Majed Abdullah

Lore & Background

Majed Abdullah is regarded as one of the greatest Western Asian strikers of all time. He was nominated for IFFHS Asia's Player of the Century, finishing third place. He spent his entire club career at Al-Nassr, and scored 189 league goals in a twenty-one-year career. During this time, Al-Nassr established themselves as one of the dominant forces in Saudi and Asian football. With Abdullah leading the attack, Al-Nassr won five League titles and four King Cup titles as well as the 1997–98 Asian Cup Winners' Cup. Abdullah also finished as the Saudi League top scorer six times throughout his career. Majed Abdullah retired from football in 1998, after Al-Nassr's Asian Cup Winners' Cup Final victory over Suwon Samsung Bluewings.

In Their Own Story

The Riyadh heat hung heavy over the King Fahd International Stadium, but inside, the air was electric with anticipation. It was the final minute of the decisive league match, scoreline deadlocked at 1-1. Majed Abdullah received the ball near the halfway line, his chest heaving slightly from ninety minutes of relentless pressure. He didn't look up; he simply felt the game. With a feint that froze two defenders in their tracks, he drifted into the box. The crowd roared as he struck the ball with the outside of his boot, a curling masterpiece that dipped under the crossbar and kissed the net. Silence broke into chaos as 'The Prince' raised his arms, the yellow jersey stained with sweat and glory.

Reader's Guide

Majed Abdullah officially joined Al-Nassr on 10 November 1975. He spent 2 years playing for the youth teams before being promoted to the senior team. He made his senior debut in a friendly against Moroccan side Al-Fath in January 1977. He made his competitive debut on 20 January 1977 by coming off the bench in the league match against Al-Shabab. He ended his first season at Al-Nassr scoring nine goals in ten appearances. Majed Abdullah finished as the Saudi League top scorer 6 times in his career. He also won the League 4 times as well as the King Cup 4 times. Majed is the all-time top scorer of the Saudi League with 189 goals and is also Al-Nassr's all-time top scorer with 260 goals. Majed Abdullah announced his retirement on 12 April 1998 following Al-Nassr's win in the 1998 Asian Cup Winner's Cup.

Did You Know?

• Majed Abdullah scored his first hat-trick for Al-Nassr on 2 March 1978 in a 4–0 win against Ohod.
• He scored five goals against Qatar in a 7–0 win during the 1979 Arabian Gulf Cup.
• His first international goal for the senior team was against Pakistan in May 1978.
• Majed Abdullah scored Saudi Arabia's only goal at the 1984 Olympic Games in Los Angeles.