Majed Abdullah
The Arabian Pelé: Al-Nassr's all-time leading scorer and Saudi football legend.
Majed Ahmed Abdullah (born 11 January 1959) is a Saudi Arabian former professional footballer who played as a striker for Al-Nassr and the Saudi Arabia national team. He is the all-time leading goal scorer for Saudi Arabia with 72 goals in 117 games. At the club level, he is the record goal scorer for Al-Nassr and the all-time top scorer of the Saudi Pro League. He was often referred to by his nickname 'The Arabian Pelé'.
Quick Facts
- Role
- Forward; Playmaker
- Affiliation
- Al Nassr FC (Saudi Arabia)
- Status
- Retired Legend
- Nickname
- The Prince of Al Nassr
- Key era
- 1970s to 1998
- Continental honours
- Asian Club Championship Winner (1998)
Lore & Background
Majed Abdullah is regarded as one of the greatest Western Asian strikers of all time. He was nominated for IFFHS Asia's Player of the Century, finishing third place. He spent his entire club career at Al-Nassr, and scored 189 league goals in a twenty-one-year career. During this time, Al-Nassr established themselves as one of the dominant forces in Saudi and Asian football. With Abdullah leading the attack, Al-Nassr won five League titles and four King Cup titles as well as the 1997–98 Asian Cup Winners' Cup. Abdullah also finished as the Saudi League top scorer six times throughout his career. Majed Abdullah retired from football in 1998, after Al-Nassr's Asian Cup Winners' Cup Final victory over Suwon Samsung Bluewings.
Reader's Guide
Majed Abdullah made his senior debut for Saudi Arabia in the 1978 Saudi Arabia Football Federation International Tournament, scoring two goals in his debut match against Pakistan. He represented his country at the 1984 AFC Asian Cup, scoring a 90th-minute equalizer against South Korea in the group stage and then scoring again in the final against China to help Saudi Arabia secure their first Asian Cup title. He played in the 1988 Asian Cup, scoring a goal against Iran in the semi-finals and converting his kick in the penalty shoot-out of the final against South Korea as his side retained their title.
He also represented Saudi Arabia in the 1984 Summer Olympics, scoring a goal against Brazil. He helped the country to a silver medal at the 1986 Asian Games, as well as another silver medal at the 1992 Arab Cup. Majed marked his last appearances for Saudi Arabia at the 1994 FIFA World Cup, then retired from international football shortly afterwards.
Did You Know?
- Majed Abdullah was born in the Al-Baghdadia District in Jeddah.
- He used to play as a goalkeeper before switching to striker.
- He officially joined Al-Nassr on 10 November 1975.
- His first goal for Al-Nassr was against Al-Wehda on 18 March 1977.
- He scored his first hattrick for Al-Nassr on 2 March 1978 against Ohod.
Frequently Asked Questions
What position did Majed Abdullah play?
He operated primarily as a dynamic forward and creative playmaker on the pitch. His technical ability allowed him to control matches while consistently performing when the stakes were highest for his team.
What major trophies did he win with Al Nassr?
Throughout his lengthy service with the team, he helped secure many national championships alongside major regional victories. Most notably, he secured the Asian Club Championship trophy with Al Nassr in 1998 before retiring.
Why is he called 'The Prince'?
This moniker honors his majestic influence over Saudi football and his central presence throughout the team's most successful period. Fans cherish this title because his commitment and guidance established him as a timeless figure for the franchise.
Is Majed Abdullah still playing?
No, he officially retired from professional football at the end of his career in 1998. Today, he remains honored as a retired legend whose legacy continues to inspire future generations of Al Nassr players.
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