Anas Ghayas
I vividly recall the evening of 1994. Saudi Arabia vs Belgium, World Cup Game. As an 8-year-old boy, I was captivated by what was unfolding on the TV screen. A Saudi player gracefully weaving through defenders, covering 69 meters, tumbling in the box while taking a shot. A superb goal!
One can find low-quality videos on Youtube, but for me, the goal remains etched in my memory in full HD quality. That iconic goal, scored by Saeed Al Owairan propelled Saudi Arabia into the World Cup's second round. It was their first appearance in the World Cup. However, it was more than just a goal; it sparked a generation's passion for the beautiful game.
Picture: Saeed Al Owairan en route to scoring the 1994 goal
Subsequent World Cups failed to match the expectation of 1994 euphoria. The Saudi team grappled with ups and downs on the World Cup stage, often ending their campaigns prematurely until November 22, 2022.
Fast forward to a scorching November afternoon in 2022, where my perspective had shifted from that of an awestruck child to a working adult with a corporate job. This time, I had bunked work to witness history unfold. Lionel Messi’s Argentina was one of the favorites and in no time got into the lead. It was the second half when Salem Dawasari ran around the box and put it past the Argentina Goalkeeper. Against the odds, the Saudi team also known as “The Green Falcons” sucker punched Messi’s Argentina with a 2-1 win. Salem Dawasari's decisive goal sent shockwaves through the world, proving that dreams could transcend expectations. This win, however, was just the beginning.
Picture: Saudi Arabia's Salem Al-Dawsari, center, after scoring the goal against Argentina
As the dust settled on the World Cup, Saudi Arabia was at the forefront of global football discourse. A series of transformative events followed, each more astonishing than the last. Cristiano Ronaldo's move to Al Nassr Football Club in 2022 was the first domino to fall, setting off a chain reaction that saw superstars like Neymar & Benzema joining Saudi league teams. Roberto Firmino and Ngolo Kante joined as well leaving their Premier League Teams. Stevan Gerrard is the manager along with former Liverpool Captain Jordan Henderson joining another league team. These high-profile transfers defied skepticism and established the Saudi Pro League as a burgeoning powerhouse.
In the wake of these transfers, Saudi Arabia's football ambitions soared higher. With each news cycle, the spotlight turned to the country's league. High-profile signings flooded the headlines, raising eyebrows and igniting debates. However, attributing these moves solely to financial motivations misses the broader point. This influx of talent has illuminated the league's potential to transform football landscapes, stimulate fan engagement, and bolster local footballing talent.
Between the Saeed Owairan and Salem Dawasari goals in the World Cup, an entire generation passed. Yet, these two moments share a profound legacy, as they laid the foundation for Saudi Arabia's football evolution. The landscape of football has evolved immeasurably, and these goals have symbolized not just victories, but promises of a vibrant future for the nation on the footballing stage.
As the new season has begun a fortnight ago, interest is already high. Saudi Arabia stands at the center stage. The journey from a remarkable goal in 1994 to a goal in 2022 which marked a tectonic shift in the global football market is unfolding before our eyes. With each transfer and announcement, the world witnesses the transformation of a dream into reality, as Saudi Arabia leaves an indelible mark on the beautiful game.
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