RIYADH, Saudi Arabia – Amidst the galaxy of international stars headlining the Riyadh Derby, one name resonates differently: Salem Al-Dawsari. The Al Hilal captain, often overshadowed in global headlines by high-profile imports, remains the unquestioned technical leader and emotional anchor of Asia’s most successful club. On Tuesday night, as Al Hilal prepared to face Al Ittihad in a high-stakes clash often simplified to a tactical battle between Cristiano Ronaldo and Karim Benzema, Al-Dawsari stood as the singular representation of local, enduring quality.
His defining moment of national pride, the spectacular winning goal against Argentina in the 2022 World Cup, established a legacy that transcends club rivalries. However, it is his current, disciplined form that fuels Al Hilal’s modern dominance. fresh from lifting the King’s Cup on May 8, Al-Dawsari’s stats this season (13 goals and 18 assists in the Pro League) underscore his indispensability. His consistency on the left flank, combined with crucial goals against direct rivals, positions him as the catalyst in a season where Al Hilal leads the table, pursuing yet another historic quadruple.