The coach of French club Lens expressed his admiration for the rising level of performance shown by Saudi international full-back Saud Abdulhamid, emphasizing that the player has proven his worth and fully adapted to the demanding requirements of European football, both professionally and tactically on the field. This praise reflects the rapid success Abdulhamid is achieving in his first professional experience outside of Saudi Arabia.
Background and context of the move to Europe
Saud Abdulhamid (25 years old) is considered one of the most prominent talents to have emerged from Saudi football in recent years. He began his career at Al-Ittihad, where he impressed with his exceptional speed and balanced attacking and defensive abilities. He later moved to Al-Hilal in a high-profile transfer, where he achieved remarkable success, most notably winning the AFC Champions League and the Saudi Professional League titles, cementing his status as the best right-back in Asia. He was also a key player for the Saudi national team at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, where he delivered outstanding performances. His move to Lens in the summer of 2024 was a bold and significant step, not only in his career but also for Saudi football as a whole, which seeks to export its talents to the top five European leagues.
Seize the opportunity and prove yourself
In his media statements, the Lens coach explained that Saud Abdulhamid is “a fantastic player who perfectly fits what we are looking for in the team.” He pointed out that Abdulhamid’s great commitment and continuous work contributed to giving him the opportunity to prove himself strongly. The coach revealed that Ruben Aguilar was the first choice at right-back at the beginning of the season, but Saud did not give up and continued to work hard in training. The turning point came with Aguilar’s injury, as Abdulhamid seized the opportunity he was given, demonstrating a great ability to shoulder responsibility and deliver consistent and outstanding performances, which earned him the complete trust of the coaching staff.
Importance and expected impact
Saud Abdulhamid's success in the French league carries significance that transcends mere individual achievement. Domestically , this success serves as an inspiration to the new generation of Saudi players, confirming that local talent is capable of competing at the highest international levels. It also enhances the reputation of the Saudi Professional League as an environment capable of developing players with European qualities. Regionally , this brilliance raises the profile of Gulf and Asian players in the European transfer market. Internationally , Abdulhamid's success contributes to changing the stereotypical image of Arab leagues, demonstrating their ability to export talent rather than simply attracting stars at the end of their careers. The coach added that this period "broadened his horizons and made his potential more apparent," referring to the growing confidence the player enjoys within the French club.
