Saud Abdulhamid’s story is one that reflects the ambition of Saudi football and the transformation of Saudi Arabia’s sporting landscape under Vision 2030. Now playing for French club RC Lens, Saud was just like any child who dreamed of becoming a footballer. Through hard work, he achieved that dream, becoming an important player for two of Saudi Arabia's biggest clubs, Al-Hilal and Al-Ittihad. But his ambitions stretched beyond domestic success. Determined to test himself at the highest level, he took the courageous step of moving to Europe.
A single decision by one footballer that may have created a positive ripple effect over the next generations of Saudi footballers. Saud Abdulhamid’s story is one of hard work, resilience, and ambition. It is one that allows every young Saudi player to reach for the stars. This is the story of the boy who dared to dream.
The Beginning of the Journey
Growing up in Al-Ruwais neighborhood in Jeddah, Saud Abdulhamid was surrounded by football at all times. Wake up, play, eat, play, sleep, and repeat. Saud always had one thing that set him above the rest of his companions: his work ethic. He always had the dream of playing in Europe and made sure to work tirelessly to achieve it. The sacrifices Saud made began at an early age. In 2007, an 8-year-old Saud Abdulhamid was scouted by Jeddah’s Al-Ittihad.
Saud continued rising through Al-Ittihad’s youth ranks until the 2018-19 season, where he was given his debut at the age of 19 years old. By his second season, he became an invaluable player for Jeddah’s Al-Ittihad. His rapid runs down the right flank, contributing to both attack and defense, made him one of the biggest talents to look out for in the Saudi Pro League.
The Green Falcons and Al-Za’eem
Saud Abdulhamid made the next big step and debuted for the Saudi national team in September 2019 at the age of 20. It was not long until Saudi Arabia’s most decorated team, Al-Hilal, also known as Al-Za’eem (“The Leader”), came calling. They signed Saud for €2.5M with six months left on his contract. The move came at the right time for Saud, with less than a year left for the 2022 World Cup, Saud would surely have a lot to gain playing with half of the Saudi national team squad at club level ahead of his very first World Cup.
Saud triumphed with Al-Hilal, winning the Saudi Pro League and celebrating his first career trophy. His desire for more trophies didn’t stop there. Despite having played for the Saudi national team several times, Saud was eligible for the U23 AFC Asian Cup. He joined the U23 team and led them to their very first continental trophy.
The International Stage
As the world prepared for the 2022 World Cup, so did Saud Abdulhamid. Saudi Arabia came into the tournament with a group consisting of favorites Argentina, along with Mexico and Poland. No one expected Saudi Arabia to come out of that group with a win, more or less against Argentina. As the world set their eyes on Lusail Stadium in Qatar, assuming Argentina would cruise to an easy win against the Green Falcons, Saudi Arabia had other plans.
Despite conceding early on, Saudi Arabia managed to hold out and score two goals in the second half. The final whistle blew. Saudi had done the impossible. The miracle of Lusail had happened. Saud played a defining role in one of the greatest victories in World Cup history. The boy from Jeddah who had spent years working towards this stage was now representing his country against Argentina and sharing the pitch with the player he had once admired from afar.
Saudi Pro League: Home of the Stars
With the PIF-led transformation of the Saudi Pro League and Saudi Arabia’s long-term investment in football, the world’s biggest stars flocked to Saudi’s big clubs. While global stars captured international headlines, the league's evolution also created a higher standard for local players. This change gave Saudi players an opportunity to improve but also prove themselves worthy of a place in the starting lineup. Saud Abdulhamid did both.
Al-Hilal signed big names left and right but decided to place all their bets on their shining star at right back. With the competition getting fiercer, the training sessions getting harder, and the expectations getting bigger, Saud shone brighter than ever in a team full of stars, proving himself to the world and attracting the attention of European clubs.
Stepping Out of the Comfort Zone
As the world turned its attention to the Saudi Pro League, historic club AS Roma watched Saud Abdulhamid closely. After winning six domestic titles across four seasons with Al-Hilal, he completed a €2.5M move to the Italian club. The transfer was more than a personal achievement; it showed that Saudi talent could earn opportunities in Europe's biggest leagues, reinforcing the Kingdom's sporting ambitions. Saud left his comfort zone, moved to a new country, and accepted lower wages in pursuit of his dream.
Saud understood that competing in one of Europe's top leagues would demand more than ever before. He immersed himself in training and learned Italian to adapt both on and off the pitch. His opportunities came gradually, but he made them count. In September, he became the first Saudi player to appear in a European club competition. In his second consecutive start, he became the first Saudi player to score in one. Although consistent playing time remained limited, Saud continued working, learning, and preparing for every opportunity, determined to prove he belonged at the highest level.
Glory in France
After a difficult but memorable stint in Italy, RC Lens saw Saud Abdulhamid's potential and signed him on loan from AS Roma. He made his debut in August 2025, becoming the first Saudi player to play in Ligue 1. Later that year, he scored his first goal and provided his first assist for the club in a Coupe de France victory over Feignies.
Saud quickly became a key player for Lens. His consistent performances, defensive reliability, attacking contributions, and relentless work ethic helped the club mount an unexpected Ligue 1 title challenge against reigning European champions Paris Saint-Germain. Although Lens ultimately finished second, securing UEFA Champions League qualification, Saud played a major role in one of the club's finest seasons in recent history.
The league campaign was only part of his remarkable season. Lens reached the Coupe de France final for just the fourth time in the club's history, ending a 27-year trophy drought by lifting the cup for the first time. Saud delivered another commanding performance, helping crown an unforgettable campaign. As Lens celebrated, Saudi fans celebrated too. They were cheering not only for a French club, but for the young boy from the streets of Jeddah whose dream had carried him across Europe. Every milestone Saud achieved inspired another generation of Saudi footballers to dream even bigger.
Club and International Achievements
Al-Hilal
- Saudi Pro League: 2021/22, 2023/24
- King's Cup: 2022/23, 2023/24
- Saudi Super Cup: 2023/24, 2024/25
RC Lens
- Coupe de France (French Cup): 2025/26
Saudi Arabia
- AFC U23 Asian Cup: 2022
Personal Achievements
- First Saudi player to play in Serie A, Ligue 1, Coupe de France, and a European competition.
- First Saudi player to score in Ligue 1, Coupe de France, and a European competition.
- First Saudi player to win the Coupe de France.
- First Saudi player to qualify for the UEFA Champions League.
- Most expensive Saudi player in history according to his transfer value (€9M) in Transfermarkt.
A Legacy Still Being Written
Saud Abdulhamid's impact at Lens earned him a permanent move from AS Roma, opening the next chapter of his European journey. With the club securing UEFA Champions League qualification, he is set to become the first Saudi footballer to compete in Europe's premier club competition, another landmark for Saudi football.
At just 27, Saud's story is far from over. Every appearance in Europe strengthens his legacy while inspiring a new generation of Saudi players to dream beyond their borders. As Saudi Arabia continues advancing its football ambitions through Vision 2030, Saud embodies what can be achieved through discipline, ambition, and courage. His greatest legacy may not be the records he breaks, but the belief he inspires in those who will follow.
Follow Riyada Hub for the wins, stories, and insights shaping the future of Saudi sports.
