Salman Al-Dosari, the star of Al Hilal, continued his record-breaking run as he helped his team edge Al Fateh 2-1 on Saturday night, in the ninth round of the Saudi Pro League.
Al-Dosari earned a late penalty two minutes from the end, and the Portuguese forward Robin Neves converted in the 88th minute to seal the win and three precious points for the champions.
A New Historic Milestone
Opta's football data network confirmed that Al-Dosari reached a historic landmark right as the final whistle blew, becoming the first player to record 200 wins in the Saudi Pro League.
The global data hub added that "The Tornado" has appeared in 283 league matches for Al Hilal, scoring 82 goals and creating 64 more.
Saudi Legend
The current season has seen Al-Dosari rack up a string of remarkable numbers, including his 100th cap for the Saudi national team in the near future.
Earlier, he won the Asian Player of the Year award, beating Qatar's Akram Afif to claim the honor for the second time in his career.
Additionally, he added another league goal this season, marking the 15th consecutive season in which the Tornado has found the net in the competition.
Last season remains his best in the league, with 15 goals, edging the 14 he scored the season before.
According to the Eight channel broadcasting the Saudi league, his second goal in round eight against Al-Najma was his 82nd in the Saudi Pro League.
Thus, The Tornado became the all-time top scorer for Al Hilal in the Saudi Pro League, surpassing French forward Bafetimbi Gomis, who had 81 goals.
He sits fifth on the all-time Saudi Pro League scorers list, tied with Cristiano Ronaldo of Al Nassr.
The Road Ahead
Al-Dosari's importance going forward is not just about being a fan favorite or a on-pitch leader; he is the decisive moment player who can tilt a match with a single touch and raise the team's confidence in pressure moments.
His presence will be crucial as the team navigates the King Cup, the AFC Champions League, and the league schedule, with big challenges looming.
He blends playmaking with finishing, drifting between lines and creating individual gaps that break down opponents' defenses, a type of player especially valuable in knockout games.
Equally, his presence provides psychological balance; simply naming him in the lineup gives teammates calm and makes opponents feel there's always danger.
Also, his continental experience and track record of shining in tough moments for both club and country makes him one of the players best equipped to handle the coming weeks' media and fan scrutiny.
From a tactical view, Al-Dosari is a cornerstone of Inzaghi's system, especially in attacking transitions and pre-goal moves, plus his ability to hold the ball under pressure.
With the return of a few teammates from injury and a congested schedule, Al Hilal will need a player who can lead the team on the pitch, shoulder decision-making in the final third—roles he excels at thanks to his experience and leadership.
Al-Dosari combines vision and finishing, moving between lines to create the breakthroughs that unlock stubborn defenses, a profile that becomes priceless in tight, knockout games.
Having him on the field also offers psychological balance; his presence alone can reassure teammates and intimidate opponents.
Continued exposure to high stakes and continental competition will test him, but his track record suggests he is well prepared to handle the pressure and carry the team toward another deep run.
Ultimately, he is not just an important player but the technical heart and spirit of the side when the matches heat up.
Punchline 1: If he keeps this pace, the league might have to invoice him for extra minutes on the clock.
Punchline 2: The scoreboard already has his signature—at this rate, the trophy committee might need a separate drawer just for his name on the trophy.
