Saudi star Salem Al-Dawsari was crowned the Asian Footballer of the Year for 2025 during the Asian Football Confederation awards ceremony held in Riyadh, following an exceptional season with Al-Hilal club and the Saudi national team.

Al-Dawsari’s award recognizes his remarkable contributions and outstanding performances that helped achieve domestic and continental successes, most recently contributing to the Saudi national team’s qualification for the 2026 World Cup, confirming his status as one of the continent’s brightest stars.

After receiving the award, Al-Dawsari expressed his happiness with this achievement, dedicating the award to Al-Hilal fans and his teammates in both club and national team, emphasizing that “this honor is the result of collective effort and unlimited support from the nation.”

This marks the second continental title in Al-Dawsari’s career after winning the same award in 2022, continuing to make history as one of the greatest players in Asian football history.

Riyadh

Riyadh is the capital and largest city of Saudi Arabia, serving as the nation’s political and administrative center. Historically a walled settlement and the historic capital of the Najd region, its modern transformation began after it was recaptured by the Al Saud family in 1902, an event that paved the way for the founding of the modern Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Today, it is a bustling, modern metropolis that showcases the country’s rapid development while preserving its cultural heritage in sites like the Masmak Fortress.

Al-Hilal club

Al-Hilal is a professional football club based in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, and is one of the most successful clubs in Asia. Founded in 1957, it has a rich history of winning numerous domestic and continental titles, including a record number of Saudi Pro League championships. The club, known for its passionate fanbase and blue and white colors, has become a major symbol of Saudi and Asian football.

Saudi national team

The Saudi Arabian national football team, founded in 1956, represents the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in international football. The team is historically significant for its qualification for six FIFA World Cups, with its most iconic performance being its debut in 1994, where it reached the Round of 16. Governed by the Saudi Arabian Football Federation, the team is a dominant force in Asian football, having won the AFC Asian Cup three times.

2026 World Cup

The 2026 FIFA World Cup will be the first tournament hosted by three nations: the United States, Canada, and Mexico. It will be the largest World Cup in history, expanding to 48 teams and 104 matches. This event follows the tradition of the inaugural 1930 tournament, with Mexico becoming the first country to host the men’s World Cup for a third time.