ambassador to Cairo.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://madamasr.com/en/2018/08/16/news/u/lebanese-nejmeh-fans-to-be-deported-days-after-arrest-at-borg-al-arab-stadium/amp/|title=Lebanese Nejmeh fans to be deported days after arrest at Borg al-Arab Stadium {{!}} MadaMasr|website=madamasr.com|access-date=25 February 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190225162050/https://madamasr.com/en/2018/08/16/news/u/lebanese-nejmeh-fans-to-be-deported-days-after-arrest-at-borg-al-arab-stadium/amp/|archive-date=25 February 2019|url-status=dead}}</ref>

During the [[2022 FIFA World Cup]] in Qatar, Nejmeh ultras were employed by the Qatari government to act as [[Qatar national football team|Qatar national team]] fans during their games. The 1,500 "adopted" ultras wore maroon t-shirts with "Qatar" stamped on front, sang the [[As-Salam al-Amiri|Qatari national anthem]] and beat drums while singing chants.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Montague |first=James |date=28 November 2022 |title=The Fans Screamed for Qatar. Their Passion Hid a Secret. |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2022/11/28/sports/soccer/world-cup-fans-qatar-ultras.html |issn=0362-4331 |access-date=29 November 2022 |archive-date=29 November 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221129163243/https://www.nytimes.com/2022/11/28/sports/soccer/world-cup-fans-qatar-ultras.html |url-status=live }}</ref>

==Club rivalries== [[File:Camille Chamoun Sports City Stadium 2018 - Beirut derby (Nejmeh fans).png|thumb|Nejmeh fans during the [[Beirut derby (football)|Beirut derby]] at the [[Camille Chamoun Sports City Stadium|Camille Chamoun Stadium]] in 2018.|alt=]] The [[Beirut derby (football)|Beirut derby]] with [[Al-Ansar SC|Ansar]] has historically been the most anticipated game in Lebanon: both located in Beirut, Nejmeh and Ansar have shared the majority of titles. While Nejmeh has been more successful in Asia, Ansar holds the most [[Lebanese Premier League|league titles]] and [[Lebanese FA Cup|FA Cups]].<ref name=":1">{{Cite web|url=https://ghanasoccernet.com/great-asian-derbies-al-ansar-sc-vs-nejmeh-sc-beirut|title=Great Asian Derbies – Al Ansar SC vs Nejmeh SC (Beirut)|website=GhanaSoccernet|language=en|access-date=23 February 2019|archive-date=10 July 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180710133111/https://ghanasoccernet.com/great-asian-derbies-al-ansar-sc-vs-nejmeh-sc-beirut|url-status=live}}</ref>

In recent years another fierce rivalry has developed, between Nejmeh and [[Al-Ahed SC|Ahed]]. Also based in Beirut, Ahed have won the majority of league titles since the [[2014–15 Lebanese Premier League|2014–15 season]]. Tensions between the two teams have also forced the federation to change venues multiple times.<ref name=":02">{{Cite web|url=https://www.babagol.net/blog/2018/9/30/the-hezbollah-club|title=The Hezbollah Club|website=BabaGol|date=4 October 2018 |language=en-US|access-date=16 February 2019|archive-date=26 February 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200226142655/https://www.babagol.net/blog/2018/9/30/the-hezbollah-club|url-status=live}}</ref> Most noticeably, in the [[2016–17 Lebanese Premier League|2016–17 season]], Nejmeh refused to play against Ahed in the league title decider and were sanctioned six points by the federation.<ref name=":2">{{Cite web|url=https://falebanon.com/salam-zgharta-vs-nejmeh-rivalry-the-sequel/|title=Salam Zgharta vs Nejmeh Rivalry: The Sequel|last=FaLebanon|date=23 February 2019|website=falebanon.com|language=en|access-date=23 February 2019|archive-date=8 December 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191208204606/https://www.falebanon.com/salam-zgharta-vs-nejmeh-rivalry-the-sequel/|url-status=live}}</ref>

Another rivalry that has developed in recent years is with [[Salam Zgharta]]. Since the [[2016–17 Lebanese Premier League|2016–17 season]], Salam Zgharta and Nejmeh have played various intense games between each other, with some escalating in offensive chants.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.falebanon.com/salam-zgharta-vs-nejmeh-rivalry-the-sequel/|title=Salam Zgharta vs Nejmeh Rivalry: The Sequel|last=Mahfoud|first=Maroun|date=2019-02-23|website=FA Lebanon|language=en-US|access-date=2019-12-08|archive-date=8 December 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191208204606/https://www.falebanon.com/salam-zgharta-vs-nejmeh-rivalry-the-sequel/|url-status=live}}</ref>

Other important matches are with [[Safa SC|Safa]] and [[Racing Club Beirut|Racing]], both located in the same city as Nejmeh.

