The global network DAZN has revealed its selection of the all-time Arab XI , a documentary initiative aimed at honoring the legends of Arab football who have etched their names in gold on local and European pitches. This list blends the allure of the past with the brilliance of the present, highlighting the tremendous development of Arab football, where Arab players are no longer merely local talents but have become formidable forces in major international leagues and World Cup competitions.
A golden era and the development of Arab football over the decades
These choices cannot be viewed in isolation from the historical context of football's development in the Arab region. From the brilliance of the 1980s generation, which witnessed the rise of North African stars in European leagues, to the current generation dominating individual awards in the English Premier League and the UEFA Champions League, Arab players have proven their ability to compete at the highest levels. The historical Arab squad this unique blend, featuring names that paved the way for professionalism, such as Rabah Madjer, and others that cemented global recognition, such as Mohamed Salah and Riyad Mahrez, highlighting the qualitative leap in the professional mindset and the physical and technical development of Arab players.
Lineup details: A blend of defensive solidity and attacking flair
The list included a host of indelible names, with Egyptian goalkeeper Essam El-Hadary, the "High Dam" and record holder in the World Cup and Africa Cup of Nations, at the helm. The defense featured Tunisian Hatem Trabelsi, who shone with Ajax and Manchester City, Egyptian Wael Gomaa, nicknamed "The Rock," and Moroccan Noureddine Naybet, who led Deportivo La Coruña's defense during its golden era.
In midfield, the lineup combined skill and tactical intelligence with the presence of Algerian legend Rabah Madjer, the man with the golden heel in the Champions League final, Egyptian maestro Mohamed Aboutrika, Algerian Tarek Dhiab (or Belloumi, according to the source), in addition to Saudi star Salem Al-Dawsari, who represents an icon of modern Saudi football.
As for the fiery attacking line, it was led by Egyptian striker Mohamed Salah, the Liverpool star, Iraqi Younis Mahmoud, who scored the winning goal in the 2007 Asian Cup, and Algerian Riyad Mahrez.
Salem Al-Dawsari and Mahrez: Ambassadors of Creativity in the Roshan League
The selections particularly highlighted the current stars of the Saudi Professional League, Salem Al-Dawsari and Riyad Mahrez. Salem Al-Dawsari, the reigning Asian Player of the Year, is one of the most prominent names in the history of Arab football , having led Al-Hilal to continental and domestic titles and cemented his place on the world stage with his historic goal against Argentina during the 2022 Qatar World Cup. Meanwhile, Riyad Mahrez continues to dazzle with Al-Ahli Saudi FC, building on his impressive European career, which includes winning the English Premier League with Leicester City and Manchester City, and achieving the historic treble and the UEFA Champions League title under Pep Guardiola.
Global impact and the future of Arab football
The inclusion of these names on a single list carries profound implications that transcend mere individual recognition; it underscores the soft power that Arab sport represents today. This global acclaim enhances the standing of Arab leagues, particularly the Saudi League, which has become a magnet for the world's best players, thus intensifying competitiveness and inspiring rising generations. The success of these stars in securing a place in the ideal lineup strongly indicates that Arab football has become a key player in creating global football entertainment, no longer simply a guest of honor on the international stage.
