Saudi Arabia trailblazer Abdulhamid ready for his next challenge

Saudi Arabia right-back Saud Abdulhamid is enjoying an excellent run of form, boasts a collection of historic milestones and is impressing at his second FIFA World Cup. Saudi Arabia's 1-1 draw with Uruguay may not have produced a goal, but it offered another reminder of why Abdulhamid has become one of the Green Falcons' most important players.

The right-back, who made history as the first Saudi to feature in both Serie A and Ligue 1, delivered another energetic display at Miami Stadium as Georgios Donis' side opened their FIFA World Cup 2026™ campaign. Abdulhamid is setting the standard for Saudi Arabia. Against Uruguay, the 26-year-old defender won both of his one-on-one duels, reached a top speed of 31 km/h and covered 9.264 kilometres. But the statistics only tell part of the story.

Historic milestones in European football

Abdulhamid was also one of the standout performers in Saudi Arabia’s famous victory over Argentina in Qatar four years ago and has continued to make history in European football, much to the delight of supporters back home. Abdulhamid, who will celebrate his 27th birthday the day before the World Cup final, is a mainstay at right-back for head coach Donis.

In August 2024, he brought his chapter in the Saudi Pro League to a close after spells at both Al Ittihad and Al Hilal, and embarked on a new challenge in Italy. When he joined AS Roma, Abdulhamid became the first Saudi player ever to play in Italian football. Opportunities were limited in Rome, where he made just eight appearances for the Giallorossi, but he still managed to write another piece of history when he became the first Saudi footballer to score in the UEFA Europa League.

Analyst praises attacking partnership

Speaking to Spanish newspaper MARCA, Saudi football analyst Antolin Gonzalo highlighted Abdulhamid’s qualities: “They [Saudi Arabia] constantly look to attack the space down the flanks. On the right, we see the partnership between Mo [Mohammed Abu Alshamat] and Saud [Abdulhamid]. One understands how to exploit the central areas, while the other provides width and forward momentum. That relationship creates a lot of attacking advantages.”

Breakthrough at Lens

His spell at Roma may not have unfolded as he would have hoped, but his latest chapter could hardly have gone better. Abdulhamid became a key figure for RC Lens as the club finished second in Ligue 1, bettered only by Paris Saint-Germain. He featured 31 times for the club from northern France, contributing two goals and four assists and, in doing so, truly established himself in European football. Abdulhamid became the first Saudi player to play in Ligue 1 and the first to win a major European trophy, lifting the Coupe de France.

Asked about Abdulhamid by FIFA ahead of Saudi Arabia’s meeting with Spain, Donis was full of praise for his No12. “Saud sets the example for the rest of the players,” Donis said. “He has been at Roma and now Lens, who will play in the Champions League after winning the French Cup. He has been a crucial player this season.”

Next challenge: UEFA Champions League

The next challenge for Abdulhamid is to become the first Saudi footballer to feature in Europe’s premier club competition, the UEFA Champions League. It is a milestone that appears well within reach after Lens confirmed his permanent signing earlier this month following a successful loan spell.

Usually deployed down the right in Lens’ 3-4-1-2 system, Abdulhamid will once again pull on the Saudi Arabia shirt as he looks to cause problems for a Spain side that were held to a goalless draw by Cabo Verde in their opening game. Given his comfort operating as a wing-back, it would be no surprise to see him playing further forward than a more traditional full-back. Saudi Arabia’s history-maker will claim another milestone achievement if he can inspire the Green Falcons to a result against La Roja.