== Other teams == On 2 September 2025, Nejmeh announced that acquisition of [[Lebanese Futsal League]] side Tawfeer Futsal Club, and changed its name to [[Nejmeh SC (futsal)|Nejmeh Sporting Club Futsal Team]].<ref>https://www.instagram.com/p/DOGymZxgnJ8/</ref>

On 13 September 2025, Nejmeh established an [[esports]] team.<ref>https://www.instagram.com/p/DOiolrGgkU9/</ref>

On 22 October 2025, Nejmeh announced the acquisition of [[Lebanese Women's Football League]] side ÓBerytus, and changed its name to [[Nejmeh SC (women)|Nejmeh Sporting Club]].<ref>https://www.facebook.com/photo?fbid=1245551417600841</ref><ref>https://www.instagram.com/p/DQHa2nvgsw0/</ref>

==Kit manufacturers== The following is a list of kit manufacturers worn by Nejmeh. {| class="wikitable" |+ !Period !Kit manufacturer |- |1996–2005 |[[Adidas]] |- |2006–2012 |[[A-Line (clothing brand)|A-Line]] |- |2012–2013 |[[Joma]] |- |2013–2014 |[[Lotto Sport Italia|Lotto]] |- |2014–2016 |[[Jako]] |- |2016–2018 |[[P4]] |- |2018–2021 |14Fourteen |- |2021–2023 |[[Jako]] |- |2023–2025 |[[Kelme (company)|Kelme]] |- |2025– |[[Capelli Sport]] |}

==Players== ===Current squad=== {{updated|5 January 2026}}<ref>{{Cite web|title=Nejmeh SC|url=https://globalsportsarchive.com/team/soccer/nejmeh-sc/16376/|access-date=1 October 2022|website=Global Sports Archive|archive-date=13 June 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220613074959/https://globalsportsarchive.com/team/soccer/nejmeh-sc/16376/|url-status=live}}</ref>

{{Fs start}} {{Fs player|no=1 |pos=GK|nat=LBN|name=Hasan Haidar}} {{Fs player|no=2 |pos=DF|nat=LBN|name=[[Ali Alrida Ismail]]}} {{Fs player|no=4|pos=MF|nat=LBN|name=[[Mohamad Safwan]]}} {{Fs player|no=5|pos=DF|nat=LBN|name=[[Khalil Khamis (footballer, born 1995)|Khalil Khamis]]}} {{Fs player|no=6|pos=DF|nat=LBN|name=[[Hussein Zein]]}} {{Fs player|no=7 |pos=FW|nat=LBN|name=[[Ali Al Haj]]}} {{Fs player|no=8 |pos=FW|nat=LBN|name=[[Mohamad Omar Sadek]]}} {{Fs player|no=9 |pos=FW|nat=PER|name=[[Alexander Succar]]}} {{Fs player|no=10|pos=MF|nat=KEN|name=[[Austin Odhiambo]]}} {{Fs player|no=11|pos=FW|nat=LBN|name=[[Ali Kassas]]}} {{Fs player|no=12|pos=DF|nat=LBN|name=[[Felix Michel Melki]]}} {{Fs player|no=15|pos=DF|nat=LBN|name=Wadih Bewaridi}} {{Fs player|no=16|pos=DF|nat=LBN|name=[[Hassan Chaitou]]}} {{Fs mid}} {{Fs player|no=17|pos=FW|nat=SLE|name=[[Rodney Michael]]}} {{Fs player|no=18|pos=DF|nat=LBN|name=[[Kassem El Zein]]|other=[[captain (association football)|captain]]}} {{Fs player|no=19|pos=MF|nat=LBN|name=Hasan Jaafar}} {{Fs player|no=20|pos=MF|nat=LBN|name=[[Hassan Kourani]]}} {{Fs player|no=21|pos=MF|nat=LBN|name=Ali El Fadl}} {{Fs player|no=23|pos=FW|nat=KEN|name=[[Masoud Juma]]}} {{Fs player|no=31 |pos=GK|nat=LBN|name=Emilio Rizk}} {{Fs player|no=66|pos=MF|nat=KEN|name=[[Teddy Akumu]]}} {{Fs player|no=71|pos=MF|nat=LBN|name=Hussein Siblini}} {{Fs player|no=77|pos=FW|nat=COL|name=Juan Lucumi}} {{Fs player|no=90|pos=GK|nat=LBN|name=[[Antoine Al Douaihy]]}} {{Fs player|no=92|pos=FW|nat=LBN|name=[[Jackson Khoury]]}} {{Fs player|no=95|pos=GK|nat=LBN|name=[[Mostafa Matar]]}} {{Fs end}}

