Between grit and the stigma of failure: Saud Abdulhamid’s European duel
6 October 2025
Emergence of Saudi Talent in Europe
In recent seasons, a real wave of Saudi players has moved to European pitches to test themselves, gain experience with new football schools, and bring back knowledge to their national teams.
Among them, Saud Abdulhamid, the former Al Hilal right-back, recently drew links to a return to the Roshn Saudi League and to a move to a major European club, with Al Nassr seeking a replacement for veteran Sultan Al-Ghannam. Yet Saud’s ambition is clear: to make a serious mark in Europe and possibly outshine rivals as the best Saudi right-back of his generation.
Marwan the journalist, Mohannad Al-Saad, Faisal Al-Ghamdi, and Saud Abdulhamid are part of names that forged Europe for Saudi players, pursuing varied experiences across leagues.
Perhaps the most notable chapter is Saud’s direct move from Al Hilal to Roma, a rare request from a giant Italian club for a Saudi or Arab player with no prior European club history. Salah had preceded such moves, but Saud arrived on the strength of his performances for the national team and the Saudi league.
He, the 26-year-old, stood out during the era of big signings, drawing attention for his performances and readiness to compete with foreign players on equal footing. All roads lead to Rome.
Alongside captain Salem Al-Dosri, Saud was a key piece in the team under coach Jorge Jesus’s influence, contributing to a period of dominance and solid performances that helped Rome notice his potential.
And when the initial reluctance from Al Hilal to let him go turned into a decision, Saud’s determination to pursue the European challenge prevailed, convincing the club to release him for the Italian dream.
Beginning difficulties
Saud faced early hurdles in Rome, as the young Coach Daniele De Rossi was initially hesitant to give him a chance. When questioned about his plans, De Rossi’s reply wasn’t a strong affirmative for immediate minutes for the Saudi defender.
With veteran Claudio Ranieri in charge, Saud’s prospects brightened, and he began to find his path. He etched his name in history by becoming the first Saudi to score in a European competition, netting against Braga in a 3-0 Roma win in the Europa League.
In Serie A, he also found the net in a 4-1 victory over Lecce, contributing a notable record given he had only six appearances at the time.
France Chapter: Lens and the Road Ahead
As the season closed, Saud faced a crucial choice about his future: stay and push for more minutes at Roma, or pursue opportunities elsewhere. Several French clubs, including Toulouse and Lens, showed interest, and he ultimately joined Lens to prove himself in a new league and country.
In Lens, he joined under French coach Pierre Sag, making five appearances, all as a substitute, yet managing to create a solitary assist so far and signaling that a larger contribution could follow with time and adaptation.
Language barriers, acclimatization, and patience remained challenges, and Saud’s continued resolve is clear. He remains determined not to be defined by a stigma of failure, convinced his talents can add value to any squad he wears on his sleeve.
Saud’s journey underscores a growing trend: Saudi players testing themselves in Europe to sharpen their craft, while clubs learn to harness a new generation’s vigor. All roads may not yet lead to Rome, but the detours are shaping a technically capable defender with global ambitions.
Punchline time: If patience were a defender, Saud would be a world-class stopper—stubborn, but somehow always in the right place. Punchline two: In football, timing is everything—and Saud’s timing just found the perfect country code to dial in his big break.
