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 (8 goals and 8 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.