Friendly Fire: Dams Reconciles with Al-Ahli Fans
27 October 2025
A rocky start and a turning moment
Belgian left-back Mathieu Dams, 21, arrived from PSV Eindhoven to Al-Ahli Saudi FC and immediately faced high expectations. His early displays did not meet the hopes of fans or the coach, leaving the youngster under the microscope as the season began.
In the King’s Cup Round of 16 against Al-Batin, Dams contributed to a key moment. A cross from the Belgian’s wide position deflected off a Batin defender into the goal, giving Al-Ahli the advantage in a match that also highlighted his improving awareness on the flanks.
Slips, criticism, and a moment of emotion
Since the campaign opened, Dams has been viewed as one of the weaker links in Al-Ahli’s back four, a point of concern for the German coach Matthias Jaissle as he juggled options at left-back. After Saad Al-Buayed’s departure, the club leaned on the young defender, yet he didn’t consistently rise to the expected level in big games.
Al-Ahli also brought Zakaria Houssawi last summer, but he didn’t feature regularly. In a particularly testing match against Pyramids FC, Dams’s display was below par as the African champions took the victory in Jeddah, fueling frustration among the Red Devils’ supporters.
Fans’ dissatisfaction grew to the point where some called for Dams to be replaced, especially while other options on the wing-back role were scarce. The left-back’s form was described as the team’s Achilles’ heel by many observers, even as teammates and rivals continued to monitor his development.
Contract shock and a message to the fans
Dams later revealed that learning about his contract with Al-Ahli left him “crazy” due to the sizable salary, a detail he discussed publicly in Belgium’s HLN. He noted that the move came after a winter window filled with intense negotiations, and he admitted that the salary exceeded his expectations at the time.
He also addressed the Al-Ahli faithful, stressing that the decision to join was 100% correct and that he respects fans’ passion. “I want to give my best for them and for Al-Ahli, and when I don’t perform on the day, I feel guilty,” he stated, emphasizing his commitment to the club and its supporters.
Contract, confidence, and continuation
The Belgian defender spoke about how the transfer ultimately made sense for his career and his family, even as public opinion swirled around his salary. He reiterated his focus on growth and stability with Al-Ahli, acknowledging the scrutiny but remaining determined to prove his worth on the pitch.
As the season progresses, Dams’ journey with Al-Ahli continues, with fans hoping for a steady return to form and a stronger link with the defense’s spine. A player with potential, he still has time to turn early missteps into a longer, more reliable chapter in his career.
Punchline 1: If contracts were edible, his would be a five-course feast—delicious on paper, expensive on delivery.
Punchline 2: They say football is a game of inches; apparently his salary is measured in kilometers—because it’s a long way from the pitch to the wallet, and back again.
