Rising Wing Spark: Saleh Abu Al-Shamat Poised to Ignite Saudi Attacks at the Arab Cup

Rise of a Quiet Star

In a moment that went largely unnoticed, a fresh name quietly began to shine with Al-Ahli Jeddah and then the Saudi national team: the young winger Saleh Abu Al-Shamat.

While eyes tracked the established stars, Renard was weaving a subtle thread, plotting a card that few know about but ready to reveal at the right moment, as seen in recent international games.

With the Arab Cup in Qatar scheduled from December 1 to 18, his role on the frontline could prove decisive for the Green Falcons.

Since joining Al-Ahli from Al-Khaleej at the start of the season, Saleh has not passed unnoticed; he drew Renard’s attention with a talent that carries big potential.

It was not mere praise; it was a close follow-up in training and in every match on the pitch.

His technical qualities were clear from the start: smart bursts from the left, pace in dribbling, and the ability to turn tight angles into real chances, making him a valuable asset in buildup.

His movements toward the middle are not random; they help the team by shifting tempo and creating spaces for stars or teammates, adding a new dimension to the attack.

What impressed Renard was not only speed or dribbling but his tactical intelligence and game-reading, knowing when to stretch the pitch, when to drift between lines, and when to pass or shoot, leaving defenders puzzled.

This mix of daring and intelligence made Renard see him as a potential trump card for the Green, especially with important assignments like the Arab Cup approaching.

With every match, Abu Al-Shamat proves he is not just a fast winger on the flank but a complete player capable of creating chances and making a difference; he adds a flexible attacking dimension the team can rely on in tough moments.

Hence, he is no longer simply a new player in the league but an essential element in Renard’s plans, with a promising future that could anchor the green attack in future campaigns.

Notable emergence: although he featured in two international friendlies in 2023, he did not shine to full potential. With Renard’s return and his standout domestic and Asian performances, he has been included in all Green camps since September.

In five appearances, the star has registered two goals and an assist.

The most notable goal came against Indonesia in the first leg of the Asian World Cup qualifying playoff for 2026, with a prominent showing against Iraq in the second leg of the goalless draw.

Abu Al-Shamat helped the Green reach the 2026 World Cup by contributing to qualification; he became a core member of the squad and earned a spot for the Arab Cup in Qatar 2025.

Who is Saleh Abu Al-Shamat?

Saleh Abu Al-Shamat is a young Saudi footballer, born on August 11, 2002 in Jeddah. Raised in the Al-Ahli Saudi Academy, he later challenged himself away from home, moving to the youth ranks of Al-Qadisiyah, where he honed his talent before turning professional.

His official debut came with Al-Qadisiyah in May 2021, and since then he has pursued opportunities to prove himself on the field.

In 2024, during the transfer window, he was loaned to Al-Taawoun (Cooperation) and then moved to Al-Khaleej for a full season, showing notable potential.

But his return to Al-Ahli in summer 2025 marked a turning point; after years of movement and growth, he joined the club on a three-year contract, aiming to be part of a major project.

What sets him apart is a blend of speed, technical skill, and smart dribbling. He favors wingers but does not confine himself to the flank; he often drops into the middle, creates spaces, and turns pressure into chances.

This approach makes him a versatile player capable of surprising defenders and converting possession into real attacking moves.

Despite his young age, he is viewed as one of the promising talents in Saudi football, combining dribbling, tactical intelligence, and a willingness to grow.

His emergence with Al-Ahli and the national team reflects long-term development and attempts to prove himself; today he has a chance to build a path among the next generation of wingers or even become a consistent star at club and national level.

Punchline time, Sniper-style: If speed kills, Saleh just filed for a permit.

Punchline 2: The defense needs a map and a compass—Saleh is already parked behind their back line and the ball is in the net before they say “offside.”