PLAYER SNAPSHOT: At a Glance
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Saud Abdullah Salem Abdulhamid |
| Date of Birth | 18/07/1999 (Age: 26) |
| Place of Birth | Jeddah, Saudi Arabia |
| Nationality | Saudi Arabian |
| Height | 1.71 m / 5 ft 7 in |
| Weight | 71–73 kg |
| Position | Right-Back / Wing-Back |
| Preferred Foot | Right |
| Squad Number | #12 (Saudi Arabia) |
| Current Club | RC Lens |
| Previous Clubs | Al-Ittihad, Al-Hilal, AS Roma |
| International Caps | 58 |
| International Goals | 1 |
| World Cup Appearances | 2022, 2026 |
| Contract Until | 2029 |
| Market Value | €8M |
The Frozen Moment
The 2026 World Cup in North America. Saudi Arabia, the Green Falcons, were facing Uruguay in their Group G opener. For Saud Abdulhamid, the 26-year-old right-back from Jeddah, the tournament was the stage for a historic achievement that had already been set in motion.
Abdulhamid delivered an energetic display at Miami Stadium, winning both of his one-on-one duels, reaching a top speed of 31 km/h, and covering 9.264 kilometres in the 0-0 draw. He was the only player in Saudi Arabia’s squad plying his trade outside the Saudi Pro League—the first Saudi to play in Serie A, the first to play in Ligue 1, the first to score in a European continental competition, and the first to win a major European trophy.
Just weeks earlier, Abdulhamid had started and helped Lens win the Coupe de France final against Nice, becoming the first Saudi to lift a major trophy in Europe. Lens had triggered his purchase option from Roma, signing him permanently on a three-year contract through 2029.
His World Cup campaign saw him start all three of Saudi Arabia’s group-stage matches against Uruguay, Spain, and Cape Verde. For the right-back who had made history at every step of his European journey, the 2026 World Cup was the stage where the full arc of his pioneering story was on display.
Origins
Born on July 18, 1999, in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, Saud Abdulhamid began his football journey in the Saudi football system. He joined Al-Ittihad’s youth academy in 2012 and progressed through the ranks. His professional career started at Al-Ittihad, where he made 75 league appearances and scored two goals over four seasons.
In 2022, Abdulhamid moved to Al-Hilal, one of Saudi Arabia’s most successful clubs. Over two seasons, he made 72 league appearances and scored four goals, winning six domestic titles including the Saudi Pro League and the King’s Cup. His performances in the Saudi Pro League attracted the attention of European clubs.
The European Forge
Al-Ittihad (2018-2022):
Abdulhamid made 75 league appearances for Al-Ittihad, scoring two goals. He established himself as one of Saudi Arabia’s most promising right-backs.
Al-Hilal (2022-2024):
Abdulhamid joined Al-Hilal in 2022 and won six domestic titles. Over two seasons, he made 72 league appearances and scored four goals. In February 2023, he played in the FIFA Club World Cup final against Real Madrid.
AS Roma (2024-2026):
On August 27, 2024, Abdulhamid signed for Serie A club Roma for €2.5 million, becoming the first Saudi player to play in Italy. He made his debut in the Europa League against Athletic Bilbao and made his Serie A debut against Napoli. On December 12, 2024, he scored his first goal for Roma in the Europa League against Braga, becoming the first Saudi to score in a European continental competition. He made four league appearances for Roma.
RC Lens (2025-Present):
On August 3, 2025, Abdulhamid joined Ligue 1 club Lens on loan for the 2025-26 season with an option to buy. He became the first Saudi to play in Ligue 1. Initially competing with veteran French full-back Ruben Aguilar, Abdulhamid seized his opportunity when Aguilar was injured. He scored his first league goal on March 8, 2026, in a 3-0 win over Metz. On May 22, 2026, he started in the Coupe de France final, helping Lens secure the title 3-1 over Nice. Lens triggered the buy option in his loan deal on June 4, 2026, signing him permanently until 2029.
In the 2025/26 season, Abdulhamid made 25 Ligue 1 appearances, scoring 2 goals and providing 4 assists. Across all competitions, he recorded 3 goals and 8 assists. He was a key figure in Lens’s campaign, finishing second in Ligue 1 behind Paris Saint-Germain.
