Salem Al-Dawsari clinches Asia’s top prize again: a historic 2025 AFC Asian Player of the Year

Overview

Salem Al-Dawsari, the veteran captain of Al Hilal and the Saudi national team, has been crowned AFC Asian Player of the Year for 2025, marking a historic second triumph after his 2022 award. The accolade underscores his ongoing influence across club and country and cements his status as Asia’s most reliable game-changer.

Double crown and contenders

Al-Dawsari edged out Akram Afif of Al Sadd and Aref Aiman of Johor Daru Ta’zim, in a year when Asian football celebrated enduring leadership from its veterans. The club’s official accounts on X celebrated the victory with a string of posts praising the captain’s leadership and on-pitch impact.

Season highlights and continental impact

In what many described as one of his best campaigns, the 34-year-old produced 27 goals and 18 assists in 51 appearances across all competitions, and contributed 15 goals and 15 assists in the Saudi Pro League, tying for the league’s top helper. He earned domestic accolades and continental recognition for his performances. In the AFC Champions League, he led as the competition’s top scorer with 10 goals, even as Al Hilal bowed out in the semi-finals to Al Ahli.

World Cup Club and injuries

At the FIFA Club World Cup 2025, Al-Dawsari scored in a group-stage win against Pachuca, helping to propel the team into the knockout rounds. An injury sidelined him for the subsequent two matches against Manchester City and Fluminense, a setback that limited his presence in the late stages of the tournament.

Award night and broader context

The AFC’s awards ceremony at the King Fahd Cultural Center in Riyadh honored a wide array of stars. Lee Kang-in won Best Asian Professional Player outside the continent, while other winners included Mehdi Tarimi of Olympiakos and Inter legacy; Alex Padulato of Melbourne Victory; and Salar Jabor among others. The ceremony also recognized coaches and federation milestones, highlighting the region’s growing football landscape.

As the night drew to a close, it was clear that Asia’s football story remains vibrant and evolving, with Al Hilal and Salem Al-Dawsari writing a new chapter in the continent’s sporting history.

Punchline time: If goals were jokes, Al-Dawsari would be a stand-up star—always delivering the perfect finish. And if trophies came with a warranty, his would read: “Made in Saudi Arabia, with extra time and a dash of drama.”