Waleed Abdullah

Verified Timeline

Lore & Background

Abdullah was Saudi Arabia's first-choice goalkeeper from 2008 to 2014, earning 72 caps. He made his senior international debut in July 2007 and represented the nation at four AFC Asian Cups. In 2007, he received news of his infant daughter's death but chose to stay with the national team for the Asian Cup, though he did not play during the tournament. With Al-Shabab, he won the Saudi Pro League in 2011–12 and multiple King's Cups (2008, 2009, 2014), along with the Saudi Super Cup and Federation Cup. At Al-Nassr, he secured the Saudi Pro League title in 2018–19, the Saudi Super Cup in 2019 and 2020, and the Arab Club Champions Cup in 2023.

In Their Own Story

In February 2017, Abdullah moved to Al-Nassr on a free transfer. Three years later, on 4 February 2020, he committed his future to the club with a three-year renewal. His journey continued until mid-2024 when he transferred to Saudi Second Division League side Al-Diriyah on 16 July.

Reader's Guide

Waleed Abdullah served as the senior national team's primary goalkeeper between 2008 and 2014, accumulating 72 appearances. He was a key member of the Olympic squad during the 2008 qualifiers, playing 11 games and delivering a standout performance against Japan in Tokyo that kept his team close to qualification. His club career includes significant trophy wins with both Al-Shabab and Al-Nassr before his recent move to Al-Diriyah.

Did You Know?

• Abdullah was recognized as Saudi Arabia's first-choice goalkeeper from 2008 to 2014.
• He earned 72 caps for the senior national team and played in four AFC Asian Cups.
• Despite the death of his infant daughter just before the 2007 Asian Cup, he remained with the squad but did not play any minutes during the tournament.
• He helped the Saudi Olympic team reach the second round of the 2008 qualifiers, making a crucial performance against Japan in Tokyo.
• Abdullah won the Arab Club Champions Cup in 2023 while playing for Al-Nassr.