Salem Al Dawsari makes history as the first Saudi to win AFC Player of the Year twice, inspiring Asia / Image Credit: Saudi Professional League Association (SPL)
Salem Al Dawsari, Saudi Arabia’s football superstar, captured hearts across Asia at the AFC Awards 2025 in Riyadh on October 16, where he was named AFC Player of the Year for the second time. Shining on both club and international stages, he showcased the skill, vision, and leadership that have made him one of Asia’s most celebrated football talents.
Who is Salem Al Dawsari: A historic double for Saudi football
In a glittering ceremony at Riyadh’s King Fahad Cultural Center, Salem Al Dawsari was honored as the AFC Player of the Year for the second time, following his 2022 win. This achievement places him among an elite group of players, including Japan’s Hidetoshi Nakata, Uzbekistan’s Server Djeparov, and Qatar’s Akram Afif, who have won the prestigious award twice. Al Dawsari’s consistent performances, notably leading Saudi Arabia to qualify for a third consecutive World Cup, were pivotal in securing this accolade. His victory also underscores Al Hilal’s dominance, with the club now having produced six AFC Player of the Year winners, the most by any club. Born in Jeddah in 1991, Salem Al Dawsari’s story is one of loyalty and stunning individual brilliance. Al Dawsari has spent nearly his entire career with Al Hilal, joining their youth academy around the age of 14 and making his senior debut in 2011. His loyalty is legendary, with his only move being a brief, one-match loan spell at Spain’s Villarreal in 2018. He is perhaps most famous globally for his dramatic, late winning goal against Egypt at the 2018 FIFA World Cup. He cemented his global reputation in the 2022 World Cup by scoring the stunning goal that sealed Saudi Arabia’s shocking 2-1 victory over eventual champions, Argentina. He finished as the top scorer in the AFC Champions League with 10 goals, helping Al Hilal reach the competition’s semi-finals. He also helped Al Hilal become the first Saudi club to reach the FIFA Club World Cup final in 2022. Al Dawsari’s win is the seventh for a Saudi Arabian player, solidifying his status as one of the country’s greatest. He views the award not as an endpoint, but as a “beginning of greater ambitions,” fresh off leading his national team to their third consecutive World Cup qualification.
Key stats and records that make him a Legend
Salem Al Dawsari’s career is a testament to skill, consistency, and record-breaking achievements. Since debuting for Al Hilal in 2010, he has scored over 70 goals, provided numerous assists, and helped the club secure multiple league titles, domestic cups, and AFC Champions League trophies. On the international stage, he has earned over 100 caps for Saudi Arabia, playing a pivotal role in World Cup qualifiers, Asian Cup matches, and friendlies, including his iconic goal against Argentina in the 2022 FIFA World Cup. His outstanding performances earned him the AFC Player of the Year award twice (2022 and 2025), making him the first Saudi to achieve this feat, and cementing his legacy as one of Asia’s most influential footballers.
AFC Awards 2025: Celebrating excellence across Asia
The AFC Awards 2025, presented by NEOM, celebrated outstanding achievements in Asian football. In addition to the top player honors, Lee Kang-in of Korea Republic was named the AFC Asian International Player of the Year (Men), while Maika Hamano received the Women’s equivalent. The Youth Player of the Year awards went to Alex Badolato of Australia and Choe Il Son of DPR Korea. The Coach of the Year awards were claimed by Ri Song Ho of DPR Korea (Men) and Marziyeh Jafari of Iran (Women). These accolades reflect the growing talent and development across the continent.
What’s next for Salem Al Dawsari after his AFC double?
After being crowned AFC Player of the Year for the second time, all eyes are on what comes next for Salem Al Dawsari. At club level, he will continue to lead Al Hilal in domestic competitions and the AFC Champions League, aiming to cement the club’s legacy as Asia’s powerhouse. On the international stage, Al Dawsari is expected to play a pivotal role as Saudi Arabia gears up for upcoming World Cup qualifiers and regional tournaments. With his experience, leadership, and record-breaking form, he is not only shaping the team’s immediate ambitions but also inspiring the next generation of Saudi and Asian football talent. Go to Source
