In an exceptional season witnessing unprecedented global momentum in the Saudi Professional League, a unique race is emerging among local players for the title of top Saudi scorer, proving their ability to compete and shine amidst a constellation of the brightest stars in world football. Although the overall top scorers list is clearly dominated by foreign strikers, players like Khalid Al-Ghannam and Salem Al-Dawsari have managed to secure prominent positions, confirming that Saudi talent is still capable of making its mark.
Background to the major transformation of the Saudi League
Saudi football has witnessed a qualitative leap in recent years, coinciding with the Kingdom's Vision 2030, which aims to develop various sectors, including sports. The Public Investment Fund's acquisition of global stars like Cristiano Ronaldo, Neymar, and Karim Benzema has dramatically raised the level of competition, making the Saudi Professional League a focus of global attention. This development has presented Saudi players with a significant challenge, requiring them to redouble their efforts to prove their worthiness of starting positions and deliver high-scoring performances in the presence of world-class strikers in almost every team.
Top Saudi goalscorers this season
Khaled Al-Ghannam (Al-Ettifaq Club) – 7 goals
Al-Ettifaq winger Khalid Al-Ghannam leads the Saudi goalscoring charts with seven goals. Al-Ghannam is having a remarkable season under manager Steven Gerrard, becoming one of his team's most important attacking players. His speed, ability to penetrate defenses, and knack for converting half-chances have made him a regular starter and a constant threat to opposing defenses. His outstanding performances reflect significant tactical maturity and an ability to adapt to the fast-paced league.
Salem Al-Dawsari (Al-Hilal Club) – 6 goals
Saudi national team captain and Al-Hilal star Salem Al-Dawsari comes in second place with six goals. Despite the presence of world-class attacking players like Aleksandar Mitrovic and Malcom on his team, Al-Dawsari, the Asian Player of the Year, has proven he remains one of Al-Hilal's most important attacking weapons. "The Tornado" combines playmaking with scoring crucial goals, and his balance between his attacking duties and finishing ability makes him a complete player who directly influences the results of his league-leading team.
Promising stars making their presence felt
Alongside the top two, other names have emerged, such as Waleed Al-Ahmad, who scored four goals while playing for Al-Taawoun and Al-Qadisiyah, and Saeed Al-Rubaie of Al-Akhdoud, who also scored four goals. The brilliance of these players with their respective teams confirms the depth of Saudi talent and its ability to shine even at clubs not competing for the title, which is a positive sign for the future of Saudi football.
The importance of the brilliance of Saudi strikers
This emergence of local strikers is of strategic importance to Saudi football. Domestically, it ensures a continued presence of influential Saudi players in the most crucial position on the field. Internationally, it provides national team coach Roberto Mancini with readily available and confident attacking options for continental and international competitions, such as the World Cup qualifiers and the Asian Cup. Their ability to score in a league of this competitive level is the best possible preparation for them to represent the national team effectively.
