Ali Al-Bulayhi

Lore & Background

Al-Bulaihi started his career at Al-Amal where he spent three years before joining Al-Nahda in 2014. On 23 July 2015, he joined Al-Fateh. On 21 June 2017, Al-Hilal signed Al-Bulaihi on a free transfer. He signed a three-year contract with the club. In April 2024, in a derby match against rival team Al Nassr, he courted controversy after being elbowed by Cristiano Ronaldo following attempts to intimidate him, resulting in a red card for Ronaldo and a yellow card for Al-Bulaihi. On 1 February 2026, Al-Bulaihi joined Al-Shabab on loan for six months. On 30 August 2026, he departed Al-Hilal following a contractual settlement. Two days later, he returned to Al-Shabab, signing a one-year contract. In June 2018, Al-Bulaihi was named in Saudi Arabia's squad for the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia. He made his debut in the competition against Uruguay. In November 2022, he was called up for the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar. In the opening game, he played the whole match as his team defeated the eventual world champions Argentina 2–1. In January 2024, he drew criticism for shoving and grabbing the hair of South Korean player Son Heung-min, unprovoked, during the 2023 AFC Asian Cup round of 16. Al-Bulaihi had previously similarly taunted Argentine player Lionel Messi by slapping him on the back.

In Their Own Story

The stadium lights hummed above the pitch as the clock ticked down in a tight Riyadh derby. Al-Bulayhi stood firm at the center, scanning for threats before intercepting a through ball with practiced precision. There was no roar from the crowd yet, just the heavy breathing of men who knew the match wasn't over until the final whistle. He passed to his teammate, eyes locked on the goal, knowing that defense wins championships.

Reader's Guide

Ali Al-Bulaihi is a centre-back. He has played for Al-Amal, Al-Nahda, Al-Fateh, Al-Hilal, and Al-Shabab. He has represented Saudi Arabia in the 2018 and 2022 FIFA World Cups and the 2023 AFC Asian Cup.

Did You Know?

• Al-Bulaihi was born on 21 November 1989.
• He started his career at Al-Amal and spent three years there before moving to Al-Nahda in 2014.
• He was part of the Saudi Arabia team that defeated eventual world champions Argentina 2–1 in the 2022 FIFA World Cup.
• In April 2024, he was involved in a controversial incident with Cristiano Ronaldo during a derby match against Al Nassr.