Saudi Maestro Firas Al-Buraikan: The Quiet Dynamo Driving a World Cup Dream
9 October 2025
On the football pitch, some players leave their mark with goals alone; Firas Al-Buraikan is different. He is a Saudi maestro who knows how to orchestrate victory, never stopping his sprint or his search for the back of the net.
Al-Buraikan brings a rapid rhythm and incisive touches, becoming one of the Green Falcons' most dangerous weapons for both the national team and Al-Ahli as he continued his fine form in a hard-fought 3-2 win over Indonesia in the Asian World Cup playoff.
Saudi Arabia now sits on the edge of World Cup qualification, with the second leg against Iraq scheduled for next Wednesday at Enmaa Stadium in Jeddah.
But it was his brace that stole the show: in the 36th and 62nd minutes, he struck twice, the first from the spot at 36 minutes under pressure with calm precision, the second via a deft follow-up from a saved shot.
Clutch Striker
Beyond the goals, Al-Buraikan showed leadership, pulling defenders, opening space for late runners, and often dropping to support the press.
According to SofaScore, he earned a 9.2 out of 10, the highest rating, as he was the most accurate shooter with four attempts.
He also created three clear chances and won five fouls.
It's the second time he's bagged a brace for Saudi, following June 2024 against Pakistan.
Leadership & Tactics
His movement between lines created room and his leadership helped the team push for more than just a win.
He often dropped to help midfield and helped with ball recovery and quick transitions.
As a focal point in attack, his strength helped the team build plays with both headers and short passes, becoming an indispensable part of the coach's plan.
This versatility and leadership position him as a key piece in the squad's core and a potential long-term pillar of the national side.
Fans & Legacy
Fans in Saudi Arabia reacted with excitement as his brace and approach lit up social media and earned him the nickname of a generation's new goal-scoring icon.
His performances have elevated the perception of a local talisman who can deliver in critical moments and provide a blueprint for upcoming homegrown stars.
Looking ahead, the team heads into the Iraq game in a strong mood, confident in their ability to book a World Cup berth for 2026.
