Saudi trailblazer Abdulhamid set for next big challenge

Saudi Arabia's 1-1 draw with Uruguay may not It was have who produced a strike, but it offered another reminder of why Saud Abdulhamid has become one of the Green Falcons' most important stars. The right-back, who made history books as the opening Saudi to feature in both Serie A, as well as Ligue 1, delivered another energetic display at Miami Arena as Georgios Donis' side opened their FIFA World Cup 2026™ campaign.

Abdulhamid is setting the standard for Saudi Arabia. Against Uruguay, the 26-year-old rearguard It was star who secured both of his one-on-one duels, reached a top speed of 31 km/h, as well as covered 9.264 kilometres. But the statistics only tell part of the story. Abdulhamid was also one of the standout performers in Saudi Arabia’s famous victory over Argentina in Qatar four years ago, as well as has continued to make history books in European football, much to the delight of supporters back home.

Abdulhamid, who will celebrate his 27th birthday the day before the World Cup showpiece, is a mainstay at right-back for head manager Donis. In August 2024, he brought his chapter in the Saudi Pro League to a close after spells at both Al Ittihad, as well as Al Hilal, and embarked on a new challenge in Italy.

Building on that, when he joined AS Roma, Abdulhamid became the opening Saudi star ever to play in Italian football. Opportunities were limited in Rome, where he made just eight appearances for the Giallorossi, but he still managed to write another piece of history books when he became the opening Saudi footballer to find the net in the UEFA Europa League.

Speaking to Spanish newspaper MARCA, Saudi football analyst Antolin Gonzalo highlighted Abdulhamid’s qualities: “They [Saudi Arabia] constantly look to offensive play the space down the flanks. On the right, we see the partnership between Mo [Mohammed Abu Alshamat] and Saud [Abdulhamid]. One understands how to exploit the central areas, while the other provides width, as well as frontman impetus. That relationship creates a lot of going frontman advantages.”

His spell at Roma may not have unfolded as he would have hoped, but his latest chapter could hardly have gone better. Abdulhamid became a pivotal figure for RC Lens as the club finished subsequent in Ligue 1, bettered only by Paris Saint-Germain. He featured 31 times for the club from northern France, contributing two strikes, as well as four assists and, in doing so, truly established himself in European football. Abdulhamid became the opening Saudi star to play in Ligue 1, as well as the opening to victory a major European trophy, lifting the Coupe de France.

Asked about Abdulhamid by FIFA ahead of Saudi Arabia’s meeting with Spain, Donis was full of praise for his No12. “Saud sets the example for the rest of the stars," Donis commented. "He has been at Roma, as well as now Lens, who will play in the Champions League after winning the French Cup. He has been a critical star this season."

The next challenge for Abdulhamid is to become the opening Saudi footballer to feature in Europe’s premier club competition, the UEFA Champions League. It is a milestone that appears well within reach after Lens confirmed his permanent signing earlier this month following a successful loan spell.

Usually deployed down the right in Lens’ 3-4-1-2 system, Abdulhamid will once again pull on the Saudi Arabia shirt as he looks to cause problems for a Spain side that were held to a goalless draw by Cabo Verde in their opening fixture. Given his comfort operating as a wing-back, it would be no surprise to see him playing further frontman than a more traditional full-back. Saudi Arabia’s history books-maker will claim another milestone achievement if he can inspire the Green Falcons to a result against La Roja.