PLAYER SNAPSHOT: At a Glance
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Saleh bin Khalid bin Mohammed Al Shehri |
| Date of Birth | 01/11/1993 (Age: 32) |
| Place of Birth | Jeddah, Saudi Arabia |
| Nationality | Saudi Arabian |
| Height | 1.83–1.84 m / 6 ft 0 in |
| Weight | 75–77 kg |
| Position | Striker / Forward |
| Preferred Foot | Right |
| Squad Number | #11 (Al-Ittihad & Saudi Arabia) |
| Current Club | Al-Ittihad |
| Previous Clubs | Al-Ahli, CD Mafra, SC Beira-Mar, Al-Raed, Al-Hilal |
| International Caps | 32+ |
| International Goals | 6+ |
| World Cup Appearances | 2026 |
| Contract Until | 2027 |
| Market Value | — |
The Frozen Moment
The 2026 World Cup in North America. Saudi Arabia, the Green Falcons, had been drawn into Group H alongside Spain, Uruguay, and Cape Verde. For Saleh Al Shehri, the 32-year-old striker from Jeddah, the tournament was the culmination of a journey that had taken him through seven clubs across three countries—from Portugal’s lower leagues to the Saudi Pro League title with Al-Hilal, and now to the biggest stage in world football.
Al Shehri was named in Georgios Donis’s 26-man squad for the tournament, selected as one of four forwards alongside Salem Al-Dawsari, Abdullah Al-Hamdan, and Firas Al-Buraikan. He traveled to North America as part of a squad that blended the experience of players like Al-Dawsari and Mohamed Kanno with emerging talent. His tournament contributions were limited—he featured as a substitute in Saudi Arabia’s group-stage matches, including appearances against Uruguay, Spain, and Cape Verde, playing a total of 32 minutes across the competition.
For the striker who had won four Saudi Pro League titles with Al-Hilal and Al-Ittihad, the World Cup was the latest chapter in a career defined by resilience and a knack for delivering on the biggest stages. His selection was the culmination of a journey that had begun in the youth ranks of Al-Ahli and taken him through the Portuguese second division before returning to become one of the Saudi Pro League’s most decorated forwards.
Origins
Born on November 1, 1993, in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, Saleh Al Shehri began his football journey at Al-Ahli’s youth academy. He made his senior debut for Al-Ahli in the 2013/14 season, making nine league appearances.
Al Shehri’s early career took him to Portugal, where he played for CD Mafra and SC Beira-Mar in the Portuguese second division during the 2011/12 and 2012/13 seasons. His return to Saudi Arabia with Al-Raed proved transformative—he scored 16 goals in 25 league appearances during the 2018/19 season, establishing himself as one of the league’s most prolific forwards.
The European Forge
Al-Ahli (2013-2015):
Al Shehri began his senior career at Al-Ahli, making nine league appearances and gaining his first experience in the Saudi Pro League.
CD Mafra & SC Beira-Mar (2011-2013):
Al Shehri spent two seasons in Portugal, developing his game in the Portuguese second division.
Al-Raed (2015-2019):
Al Shehri’s most productive spell came at Al-Raed. He made 71 league appearances over four seasons, scoring 22 goals and providing seven assists. His standout season was 2018/19, when he scored 16 goals in 25 appearances. In total for Al-Raed, he made 82 league appearances and scored 22 goals.
Al-Hilal (2019-2024):
Al Shehri joined Al-Hilal in 2019 and spent five seasons at the club, winning multiple domestic titles. He won the Saudi Pro League four times (2019/20, 2020/21, 2021/22, 2023/24) and the King’s Cup twice (2019/20, 2022/23). He also won the AFC Champions League in 2021. In total for Al-Hilal, he made 98 league appearances and scored 19 goals across five seasons.
Al-Ittihad (2024-Present):
In July 2024, Al Shehri transferred to Al-Ittihad, signing a contract until 2027. In the 2025/26 season, he made 18 Saudi Pro League appearances (4 starts), scoring 3 goals and providing 2 assists. His goal contributions included a high xG of 0.69 per 90, placing him in the 98th percentile for goalscoring among Pro League forwards. He also featured in the AFC Champions League Elite, making 4 appearances.