Saudi Arabia National Team (2019-Present):
Abdulhamid made his debut for Saudi Arabia in 2019 against Mali. He has earned 58 caps for his country. He represented Saudi Arabia at the 2022 World Cup, starting all three matches, including the famous victory over Argentina. He also played at the 2023 AFC Asian Cup and the 2020 Summer Olympics. At the 2026 World Cup, he started all three group-stage matches.
The Anatomy of His Game
Saud Abdulhamid is a dynamic right-back and wing-back known for his pace, attacking contributions, and tireless work rate. Standing at 171 cm, he combines technical ability with exceptional stamina. He has been described as a player who “offers width and forward momentum” on the right flank.
In Possession:
Abdulhamid is an attacking threat from full-back. In the 2025/26 season, he recorded 2 goals and 4 assists in Ligue 1. Across all competitions, he contributed 3 goals and 8 assists. He is a key figure in Lens’s 3-4-1-2 system, providing width and attacking options down the right flank. He has become the first Saudi player to score in the UEFA Europa League.
Out of Possession:
Abdulhamid is a committed defender with high work rate. At the 2026 World Cup, he won both of his one-on-one duels against Uruguay. His discipline has improved significantly in Europe; Lens head coach Pierre Sage noted that he had become “completely adapted to European football, both in his approach to the profession, the way he manages his weeks, and the way he manages his matches.”
Psychological Edge:
Abdulhamid’s mental resilience is one of his defining traits. After a difficult first season at Roma with limited minutes, he did not return to Saudi Arabia. Instead, he embraced a loan move to Lens and fought for his place, ultimately becoming a key player. His coach Pierre Sage noted: “When he wasn’t getting much playing time, we fought to keep him because we felt that even though he had little playing time, he needed time to adapt so that he could create the conditions to perform.” His journey from being the first Saudi to play in Serie A to winning the Coupe de France and becoming a permanent Lens player demonstrates extraordinary perseverance.
The Numbers Game
TABLE A: The Data Snapshot (2025/26 Season)
| Competition | Apps | Starts | Minutes | Goals | Assists |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ligue 1 | 25 | 18 | 1,352–1,356 | 2 | 4 |
| Coupe de France | 6 | 6 | 493 | 1 | 1 |
| TOTAL | 31 | 24 | 1,845 | 3 | 5 |
TABLE B: Career Overview
| Season | Club | League/Competition | Apps | Goals |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2018-2022 | Al-Ittihad | Saudi Pro League | 75 | 2 |
| 2022-2024 | Al-Hilal | Saudi Pro League | 72 | 4 |
| 2024-2026 | AS Roma | Serie A / Europa League | 4+ | 1 |
| 2025-2026 | RC Lens (loan) | Ligue 1 / Coupe de France | 31 | 3 |
| 2026-Present | RC Lens | Ligue 1 | 0 | 0 |
| TOTAL | — | — | 182+ | 10 |
TABLE C: International Record
| Tournament/Competition | Apps | Major Honours |
|---|---|---|
| FIFA World Cup 2022 | 3 | Group Stage |
| FIFA World Cup 2026 | 3 | Group Stage |
| AFC Asian Cup 2023 | 3 | — |
| Saudi Arabia Senior Career | 58 | — |
TABLE D: Career Milestones
| Year | Achievement | Details |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | World Cup Debut | Started all 3 matches, including victory over Argentina |
| 2024 | AS Roma Transfer | First Saudi to play in Serie A |
| 2024 | Europa League Goal | First Saudi to score in European continental competition |
| 2025 | RC Lens Loan | First Saudi to play in Ligue 1 |
| 2026 | Ligue 1 Goal | First Saudi to score in Ligue 1 |
| 2026 | Coupe de France Winner | First Saudi to win a major European trophy |
| 2026 | Lens Permanent Transfer | Signed until 2029 |
What these figures reveal is a player who has achieved an extraordinary sequence of firsts. Abdulhamid has pioneered Saudi football in Europe, becoming the first to play in Serie A and Ligue 1, the first to score in the Europa League, and the first to win a major European trophy. His 2025/26 season was the culmination of that journey—31 appearances, 3 goals, and a Coupe de France title.
The Present Tense
Saud Abdulhamid is 26 years old and at the peak of his career. He is a permanent RC Lens player in Ligue 1 and a mainstay of the Saudi Arabia national team following a World Cup campaign in which he was the only overseas-based player in the squad.
