Salem Al Dawsari wins AFC Player of the Year for second time
<h2><strong>Salem Al Dawsari Makes History as First Saudi to Win AFC Player of the Year Twice</strong></h2><p>Saudi Arabia’s football hero <strong>Salem Al Dawsari</strong> has achieved a historic milestone by becoming the <strong>first Saudi player to win the AFC Player of the Year award twice</strong>. The 34-year-old Al Hilal and national team star claimed his second crown in 2025, following an exceptional 2024/25 season that highlighted his class, consistency, and leadership on and off the pitch.</p><p>This recognition places Al Dawsari among Asia’s footballing elite — a testament to his enduring excellence and his ability to perform under pressure for both club and country.</p><h3><strong>From Jeddah to the Pinnacle of Asian Football</strong></h3><p>Al Dawsari’s journey from local leagues in Saudi Arabia to the pinnacle of Asian football is one defined by dedication and resilience. His name has become synonymous with <strong>Saudi football’s modern golden era</strong>, and his performances continue to inspire a new generation of players across the continent.</p><p>The award was announced after a stellar season in which Salem guided Al Hilal deep into the <strong>AFC Champions League Elite</strong> and played a pivotal role in <strong>Saudi Arabia’s qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup</strong>. His technical brilliance, creativity, and composure under pressure once again made him a standout performer across all competitions.</p><h3><strong>A Moment that Defined a Nation</strong></h3><p>While Salem’s accolades are numerous, one moment still stands out as a defining chapter in Saudi football history — his <strong>stunning goal against Argentina</strong> at the <strong>2022 FIFA World Cup</strong>.</p><p>Facing Lionel Messi’s eventual world champions, Al Dawsari delivered a breathtaking strike that secured Saudi Arabia’s <strong>historic 2-1 victory</strong>. The goal instantly became a symbol of national pride and global respect, echoing far beyond the football field.</p><p>That unforgettable moment showcased the spirit of Saudi football — fearless, passionate, and capable of defying the odds on the world stage.</p><h3><strong>2024/25 Season of Excellence</strong></h3><p>Al Dawsari’s 2024/25 campaign was a masterclass in consistency and leadership. He was not only a creative force for <strong>Al Hilal</strong>, but also a key figure for the <strong>Saudi national team</strong>.</p><p><strong>Season highlights include:</strong><br>• <strong>Top scorer</strong> in the AFC Champions League Elite, helping Al Hilal reach the semifinals.<br>• <strong>15 goals and 15 assists</strong> in the Saudi Pro League — making him the <strong>league’s all-time assist leader</strong>.<br>• <strong>Instrumental</strong> in Saudi Arabia’s qualification for the <strong>2026 FIFA World Cup</strong>.<br>• <strong>Leadership and mentorship</strong>, inspiring young Saudi and Asian talents.</p><p>These accomplishments underline his ability to maintain peak form despite the challenges of age and competition at the highest level.</p><h3><strong>Joining Asia’s Football Greats</strong></h3><p>By securing his second AFC Player of the Year trophy, Salem Al Dawsari joins a <strong>prestigious list of multiple-time winners</strong> such as:</p><p>Hidetoshi Nakata (Japan)</p><p>Server Djeparov (Uzbekistan)</p><p>Akram Afif (Qatar)</p><p>His first win in <strong>2022</strong> came during Al Hilal’s historic run to the <strong>FIFA Club World Cup final</strong>, where they became the first Saudi club to achieve that feat. Al Dawsari’s individual brilliance and teamwork have made him one of the most respected names in Asian football.</p><h3><strong>Saudi Arabia’s Legacy of Greatness</strong></h3><p>Al Dawsari’s triumph extends Saudi Arabia’s remarkable record in Asian football. Including his two awards, Saudi players have now won the <strong>AFC Player of the Year title seven times</strong> — more than any other Asian nation.</p><p><strong>Previous Saudi winners include:</strong></p><p>Saeed Owairan (1994)</p><p>Nawaf Al Temyat (2000)</p><p>Hamad Al Montashari (2005)</p><p>Yasser Al Qahtani (2007)</p><p>Nasser Al Shamrani (2014)</p><p>This lineage reflects Saudi Arabia’s deep-rooted football excellence, with Al Dawsari now serving as the modern standard-bearer for the next generation of stars.</p><h3><strong>A Living Legend of Asian Football</strong></h3><p>At 34, Salem Al Dawsari continues to show the world that <strong>experience and passion can still drive greatness</strong>. Whether representing Al Hilal or wearing the green of Saudi Arabia, he embodies professionalism, perseverance, and pride.</p><p>His latest achievement is not only a personal victory but also a moment of national celebration — a reminder that Saudi football stands tall among Asia’s elite. For millions of fans, Salem Al Dawsari isn’t just a player — he’s a <strong>symbol of Saudi excellence and Asian footballing greatness</strong>.</p>