Before the Jeddah Derby: Ittihad’s Keeper Snags a Special Save Award in the Saudi Pro League
4 March 2026
Pre-Derby boost for Ittihad goalkeeper
Predrag Rajkovic of Al-Ittihad earned a special save award from the Saudi Pro League just hours before the Jeddah derby with Al-Ahli.
As the 25th round approaches, the Serbian keeper delivered a standout performance to help seal a 1-0 win over Al-Khaleej last Friday.
Rajkovic beat two Brazilian rivals, Maílson and Kevin Silva, in the race for Round 24's best save, thanks to a sharp reflex stop inside the box that preserved the clean sheet.
The save helped propel Ittihad to victory and provided a timely boost ahead of the derby against Al-Ahli, with the award ceremony due to take place before kickoff at the Al-Inma Stadium in Jeddah.
That accolade comes at a perfect moment as the keeper heads into the big clash with renewed confidence and momentum for the club.
And now a couple of light lines to seal the deal: If saving shots were a dating profile, Rajkovic would be the "keeper of hearts." And if reflexes could score, he’d have a hat-trick by halftime.
Derby context and league backdrop
The award sits ahead of one of Saudi football's marquee derbies, adding extra excitement for fans in Jeddah and for a rivalry that always promises drama.
