From Asia to the World Stage: The Rise of Salem Al-Dawsari

Salem Al-Dawsari’s 21 Days of Glory: How the ‘Tornado’ Became the Face of Saudi Football

In the space of just three weeks, Salem Al-Dawsari rewrote the narrative around Saudi football. Already revered by supporters of Al Hilal, he has now stepped beyond domestic acclaim and entered a sphere reserved for figures who define eras — players who symbolize a nation’s evolution on the world stage.

Across 21 remarkable days, Al-Dawsari delivered decisive goals, lifted trophies, broke historical records, and found his name listed among world football’s elite in FIFA’s official awards shortlist. In doing so, he became not simply a star of Saudi Arabia — but its footballing sovereign.

A Player at the Peak of His Power

The achievement that stood above all came when Al-Dawsari secured the AFC Player of the Year award for the second time, becoming the first Saudi player in history to do so. Only three other players — Hidetoshi Nakata, Server Djeparov, and Akram Afif — have ever won the prize twice.

This was not merely another individual accolade. It was confirmation of his longevity, his consistency, and his importance in the biggest continental matches.

Just as notable was his emergence on the FIFA Team of the Year shortlist, making him the first Saudi footballer ever to appear among the official nominees. Standing alongside global icons, Al-Dawsari crossed a threshold few from Asia — let alone the Gulf — ever reach.

A New Milestone in Asia

Al-Dawsari also became the leading Saudi scorer in the history of the AFC Champions League, reaching 34 goals in the competition — a record that reinforces his role as the modern standard-bearer of Saudi football in continental play.

These milestones did not come in isolation. They arrived in a season where he delivered:

• 27 goals and 18 assists in all competitions

• 15 goals + 15 assists in the Saudi Pro League

• Top scorer of the AFC Champions League (10 goals)

His performances were not about volume alone, but timing: key goals, match-winners, moments of control when games seemed to slip away.

A Season That Defined a Career

Even on the global stage of the FIFA Club World Cup, Al-Dawsari left his mark, scoring in Al Hilal’s victory over Pachuca of Mexico. Injury prevented him from facing Manchester City and Fluminense — absences that only highlighted how critical his presence is in high-stakes matches.

At 34, he is not an emerging product of the future. He is the benchmark — the figure younger Saudi players study to understand what sustained excellence looks like.

Challenges Ahead

The coming season offers no space for reflection. Al Hilal are locked into competitive title races domestically and continentally, and expectations are only rising.

• The Saudi Pro League demands leadership in an era of big-name arrivals.

• The AFC Champions League expects decisive moments once again.

• The Saudi National Team, beginning with the Arab Cup and then a World Cup cycle, will look to its captain for identity, belief, and inspiration.

For a player who stunned the world with his goal against Argentina at the 2022 World Cup, the next global stage offers him an opportunity to define not only his legacy — but Saudi football’s enduring image.

The Weight of a Crown

Becoming the symbol of a nation is one achievement. Remaining there is the true test.
Salem Al-Dawsari is fully aware of this.

The throne he now occupies is not ceremonial. It carries expectation, pressure, scrutiny, and the silent challenge of proving — every week — that legends are built over years, not moments.

And yet, if the last 21 days have shown anything, it is this:

Salem Al-Dawsari is not just part of the story of Saudi football.
He is the story — its present, and for now, its reigning king.