===Players on loan=== {{Fs start}} {{Fs player|nat=LBN|pos=DF|name=[[Maher Sabra]]|other=at [[Safa SC|Safa]] until 30 June 2026}} {{Fs player|nat=LBN|pos=FW|name=Mohammad Al-Jammal|other=at [[Shabab Al Sahel]] until 30 June 2026}} {{Fs player|nat=LBN|pos=MF|name=[[Ali Shaitou]]|other=at [[Safa SC|Safa]] until 30 June 2026}} {{Fs mid}} {{Fs player|nat=LBN|pos=DF|name=[[Mohammad El Hayek]]|other=at [[Newroz SC|Newroz]] until 30 June 2026}} {{Fs player|nat=LBN|pos=DF|name=Hussein Mortada|other=at [[Safa SC|Safa]] until 30 June 2026}} {{Fs end}}

=== Notable players === {{see also|Category:Nejmeh SC players}} [[File:Ali Hamam 20191201.jpg|thumb|upright|Nejmeh's captain [[Ali Hamam]] with [[Lebanon national football team|Lebanon]] at the [[2019 AFC Asian Cup]]]] {| class="wikitable" |+ '''Players in international competitions''' !Competition !Player !National team |- | rowspan="4" |[[2000 AFC Asian Cup]] |[[Abbas Chahrour]] |{{Fb|LIB}} |- |[[Wahid El Fattal]] |{{Fb|LIB}} |- |[[Mohamed Halaweh|Mohamed Halawi]] |{{Fb|LIB}} |- |[[Moussa Hojeij]] |{{Fb|LIB}} |- |[[2007 AFC Asian Cup]] |[[Bassim Abbas]] |{{Fb|IRQ}} |- |[[2012 Africa Cup of Nations]] |[[Osama Chtiba]] |{{Fb|LBY}} |- |[[2017 Africa Cup of Nations]] |[[Hassan Wasswa]] |{{Fb|UGA}} |- | rowspan="4" |[[2019 AFC Asian Cup]] |[[Kassem El Zein]] |{{Fb|LIB}} |- |[[Ali Hamam]] |{{Fb|LIB}} |- |[[Hassan Maatouk]] |{{Fb|LIB}} |- |[[Nader Matar]] |{{Fb|LIB}} |- | rowspan="3" |[[2023 AFC Asian Cup]] |[[Ali Sabeh]] |{{Fb|LBN}} |- |[[Maher Sabra]] |{{Fb|LBN}} |- |[[Kassem El Zein]] |{{Fb|LBN}} |}

==Honours== ===Domestic=== ====League==== *'''[[Lebanese Premier League]]''' **'''Winners (9):''' 1972–73, 1974–75, [[1999–2000 Lebanese Premier League|1999–00]], [[2001–02 Lebanese Premier League|2001–02]], [[2003–04 Lebanese Premier League|2003–04]], [[2004–05 Lebanese Premier League|2004–05]], [[2008–09 Lebanese Premier League|2008–09]], [[2013–14 Lebanese Premier League|2013–14]], [[2023–24 Lebanese Premier League|2023–24]] *'''[[Lebanese Second Division]]''' **'''Winners (1):''' 1950–51<ref>{{Cite web|title=النجمة عميد الأندية اللبنانية... عراقة وتاريخ وإنجازات – Al Laeb Al Arabiاللاعب العربي|url=https://laebarabi.com/news/2020/3/11/--3|access-date=2020-08-16|website=Al Laeb Al Arabi|language=ar-LB|archive-date=31 March 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220331075815/https://www.laebarabi.com/news/2020/3/11/--3|url-status=live}}</ref>