Saudi Arabia National Team (2020-Present):
Al Shehri has earned over 32 caps for Saudi Arabia, scoring 6 international goals. He made his senior debut in 2020 and has been a regular squad member since. At the 2026 World Cup, he made three substitute appearances, playing a total of 32 minutes. He has represented Saudi Arabia in World Cup qualifying and international friendlies.
The Anatomy of His Game
Saleh Al Shehri is a clinical, right-footed striker known for his finishing ability, intelligent movement, and experience in high-pressure situations. Standing at 184 cm, he is a physical presence in the box with a proven track record of goalscoring.
In Possession:
Al Shehri is a composed finisher with exceptional goalscoring instincts. In the 2025/26 Pro League season, his Expected Goals (xG) of 0.69 per 90 placed him in the 98th percentile of forwards, and his non-penalty xG of 0.55 per 90 placed him in the 97th percentile. He scored three league goals from just 18 shots, demonstrating his efficiency in front of goal. His goal involvement of 1.07 per 90 placed him in the 99th percentile. He is also a threat from set-pieces and has a proven ability to score penalties.
Out of Possession:
Al Shehri contributes to the team’s pressing structure. His defensive actions rank in the 92nd percentile compared to other forwards. He has accumulated two yellow cards in the 2025/26 season, reflecting his combative approach.
Psychological Edge:
Al Shehri’s career is defined by resilience and consistency. He has won four Saudi Pro League titles with two different clubs—Al-Hilal and Al-Ittihad—and the AFC Champions League, demonstrating his winning mentality. His ability to score in clutch moments, including a brace against Al-Ahli in 2021, speaks to his composure under pressure. His experience at the World Cup, even in a limited role, adds to his international pedigree.
The Numbers Game
TABLE A: The Data Snapshot (2025/26 Season)
| Competition | Apps (Starts/Subs) | Minutes | Goals | Assists | Cards |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Saudi Pro League | 18 (4/14) | 420-430 | 3 | 2 | 2Y 0R |
| AFC Champions League Elite | 4 | 84 | 0 | 0 | 0Y 0R |
| King’s Cup | 2 | — | 1 | — | — |
| FIFA World Cup 2026 | 3 (0/3) | 32 | 0 | 0 | 0Y 0R |
TABLE B: Career Overview
| Season/Period | Club | League/Competition | Apps | Goals |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2013/14 | Al-Ahli | Saudi Pro League | 9 | 0 |
| 2015/16 | Al-Raed | Saudi Pro League | 16 | 1 |
| 2016/17 | Al-Raed | Saudi Pro League | 15 | 2 |
| 2017/18 | Al-Raed | Saudi Pro League | 15 | 3 |
| 2018/19 | Al-Raed | Saudi Pro League | 25 | 16 |
| 2019/20 | Al-Hilal | Saudi Pro League | 20 | 4 |
| 2020/21 | Al-Hilal | Saudi Pro League | 24 | 6 |
| 2021/22 | Al-Hilal | Saudi Pro League | 19 | 1 |
| 2022/23 | Al-Hilal | Saudi Pro League | 21 | 3 |
| 2023/24 | Al-Hilal | Saudi Pro League | 14 | 5 |
| 2024/25 | Al-Ittihad | Saudi Pro League | 18 | 4 |
| 2025/26 | Al-Ittihad | Saudi Pro League | 18 | 3 |
| TOTAL | — | — | 214 | 48 |
TABLE C: International Record
| Tournament/Competition | Apps | Goals | Major Honours |
|---|---|---|---|
| FIFA World Cup 2026 | 3 | 0 | Group Stage |
| International Friendlies | 5 | 0 | — |
| World Cup Qualifying | — | — | Qualified |
| Saudi Arabia Senior Career | 32+ | 6+ | — |
TABLE D: Career Milestones
| Year | Achievement | Details |
|---|---|---|
| 2013 | Senior Debut | Al-Ahli |
| 2011-13 | Portuguese Experience | CD Mafra & SC Beira-Mar |
| 2019 | Saudi Pro League Winner | Al-Hilal |
| 2021 | AFC Champions League Winner | Al-Hilal |
| 2024 | Al-Ittihad Transfer | Signed until 2027 |
| 2026 | World Cup Selection | Named in Saudi Arabia squad |
What these figures reveal is a player of exceptional goalscoring consistency over a long career. Al Shehri has accumulated 214 professional appearances and 48 league goals across the Saudi Pro League. His 2018/19 season—16 goals in 25 appearances—remains a career highlight. His four Saudi Pro League titles and AFC Champions League victory demonstrate his winning pedigree. His 32 international caps and World Cup selection reflect his value to the national team.
