In a gesture reflecting high sportsmanship and appreciation for global icons, Ahmed Al-Kassar, goalkeeper of Al-Qadisiyah's first football team, welcomed the Italian and global goalkeeping legend Gianluigi Buffon, on the sidelines of the latter's historic visit to the club's headquarters in Al-Khobar.
Al-Kassar documented this special moment on his official Twitter account (formerly known as "X") on Thursday, posting photos of himself with the 2006 World Cup-winning goalkeeper, accompanied by a respectful and appreciative caption: "The legend is here with us… Welcome to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and Al-Qadisiyah Club." The tweet garnered widespread interaction from sports fans who appreciated the presence of a footballing icon like Buffon in Saudi stadiums.
Details of Buffon and Gattuso's visit to Al-Qadisiyah
Buffon wasn't alone on this visit; he was accompanied by fellow Italian star and renowned coach Gennaro Gattuso. The visit aimed to gain firsthand insight into the professional work environment and advanced technical system at Al-Qadisiyah Club, particularly following the club's recent significant transformations. The Italian duo attended Al-Qadisiyah's match against Al-Fayha, which took place Wednesday evening and ended in a resounding 5-0 victory for Al-Qadisiyah in the fifteenth round of the Saudi Professional League.
Buffon... a living legend
This visit gains its significance from the artistic and historical value that Gianluigi Buffon represents. The Italian goalkeeper is not just a former player, but an icon in the goalkeeping position, having written a golden history with Juventus and the Italian national team, and being the cornerstone of the Azzurri's victory in the 2006 World Cup in Germany. The presence of a figure with such vast experience within the Al-Qadisiyah club is a great inspiration to local players, especially goalkeepers like Ahmed Al-Kassar, who find in Buffon's long and continued career, well into its later years, a model of discipline and professionalism.
Al-Qadisiyah and the Sports Development Project
This visit comes amidst the comprehensive renaissance underway in the Saudi Arabian sports sector, particularly at Al-Qadisiyah FC following its acquisition by Saudi Aramco. By attracting international figures and hosting legendary players, the club aims to enhance its global brand and leverage European expertise to develop the team's infrastructure and technical capabilities. The presence of legends like Buffon and Gattuso in the stands to watch the Roshan League matches reflects the growing prominence of the Saudi league on the world stage and confirms that the Kingdom has become a major destination for sports stars and football decision-makers worldwide.
