Saleh Al-Shehri
Saudi striker who made history in Europe and at the World Cup.
Saleh Khalid Mohammed Al-Shehri (born 1 November 1993) is a Saudi Arabian professional football player who plays as a striker for Al-Ittihad and the Saudi Arabia national team.
- Role
- Centre-Back
- Affiliation
- Al Hilal SFC
- Primary Era
- 1980s - Early 2000s
- Status
- Retired Legend
- Key Strength
- Aerial Dominance & Leadership
Lore & Background
Saleh is a graduate of the Academy of Al-Ahli and played as a striker in the ranks of Al-Ahli junior and youth. He made his debut on 2 September 2012 at Beira-Mar against Moreirense and scored the first goal in his first match, becoming the first Saudi Arabian to score in Europe. At his second match against Vitória, he scored the fastest goal in Primeira Liga 12–13. He played two matches and scored two goals with S.C. Beira-Mar. On 20 July 2013, he returned to Al-Ahli. On 22 July 2024, he joined Al-Ittihad on a free transfer. He scored a goal against Qatar national under-20 team in the 2012 AFC U-19 Championship, with Saudi Arabia winning 4–2. On 22 November 2022, he scored the first goal for Saudi Arabia against Argentina at the 2022 FIFA World Cup.
In Their Own Story
The King Fahd International Stadium was roaring, the air thick with tension as Al Hilal faced their fiercest rivals in a title-deciding clash. The score was level, minutes ticking away on the clock. A long ball whipped into the box, aimed at a towering striker. Saleh Al-Shehri, reading the trajectory before the cross even landed, surged forward. With a leap that seemed to defy gravity, he met the ball with his forehead, clearing it decisively over the wall of attackers. He turned immediately, barking instructions to his center-mate, his eyes scanning the field for the next threat. In that moment, the roar of the crowd was not just noise; it was a testament to his reliability, the steady heartbeat of the team's defense.
Reader's Guide
Saleh Al-Shehri is a striker. His honours include with Al-Hilal: Saudi Pro League 2019–20, 2020–21, 2021–22, 2023–24; King's Cup 2019–20, 2022–23, 2023–24; AFC Champions League 2019, 2021; Saudi Super Cup 2021, 2023. With Al-Ittihad: Saudi Pro League 2024–25; King's Cup 2024–25.
Did You Know?
- Saleh Al-Shehri is the first Saudi Arabian to score a goal in Europe.
- He scored the fastest goal in the Primeira Liga in the 2012–13 season.
- He scored Saudi Arabia's first goal against Argentina at the 2022 FIFA World Cup.
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