Al-Dosari clinches Asia’s Best Player award after grinding through the season, and he’s not done yet

Triumph After Hard Work

Across the podium of Asia’s football awards, Salem Al-Dosari, captain of Al Hilal and the Saudi national team, celebrated winning Asia’s Best Player Award for the second time, insisting the honor may not be his last. He edged out rivals Akram Afif of Al-Sadd and Arif Aiman of Johor Darul Ta’zim, joined by Malaysia in the nomination pool, as the awards crowned him again for 2025.

In a post-ceremony press conference, Al-Dosari expressed joy at the achievement, noting that the award arrived as a reward for persistent effort rather than a single moment. He stressed that individual honors are meaningful but secondary to team success and thanked those who have supported him along the way.

“Praise be to God for this award after the hard work,” he commented, adding that team trophies and collective progress remain his top priority while acknowledging this personal milestone as a vital motivator for the seasons ahead.

He reflected on the importance of the supporters and teammates who helped push him and his clubs forward, and he voiced hope that this prize would not turn into a stumbling block but rather a driving force in future campaigns.

In addressing critics, Al-Dosari emphasized staying focused on the pitch, saying his aim is to remain on the field’s cutting edge and continue challenging himself, regardless of outside noise. He encouraged a forward-looking mindset, stressing that long-term ambition should remain anchored in the national team and club success.

As for his broader ambitions, he spoke about the upcoming World Cup cycle with the Saudi national team and the continued pursuit of excellence in every competition, insisting that progress is a step-by-step process and that the sport in Saudi Arabia is evolving rapidly. He highlighted the role of this award as a sign of that development rather than a final destination.

World Cup Dreams and Seasonal Form

Looking ahead, Al-Dosari outlined his personal targets and the national team’s aspirations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the United States, Canada, and Mexico. He underscored the importance of breaking numbers and contributing, whether through goals or assists, as part of a broader team strategy. Yet his core priority remains clear: the national team’s performance in the World Cup and Al Hilal’s quest for success in all competitions.

Reflecting on last season’s form, Al-Dosari noted a standout year with 27 goals in 51 appearances and 18 assists, underscoring his status as a top contributor for his club. He also highlighted a notable 15-goal, 15-assist contribution tally, which positioned him among the league leaders and bolstered his case for domestic and continental recognition. This strong all-around production helped him secure the domestic Best Player award and earned him broader recognition in Asian football circles.

In the AFC Champions League, he finished as a leading scorer with 10 goals, even as the campaign ended in the semi-finals against Al Ahli. He also contributed to the club’s showing in the FIFA Club World Cup 2025, scoring in a group-stage win over Pachuca, before injuries sidelined him from subsequent matches against Manchester City and Fluminense. The season’s achievements cement his status as a cornerstone of both club and country, reinforcing his argument that his best football could still be ahead.

Historically, the trophy also marked a rare achievement: Al-Dosari became the first Saudi to win Asia’s Best Player twice, with his prior success coming in 2022. He joined a select group of players who have achieved the feat, demonstrating the growing strength and depth of Saudi football on the continental stage.

As the season closes, the player’s ego remains firmly in check with a focus on continued improvement and on maintaining a balance between individual brilliance and collective success for his team and country.

Punchlines are a bonus in sports, but for Salem Al-Dosari, precision on the pitch is the real punchline. Bang—goal, followed by another, and another: the net doesn’t lie, and neither does the scoreboard. And if a snappy joke ever lands better than a perfect pass, it’s probably just the fans laughing at the same joke we call ‘another season of chasing perfection.’