====Cup==== *'''[[Lebanese FA Cup]]''' **'''Winners (8):''' 1970–71, 1986–87, 1988–89, 1996–97, 1997–98, [[2015–16 Lebanese FA Cup|2015–16]], [[2021–22 Lebanese FA Cup|2021–22]], [[2022–23 Lebanese FA Cup|2022–23]] **''Runners-up (9):'' 1950–51, 1963–64, 1995–96, 2002–03, 2003–04, [[2011–12 Lebanese FA Cup|2011–12]], [[2014–15 Lebanese FA Cup|2014–15]], [[2017–18 Lebanese FA Cup|2017–18]], [[2020–21 Lebanese FA Cup|2020–21]] *'''[[Lebanese Elite Cup]]''' (''defunct'') **'''Winners (12; record):''' 1996, 1998, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, [[2014 Lebanese Elite Cup|2014]], [[2016 Lebanese Elite Cup|2016]], [[2017 Lebanese Elite Cup|2017]], [[2018 Lebanese Elite Cup|2018]], [[2021 Lebanese Elite Cup|2021]] **''Runners-up (2):'' 1997, 2013 *'''[[Lebanese Super Cup]]''' **'''Winners (8; joint record):''' 2000, 2002, 2004, 2009, 2014, 2016, [[2023 Lebanese Super Cup|2023]], [[2024 Lebanese Super Cup|2024]] **''Runners-up (5):'' 1996, 1997, 2005, 2018, [[2021 Lebanese Super Cup|2021]] * '''[[National Solidarity Tournament]]''' **''Runners-up (1):'' [[2026 National Solidarity Tournament|2026]]

===Continental=== * '''[[AFC Cup]]''' ** ''Runners-up (1):'' [[2005 AFC Cup|2005]] *'''[[Arab Club Champions Cup]]''' **''Runners-up (1):'' [[1981–82 Arab Club Champions Cup|1981–82]]

===Awards=== *'''Best Team in Asia''' **'''Winners (1):''' March 2000<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://detroittitans.com/news/2013/9/19/MSOC_0919135154.aspx|title=Bazzi '12 Signs Professional Contract With Nejmeh Sporting Club in Lebanon|website=University of Detroit Mercy Athletics|date=19 September 2013 |language=en|access-date=2019-11-07|archive-date=7 November 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191107120823/https://detroittitans.com/news/2013/9/19/MSOC_0919135154.aspx|url-status=live}}</ref>

==Performance in AFC competitions== In 1982, Nejmeh reached the [[1981–82 Arab Club Champions Cup|Arab Club Champions Cup]] final but lost to Iraqi club [[Al-Shorta SC|Al-Shorta]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://alshorta.webs.com/|title=Al Shorta SC Website|website=Al Shorta SC Website|access-date=23 February 2019|archive-date=16 January 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190116103335/https://alshorta.webs.com/|url-status=live}}</ref> In 2005, Nejmeh reached the final of the AFC Cup and lost to [[Al-Faisaly SC (Amman)|Al-Faisaly]] of Jordan: this was the first time a Lebanese football team had reached the final of any Asian competition.<ref name=":1" />

* '''[[AFC Champions League]]: 2 appearances''' ::[[1996–97 Asian Club Championship|1996–97]]: Second round ::[[2002–03 AFC Champions League|2002–03]]: First round

* '''[[AFC Challenge League]]: 1 appearance''' ::[[2024–25 AFC Challenge League|2024–25]]: Group stage

* '''[[Asian Cup Winners' Cup]]: 3 appearances''' ::[[1990–91 Asian Cup Winners' Cup|1990–91]]: First round ::[[1997–98 Asian Cup Winners' Cup|1997–98]]: First round ::[[1998–99 Asian Cup Winners' Cup|1998–99]]: First round

== See also == * [[List of football clubs in Lebanon]]

==References== {{Reflist}}

==External links== {{Commons category}} * {{Official website|https://nejmehsc.com/}} * [http://stats.the-afc.com/tournament/254/teams/142/profile Nejmeh SC] at the [[Asian Football Confederation|AFC]] * [http://lebanonfg.com/clubs/15 Nejmeh SC] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240222015834/http://lebanonfg.com/clubs/15 |date=22 February 2024 }} at LebanonFG

{{DEFAULTSORT:Nejmeh SC}} [[Category:Nejmeh SC| ]] [[Category:Football clubs in Lebanon]] [[Category:Football clubs in Beirut]] [[Category:Sunni Islam in Lebanon]] [[Category:Druze in Lebanon]] [[Category:Shia Islam in Lebanon]] [[Category:Association football clubs established in 1945]] [[Category:1945 establishments in Lebanon]]