The RC Lens Story:
Abdulhamid joined Lens on loan from Roma in August 2025 and became a key player, making 25 Ligue 1 appearances. He was instrumental in Lens’s Coupe de France victory, starting the final against Nice. On June 4, 2026, Lens triggered the purchase option in his loan deal, signing him permanently on a three-year contract until 2029. He is the first Saudi player to feature in Ligue 1 and to win the Coupe de France. He is expected to make history again as the first Saudi to play in the UEFA Champions League, following Lens’s second-place finish in Ligue 1.
The World Cup Campaign:
Abdulhamid was the only player in Saudi Arabia’s 2026 World Cup squad playing outside the Saudi Pro League. He started all three group-stage matches against Uruguay, Spain, and Cape Verde. He delivered an energetic display in the 0-0 draw with Uruguay, winning both of his one-on-one duels, reaching a top speed of 31 km/h, and covering 9.264 kilometres. Saudi Arabia were eliminated in the group stage.
The European Journey:
Abdulhamid’s move to Europe has been transformative. After a difficult first season at Roma with limited minutes, he seized his opportunity at Lens. He has spoken about what he has learned: “I have learned a lot about discipline and concentration. This includes routines, recovery and professionalism, as well as concentration on the field. There, a single mistake can cause a big problem, so you have to stay focused during the 90 minutes.” His head coach Pierre Sage noted: “For me, today, he is completely adapted to European football.”
International Record:
Abdulhamid has 58 caps for Saudi Arabia since his debut in 2019. He has represented his country at two World Cups and the AFC Asian Cup.
Beyond the Touchline
Off the pitch, Saud Abdulhamid is a pioneer for Saudi Arabian football. He is the only player in Saudi Arabia’s 2026 World Cup squad playing outside the country, paving the way for future generations. His success at Lens has been described as “Saudi Arabia’s success,” with the potential to open the eyes of clubs across Europe to Saudi talent.
Just before the World Cup, Abdulhamid had a near-miss with disaster. He celebrated his wedding in Amsterdam at the end of May, and his passport was stolen from his car, delaying his arrival at the national team camp. Despite the setback, he made it to the tournament and delivered.
Abdulhamid’s commitment to his European journey has been unwavering. Even when he struggled at Roma with limited minutes, he did not return to Saudi Arabia. Instead, he accepted a loan to Lens and fought for his place. His coach Pierre Sage acknowledged his resilience: “When he wasn’t getting much playing time, we fought to keep him.”
The Verdict from the Camp
Georgios Donis, Saudi Arabia head coach:
“Saud sets the example for the rest of the players. He has been at Roma and now Lens, who will play in the Champions League after winning the French Cup. He has been a crucial player this season.”
Pierre Sage, Lens head coach:
“For me, today, he is completely adapted to European football, both in his approach to the profession, the way he manages his weeks, and the way he manages his matches.”
Jean-Louis Leca, Lens sporting director:
“Continuing with Saud was a no-brainer, given how successful the season we just had together was. Saud has footballing qualities that meet our expectations.”
Antolin Gonzalo, Saudi football analyst:
“They constantly look to attack the space down the flanks. On the right, we see the partnership between Mo and Saud. One understands how to exploit the central areas, while the other provides width and forward momentum.”
Statistic:
Abdulhamid is the only overseas-based player in Saudi Arabia’s 2026 World Cup squad.
Statistic:
Abdulhamid became the first Saudi to win a major European trophy, lifting the Coupe de France with Lens in 2026.
Statistic:
Abdulhamid has earned 58 caps for Saudi Arabia and represented his country at two World Cups.
Where Next?
Saud Abdulhamid is 26 years old and entering the prime of his career. He is permanently signed with RC Lens until 2029 and is expected to make history as the first Saudi player to feature in the UEFA Champions League, following Lens’s second-place finish in Ligue 1. His performances at Lens have established him as one of Saudi Arabia’s most important players, and his success has opened doors for future Saudi talents in Europe.
For Saudi Arabia, Abdulhamid remains a cornerstone of the national team. With 58 caps and two World Cup campaigns under his belt, he is a leader on the pitch. His experience in European football brings a new dimension to the Green Falcons. The next chapter of his career, in the Champions League with Lens, promises to be another historic milestone for Saudi football. His journey from Jeddah to the World Cup, and from Roma to the Coupe de France, is a testament to the power of perseverance and the pursuit of a dream.
