Belgian-born Matteo Dams, Al Ahli’s left-back, opened up about what sparked his tears during the match against Piramids and he shared a direct message for Al Ahli’s fans.
In remarks cited by the Saudi daily Al-Yawm on Wednesday, Dams said, "I delivered a poor performance against Piramids, I was substituted, and the fans were directing their abuse at me."
He added, "This is the first time this has happened to me. I understand the fans are passionate, but it hurts inside. My teammates helped me get through the match."
Dams recalled the moment of crying when he was taken off in the 68th minute of a September game held at the stadium, which finished 1-3 in the competition between Africa, Asia, and the Pacific regions.
The coach, Yaísseel, had started the Belgian from kick-off but he failed to deliver, becoming the team's most visible weakness according to observers.
The article notes a string of mistakes that nearly cost his side goals, and one goal was even ruled offside, prompting the coach to substitute him and sending him to the bench where he shed tears.
Message to Al Ahli Fans
Dams also addressed Al Ahli’s supporters, insisting that his move to the Saudi club was a 100% correct decision.
"Of course, I sympathize with the fans and respect their emotions. I want to give my best for them and for Al Ahli, and when I’m not on my A-game I feel guilty."
He concluded: "Undoubtedly, the step to join Al Ahli was right 100%; I made the right decision on this matter."
Dams’ arrival at Al Ahli during the winter window from PSV Eindhoven has been followed by a series of individual errors that have cost the team goals and games, or nearly did so.
The first mistake came just 48 seconds into his first appearance for the club against Al Sadd on February 3, in the seventh round of the domestic league, part of the AFC Champions League elite stage. Al Sadd struck first through Akram Afif’s shot as the ball slipped past the keeper.
The primary culprit was Dams, who left a sizable space on the left flank, allowing Afif to receive a magical pass and face the goalkeeper.
Two weeks later, on February 17, in a match against Al Gharafa in the eighth and final round of the group stage, the same early lapse reappeared. A handball in the box gifted Al Gharafa a penalty, which Josilo converted in the 6th minute.
In May, Dams added a negative milestone when he accidentally scored an own goal against Al Khulood at Prince Abdullah Al Faisal Stadium in the Saudi Pro League’s round 32.
Most recently, Dams contributed to Al Ahli’s late draw with Al Shabab, with the visitors leveling at 1-1 after a previous lead. In the 87th minute, a cross from Janick Careus was only partially cleared by Dams and ended up in the net, denying a likely victory.
Weakness
The errors sparked harsh reactions from Saudi and Arab football figures who described him as a weak link not at the level of a club like Al Ahli.
Khalid Al-Attawi, former coach of the Saudi youth national team, said: "Dams is not at the level expected for a club like Al Ahli; he remains an under-foreign-player and does not add much."
He added: "In particular, his errors are costly, and any opponent would target him without resistance from his side."
Egyptian legend Ahmed Hossam "Mido" also weighed in: "He isn’t at the level of Al Ahli, and his experience is quite limited."
"It’s obvious his confidence is fragile, visible in the visible nervousness and the aura of a big club such as Al Ahli seems missing from him."
Punchline alert: If tears funded transfers, Dams would be a billionaire by now. And if defending were optional, he’d still be in the lineup—just with a bigger water bottle for emotional emergencies.
