Salem Al-Dawsari's Comeback Run: Can a Wounded Legend Lead Saudi Arabia to the World Cup Playoffs?
29 septembre 2025
Salem Al-Dawsari: A Living Symbol of Saudi Football
You can’t discuss the Saudi national team in recent years without pausing to recognize Salem Al-Dawsari, the seasoned left winger who isn’t merely a player but a living symbol of the Green’s journey on the continental and world stage.
The veteran star isn’t just gifted; he’s a heartbeat of Saudi football, weaving technical flair, blistering pace, and late‑game magic into every performance.
With the 2026 World Cup qualifiers playoffs looming in the United States, Al-Dawsari finds himself at the center of a pivotal moment—loved by fans who hope he leads the quest to reach the global finals, yet chased by injuries that threaten to derail that dream.
More than a presence: a cornerstone in Renard's plan
Since breaking through with Al Hilal and then stepping up for the national team, he has shown that he operates at another level, a player who can turn a game on a single moment and who thrives in pressure.
Across 95 international appearances, he has tallied 24 goals and 7 assists, underscoring his decisive impact in Saudi’s attack.
Yet the road has not been smooth. A history of recurring injuries has interrupted key stretches, and since 2018 he has missed 17 international matches, stoking fear with every new report of pain.
The latest setback surfaced when Al‑Hilal announced a hip-area issue briefly kept him from team training. While the club did not specify a timeline, fear swirled about his availability for the October 8 Indonesia clash and October 14 Iraq tie.
Reports from the Saudi press, including Al‑Riyadiya, offered reassurance—Al‑Dawsari’s injury isn’t serious; he began a targeted rehab at the club’s facility, and the medical team cleared him to rejoin the national squad within a couple of days. That pace makes a return against Indonesia and Iraq likely.
The playoff battleground: a pivotal chapter for a legend
Hervé Renard, Saudi Arabia’s coach, understands that Al‑Dawsari’s value goes far beyond statistics. The 34-year-old’s vast experience in high‑stakes moments makes him capable of filling multiple attacking roles—on the left, as a playmaker, or as a late runner with a strike from distance.
His influence transcends numbers; he gives teammates belief and fans a reason to dream. No wonder his name sits at the top of Renard’s 27‑man squad for the playoffs, alongside a group of seasoned keepers, defenders, midfielders, and forwards.
The concern about injuries remains a longstanding theme, yet Al‑Dawsari’s trajectory continues to highlight him as one of Asia’s standout talents. The Asian Football Confederation again nominated him for Player of the Year 2025, underscoring his ongoing impact.
The ceremony is set in Riyadh on October 16, just days after the playoff fixtures, and simply being shortlisted confirms his enduring importance to the team.
Road to the World Cup 2026: stakes, schedules, and legacy
The AFC fourth round runs in a single-round robin format from October 8 to 14. Saudi Arabia are in Group B with Indonesia and Iraq, with the group winner earning an outright ticket to the 2026 World Cup, while the runner-up faces a two-leg path to join them in the finals.
Tight schedules mean every bit of experience matters—especially a player who has thrived in decisive moments, including that famous goal against Argentina at the 2022 World Cup.
Today, Al‑Dawsari stands at a crossroads. He still carries a rich legacy with both club and country, yet his body has paid a price, and the drive to lead the Green to another World Cup chapter remains undiminished.
Punchline time: If injuries were players, they’d be benched by him every game. And if gravity had a calendar, it would schedule a headache for every sprint he makes. Okay, I’m joking—he’s tougher than a two‑dollar steak.
