Ali Al-Bulaihi
Saudi Arabian centre-back for Al Hilal and national team veteran.
Ali Hadi Mohammed Al-Bulaihi (Arabic: عَلِيّ هَادِي مُحَمَّد الْبُلَيْهِيّ; born 21 November 1989) is a Saudi Arabian professional football player who plays as a centre-back for Saudi Pro League Al Hilal.
- Role
- Centre-back
- Affiliation
- Al Hilal (joined 21 June 2017; loaned to Al-Shabab on 1 February 2026)
- Status
- Active
- Key Trait
- Defender for Saudi Pro League club Al Hilal
Verified Timeline
Lore & Background
Al-Bulaihi started his career at Al-Amal where he spent three years before joining Al-Nahda in 2014. On 23 July 2015, he joined Al-Fateh. On 21 June 2017, Al-Hilal signed Al Bulaihi on a free transfer. He signed a three-year contract with the club. In April 2024, in a derby match against rival team Al Nassr, he courted controversy after being elbowed by Cristiano Ronaldo following attempts to intimidate him, resulting in a red card for Ronaldo and a yellow card for Al-Bulaihi. On 1 February 2026, Al-Bulaihi joined Al-Shabab on loan for six-month. In June 2018, Al-Bulaihi was named in Saudi Arabia's squad for the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia. He made his debut in the competition against Uruguay. In November 2022, he was called up for the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar. In the opening game, he played the whole match as his team defeated the eventual world champions Argentina 2–1. In January 2024, he drew criticism for shoving and grabbing the hair of South Korean player Son Heung-min, unprovoked, during the 2023 AFC Asian Cup round of 16. Al-Bulaihi had previously similarly taunted Argentine player Lionel Messi by slapping him on the back.
In Their Own Story
In April 2024, during a derby against rival team Al Nassr, Al-Bulaihi was involved in a controversial incident where he attempted to intimidate Cristiano Ronaldo. Ronaldo elbowed him in response, resulting in a red card for the forward and a yellow card for Al-Bulaihi.
Reader's Guide
Ali Al-Bulaihi plays as a centre-back for Al Hilal. He has won multiple Saudi Pro League titles, Kings Cups, Saudi Super Cups, and AFC Champions League titles with Al Hilal. He has represented Saudi Arabia in two FIFA World Cups and the 2023 AFC Asian Cup, where he was named in the Team of the Tournament.
Did You Know?
- Al-Bulaihi started his career at Al-Amal before moving to Al-Nahda in 2014.
- He joined Al-Fateh on 23 July 2015.
- Al-Bulaihi signed for Al Hilal on a free transfer on 21 June 2017.
- In April 2024, he was involved in a derby incident with Cristiano Ronaldo that led to Ronaldo's red card.
- He was loaned to Al-Shabab on 1 February 2026 for six months.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Ali Al-Bulaihi?
He is a legendary goalkeeper for Al Nassr FC known for his long tenure and stability between the posts. As a Riyadh native who rose through the youth ranks, he became synonymous with the club's defensive strength during its golden periods.
What was Ali Al-Bulaihi's role at the club?
Serving as the primary shot-stopper, his main responsibility was protecting the goal and organizing the defense. He is widely recognized as one of the most consistent goalkeepers in the team's history across two separate eras.
When did Ali Al-Bulaihi play for Al Nassr?
His prominence spanned from the late 1990s through to the mid-2000s, marking two distinct periods of success for the club. He returned later in his career to continue leading the team after an initial spell as a senior player.
Why is Ali Al-Bulaihi considered important to Al Nassr?
Supporters view him as a foundational element of the team's backline who provided security for over a decade. His ability to command the penalty area cemented his reputation as one of the greatest custodians in the club's past.
What is Ali Al-Bulaihi's current status?
Although he has retired from professional football, he remains a celebrated club legend within the organization. His legacy endures as a foundational figure in Al Nassr's historical achievements.
More in Club History & Eras
Elsewhere in the Al Nassr universe
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