Tough Save: Al-Nassr's Keeper Fights Back With a Legal Challenge to Critics
18 January 2026
Al-Aqidi responds to critics
Nawaf Al-Aqidi, the goalkeeper for Al-Nassr and the Saudi national team, has begun taking legal action against those who crossed the line, especially through media outlets.
He has faced harsh criticism recently, whether for a clumsy error in the Qadisiyah match that cost his side a 1-2 defeat, or in the derby against Al-Hilal where he was sent off after clashing with Robin Neves, leaving his team a man down in a 1-3 loss.
Legal action and official statements
The Imaginary Sports Company, the official agent of international goalkeeper Nawaf Al-Aqidi, states that, following a decision by the board, Accreditation Law Firm has been formally engaged to bring the case to the relevant authorities, to safeguard our client's rights after a thorough monitoring of all media oversteps and repeated defamations beyond legitimate sports criticism, whether through some media outlets or social platforms.
It added: The Imaginary Sports Company fully respects fans' right to express opinions and provide technical criticism, and values the loyalty of Al-Nassr fans and their continued support for players. Yet what has circulated in some cases crossed from opinion into insult and falsehood, which is unacceptable and does not serve the player, the club, or Saudi sport in general.
Context: media ethics and leadership
The action comes in line with the late November meeting that brought together the Sports Minister Prince Abdulaziz bin Turki Al-Faisal and the Minister of Media Salman Al-Dosari with journalists on Shura Island in the Red Sea, where both stressed the importance of positive media, adherence to journalistic ethics, and the media's role in supporting athletes and advancing Saudi sport under Vision 2030, while underscoring accountability for those who abuse or breach the rules.
The statement concluded: Therefore, the legal steps will continue through the competent authorities to protect our client's rights and give him the right environment to focus fully on serving the Saudi national team and Al-Nassr.
Punchline 1: Critics, take notes — even a goalkeeper can score, just by filing the right brief instead of drilling a shot.
Punchline 2: In football as in stand-up, the sharpest aim is truth; this sniper keeps his sights on facts, not rumors.
