Saudi Football Returns to the Asian Player of the Year Spotlight
Saudi football has reached a rare milestone, with Al Hilal captain Salem Al-Dawsari and Al Ahli striker Firas Al-Buraikan both named on the final shortlist for the 2026 Asian Player of the Year award. Their inclusion marks the first time in 21 years that two Saudi players have appeared together among the award’s leading contenders.
The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) announced the three-player shortlist on Friday. Al-Dawsari and Al-Buraikan will compete for the honour against Iranian goalkeeper Alireza Beiranvand, setting up a contest that brings together players from three prominent football nations. The winner is due to be announced at the AFC Awards ceremony in Bangkok on 19 November.
For Saudi supporters, the nominations are significant beyond the individual recognition. They underline the country’s continued presence in Asian football and recall two earlier occasions when Saudi players shared a place on the final shortlist: in 1996 and 2005.
A Rare Achievement in the Award’s History
According to Saudi newspaper Arriyadiyah, this is only the third time two Saudi footballers have reached the final stage of the Asian Player of the Year race. The previous instances came during different eras of the national team and domestic game, making the 2026 shortlist a notable link between generations.
In 1996, Saudi striker Youssef Al-Thunayan and goalkeeper Mohammed Al-Deayea were among the candidates. They faced a competitive field that included Iranian forwards Khodadad Azizi and Ali Daei, as well as South Korea’s Ko Jeong-won.
Azizi ultimately won the award after helping Iran reach the semi-finals of the 1996 AFC Asian Cup. Saudi Arabia went on to win that tournament, but the award recognised Azizi’s individual contribution and his role in a memorable campaign for Iran. The result remains an example of how continental honours can reflect a player’s impact even when his country does not lift the trophy.
The 2005 Shortlist and an Unusual Turn of Events
The next Saudi double appearance came in 2005, when Al Hilal legend Sami Al-Jaber and Al Ittihad defender Hamad Al-Montashari were nominated. Uzbekistan striker Maksim Shatskikh completed the shortlist.
That year’s award also became memorable for an unexpected change shortly before the ceremony. Organisers removed Al-Jaber from the final shortlist 24 hours before the event because he was unable to attend. Al-Montashari subsequently received the award, making him the Saudi representative to claim the honour in that contest.
The episode added an unusual footnote to the award’s history, but it also demonstrated how much attention the ceremony places on its final arrangements. In 2026, the focus is once again on the players’ performances and the breadth of football talent represented across Asia.
What Al-Dawsari and Al-Buraikan Bring to the Race
Al-Dawsari enters the contest as one of Saudi Arabia’s most recognisable attacking players and a central figure for Al Hilal. His experience at club and international level has made him a familiar presence in major Asian competitions. As captain, he also represents the leadership dimension of the nomination, alongside the technical qualities that have helped sustain his reputation.
Al-Buraikan offers a different profile. The Al Ahli striker is recognised for his work in the attacking line and his ability to contribute to his team’s forward play. His nomination alongside Al-Dawsari highlights the range of Saudi talent in the shortlist: one candidate is an established wide attacker and captain, while the other is a forward whose role is focused on creating and finishing chances.
Beiranvand provides strong competition from Iran. Goalkeepers can face a different path to individual awards than outfield players, where goals and assists are more immediately visible. A goalkeeper’s case is often built on consistency, decisive saves and influence over the team’s defensive performance. His presence makes the final vote a comparison between distinct positions and styles of contribution.
Why the 2026 Prediction Is Difficult
Any prediction about the winner should be treated with caution. A three-player shortlist narrows the field, but it does not reveal how voters will weigh club achievements, international performances, consistency or influence in key matches. The candidates also represent different roles, making direct statistical comparisons less straightforward.
For Al-Dawsari, a potential advantage may lie in his profile as a high-impact attacker and established leader. Al-Buraikan’s case could be strengthened by his contribution as a striker, while Beiranvand may draw support from voters who value defensive reliability and match-saving moments. The final outcome will depend on the criteria applied to performances across the relevant period, rather than reputation alone.
The nominations also provide a useful snapshot of Asian football’s competitive landscape. Saudi Arabia, Iran and other regional powers continue to produce players capable of competing for continental recognition. For Saudi clubs and fans, having two candidates in the final three is itself a meaningful result, regardless of who takes home the trophy.
Bangkok Ceremony to Decide the Winner
The AFC Awards ceremony will take place in Bangkok on 19 November, where the Asian Player of the Year award will be one of the night’s main attractions. The event will bring together players, officials and representatives from across the continent to recognise achievements in Asian football.
Saudi Arabia’s latest double nomination may not yet guarantee a winner, but it has already restored a rare distinction last seen in 2005. With Al-Dawsari, Al-Buraikan and Beiranvand competing for the same honour, the final result promises to be closely watched. For Saudi football, the shortlist is both a celebration of present-day talent and a reminder of the country’s long history in the Asian game.
