Saudi Arabia pulled off one of the biggest shocks in the history of the World Cup when they beat Argentina in the first match of the group stages. However, Argentina eventually went on to win the entire tournament. But Saudi Arabia created World Cup history at that moment. Saudi Arabia’s Salem Al-Dawsari scored the winning goal of the match and became an undisputed hero of the country overnight.
Salem Al-Dawsari might be a new name for us, but in Saudi Arabian soccer, he is a very well-known name. He is one of the best players the country has ever produced. Currently, he plays for the most successful club in Saudi Arabia, Al-Hilal. Salem is a product of the Al-Hilal youth system. Also, he played half a season on loan for Villareal in 2018.
Al-Dawsari made his Al-Hilal debut back in 2011 and to this date has played 212 matches for the club. He is currently sitting on 49 goals and 23 assists. The telling moment in his career was World Cup 2022. Saudi Arabia went to the match as massive underdogs and conceded the first goal. But in the early stages of the second half, they scored two fantastic goals. Al-Dawsari scored the second goal and it sealed the match by a 2-1 scoreline.
Salem Al-Dawsari has turned the #FIFAWorldCup on its head…#ARG | #KSA | #FIFAWorldCup pic.twitter.com/T9M6lf9d8l
— The Athletic | Football (@TheAthleticFC) November 22, 2022
Salem could have had another massive involvement today, in the Al-Nassr and Al-Hilal all-star friendly match against PSG. He is one of the most gifted native players in the Saudi Pro League and was a bang-on starting eleven name. However, it looks like he would only make the bench. Hopefully, he will come in the second half and show what he’s capable of, again.
The only insight into the private life of Salem Al-Dawsari
Salem Al-Dawsari became a familiar name after his World Cup heroics against Argentina. Although, he is seemingly one of the most secretive professional athletes we have ever seen. Salem is yet to give anything away regarding his personal life.
Salem Mohammed Shafi Al-Dawsari was born on August 19, 1991 in Wadi al-Dawasir, Najd in Saudi Arabia. The Saudi Arabian international’s private life is so private, that there is no information about his parents. So naturally, he has never been spotted with any woman nor has mentioned anything regarding his love life ever.
Salem’s Instagram profile tells us that he has a 2018 model of the Rolls Royce Phantom. There was a rumor that the Saudi Arabian prince declared to give away a Rolls Royce to every Saudi Arabian player after their historic win against Argentina. However, Salem posted his car’s picture in early 2022.
The 31-year-old has a brand endorsement with Nike. He wears the Nike Air Zoom Mercurial in his club and country matches. According to Salem’s Instagram account, the endorsement took place in early July 2022. Conclusively, the Saudi international is a very secret person and doesn’t like to share his personal life on the internet.