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Player to watch: Salem Al Dawsari (KSA)

Player to watch: Salem Al Dawsari (KSA)

Kuala Lumpur: Salem Al Dawsari will be aiming to drive Saudi Arabia to glory when they host the AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027™ in January.
A possible swansong for the attacker in the continental showpiece, the 19th edition of the competition will be Al Dawsari’s fourth tournament with his motivation to deliver the savoured silverware remaining as high as ever.
Factfile:
Age: 35
Caps: 112
Goals: 26
Club: Al Hilal SFC (KSA)
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AFC Player of the Year in 2022 and 2025, Al Dawsari’s illustrious career has only ever had one club name attached to it - Al Hilal SFC.

From the youth academy to making his debut in 2010 at the age of 19, he has only worn the club crest of the Riyadh-based club.

His exciting talent led to him making his international debut in 2012 against Australia in Melbourne with the opening goal of the 2014 FIFA World Cup qualification match.
Another 25 goals have followed since with the most famous coming in the FIFA World Cup 2022 when he scored against eventual champions Argentina in a 2-1 comeback win for Saudi Arabia.
Trivia
Saudi Arabia, who will be hosting the AFC Asian Cup for the first time, will become the 18th different nation to host the competition.
He has enjoyed phenomenal success at club level with six league titles and two AFC Champions League™ triumphs but success at the AFC Asian Cup has thus far eluded him.
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Twice reaching the Round of 16 and one group stage exit is a far cry from what Al Dawsari and three-time champions Saudi Arabia expect in the grandest national team competition in Asia.

After 10 appearances through the 2015, 2019 and 2023 editions, Al Dawsari has only one goal - scored against DPR Korea in 2019 in the group stage.

With a home tournament to come, the fleet-footed forward will be keen to ensure that the Green Falcons soar highest and end Saudi Arabia’s 30-year wait to lift the coveted trophy once again.

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