The Present Tense
Saleh Al Shehri is 32 years old and at a significant stage of his career. He is a key squad player for Al-Ittihad in the Saudi Pro League and has represented Saudi Arabia at the 2026 World Cup.
The Al-Ittihad Story:
Al Shehri joined Al-Ittihad in July 2024 on a contract until 2027. In the 2025/26 season, he made 18 Saudi Pro League appearances, scoring 3 goals and providing 2 assists. He also featured in the AFC Champions League Elite, making 4 appearances. He was part of the Al-Ittihad squad that competed in the Saudi Pro League, the King’s Cup, and the Super Cup.
The World Cup Campaign:
Al Shehri was named in Saudi Arabia’s 26-man World Cup squad for the 2026 tournament. He made three substitute appearances in the group stage, playing a total of 32 minutes against Uruguay, Spain, and Cape Verde. Saudi Arabia were eliminated in the group stage.
International Record:
Al Shehri has earned over 32 caps for Saudi Arabia, scoring 6 international goals. He has represented his country in World Cup qualifying, international friendlies, and the World Cup finals.
Beyond the Touchline
Off the pitch, Saleh Al Shehri is a respected figure in Saudi football. His journey from Al-Ahli’s youth academy to the World Cup, with a European detour in Portugal, is a testament to his perseverance. His trophy cabinet—four Saudi Pro League titles and an AFC Champions League—reflects a career of consistent success at the highest level.
Al Shehri’s versatility and experience have made him a valuable squad player for both club and country. His ability to perform in high-pressure situations, including the World Cup, speaks to his professionalism and composure. His decision to remain in the Saudi Pro League after his European experience has allowed him to build a legacy as one of the league’s most reliable forwards.
The Verdict from the Camp
Saudi Pro League Official:
Al Shehri has scored 3 goals and provided 2 assists in the 2025/26 season, with a goals-per-90 rate of 0.64, placing him in the 98th percentile.
Opta Analyst:
Al Shehri’s 2018/19 season at Al-Raed was his most prolific, scoring 16 goals in 25 appearances.
The Analyst:
Before moving to Al-Hilal, Al Shehri made 71 league appearances at Al-Raed, scoring 22 goals and providing seven assists.
Statistic:
Al Shehri has won the Saudi Pro League title four times (2019/20, 2020/21, 2021/22, 2023/24) with Al-Hilal and Al-Ittihad.
Statistic:
Al Shehri won the AFC Champions League with Al-Hilal in 2021.
Statistic:
Al Shehri made 3 substitute appearances at the 2026 World Cup, playing 32 minutes.
Where Next?
Saleh Al Shehri is 32 years old and entering the latter stages of his career. He is under contract with Al-Ittihad until 2027, where he continues to be a valuable squad player. His World Cup experience, even in a limited role, has added to his international pedigree.
For Saudi Arabia, Al Shehri remains a useful squad option with a proven record of goalscoring and experience at the highest level. With 32 caps and a World Cup campaign under his belt, he brings leadership and professionalism to the national team. The next chapter of his career, whether at Al-Ittihad or elsewhere, will determine whether he can continue to represent the Green Falcons in future tournaments.
From Jeddah to the World Cup, Saleh Al Shehri’s journey is one of goalscoring consistency, resilience, and the fulfillment of a dream. The striker who rose through the Saudi Pro League ranks and won four league titles has earned his place on the biggest stage—and his legacy as one of Saudi Arabia’s most reliable forwards is secure.
