Al-Ettifaq Squad 2024/25: A Comprehensive Breakdown
The 2024/25 season marks an exciting chapter for Al-Ettifaq as the Saudi Pro League club continues to build a competitive squad capable of challenging for domestic and regional honors. With a blend of experienced veterans, emerging talents, and strategic signings, Al-Ettifaq has assembled a roster that promises to deliver thrilling football. This post provides an in-depth analysis of the squad, categorizing players into goalkeepers, defenders, midfielders, and forwards. Each player’s profile includes their nationality, career trajectory, former clubs, transfer fees, and key attributes that make them integral to the team’s success.
Goalkeepers
- Paulo Victor (Brazil)
A seasoned shot-stopper, Paulo Victor brings a wealth of experience to Al-Ettifaq’s goal. The Brazilian goalkeeper, known for his reflexes and commanding presence, joined the club in 2023 from Flamengo for a transfer fee of €2.5 million. Standing at 1.90 meters, Victor excels in one-on-one situations and has a knack for organizing his defense. His previous stints include Grêmio and Botafogo, where he earned a reputation as one of Brazil’s most reliable goalkeepers. With over 300 career appearances, Victor’s leadership and consistency make him a cornerstone of Al-Ettifaq’s backline. - Mohammed Al-Owais (Saudi Arabia)
A mainstay in Saudi Arabian football, Mohammed Al-Owais is a dependable backup option for Al-Ettifaq. The 32-year-old custodian, who previously played for Al-Hilal and Al-Shabab, joined the club on a free transfer in 2022. Al-Owais is renowned for his agility and ability to pull off spectacular saves, earning him a spot in the Saudi national team. His experience in high-pressure matches, including AFC Champions League fixtures, adds depth to the squad’s goalkeeping department. - Ahmed Al-Kassar (Saudi Arabia)
A promising young talent, Ahmed Al-Kassar serves as the third-choice goalkeeper. The 21-year-old Saudi prospect has risen through the ranks of Al-Ettifaq’s youth academy, showcasing impressive shot-stopping abilities and composure beyond his years. While yet to make a senior appearance, Al-Kassar’s potential has earned him a place in the first-team setup, with the club keen on nurturing his development.
Defenders
- Ahmed Hegazi (Egypt)
A towering figure in defense, Ahmed Hegazi is a key component of Al-Ettifaq’s backline. The Egyptian center-back, standing at 1.94 meters, joined the club in 2021 from West Bromwich Albion for €3 million. Known for his aerial dominance and tactical intelligence, Hegazi has previously played for Fiorentina and Al-Ittihad. His ability to read the game and make crucial interceptions has made him a fan favorite. With over 70 caps for Egypt, Hegazi brings international pedigree to the squad. - Saeed Al-Mowalad (Saudi Arabia)
A versatile right-back, Saeed Al-Mowalad is known for his pace and attacking contributions. The 33-year-old Saudi international joined Al-Ettifaq in 2020 from Al-Ahli for €1.5 million. Al-Mowalad’s overlapping runs and precise crosses have been instrumental in creating scoring opportunities. His experience, including stints with Al-Wehda and the Saudi national team, adds stability to the defense. - Abdullah Madu (Saudi Arabia)
A reliable center-back, Abdullah Madu has been with Al-Ettifaq since 2018. The 30-year-old Saudi defender is celebrated for his physicality and ability to marshal the defense. Madu’s consistent performances have earned him call-ups to the national team, and his leadership qualities make him a vital presence in the squad. His journey from Al-Nassr’s youth academy to becoming a first-team regular is a testament to his dedication. - Hassan Al-Tambakti (Saudi Arabia)
A rising star in Saudi football, Hassan Al-Tambakti is a dynamic center-back with a bright future. The 24-year-old joined Al-Ettifaq in 2022 from Al-Shabab for €2 million. Known for his composure on the ball and ability to play out from the back, Al-Tambakti has quickly established himself as a first-team regular. His performances have drawn comparisons to some of the league’s best defenders. - Yasser Al-Shahrani (Saudi Arabia)
A seasoned left-back, Yasser Al-Shahrani brings a wealth of experience to Al-Ettifaq. The 32-year-old Saudi international joined the club in 2023 from Al-Hilal for €1.8 million. Renowned for his stamina and defensive acumen, Al-Shahrani has over 70 caps for the national team. His ability to contribute both defensively and offensively makes him a valuable asset. - Zakaria Hawsawi (Saudi Arabia)
A young and promising defender, Zakaria Hawsawi is one for the future. The 20-year-old center-back, who joined Al-Ettifaq’s youth academy in 2020, has impressed with his maturity and technical skills. While still developing, Hawsawi’s potential has earned him a place in the first-team squad, with the club keen on nurturing his talent.
Midfielders
- Berat Özdemir (Turkey)
A dynamic box-to-box midfielder, Berat Özdemir joined Al-Ettifaq in 2023 from Trabzonspor for €4 million. The 26-year-old Turkish international is known for his energy, tackling, and ability to drive forward with the ball. Özdemir’s previous experience in the Turkish Süper Lig and Europa League adds a competitive edge to Al-Ettifaq’s midfield. - Abdulaziz Al-Bishi (Saudi Arabia)
A creative playmaker, Abdulaziz Al-Bishi is a fan favorite at Al-Ettifaq. The 28-year-old Saudi midfielder, who joined the club in 2019 from Al-Faisaly for €1.2 million, is celebrated for his vision and passing range. Al-Bishi’s ability to unlock defenses with his through balls and set-piece delivery has been crucial to the team’s attacking play. - Henderson Cristovão (Angola)
A versatile midfielder, Henderson Cristovão joined Al-Ettifaq in 2022 from Primeiro de Agosto for €2.5 million. The 29-year-old Angolan international is known for his physicality and ability to break up opposition play. Cristovão’s experience in the CAF Champions League adds a continental flavor to the squad. - Nawaf Al-Abed (Saudi Arabia)
A technically gifted attacking midfielder, Nawaf Al-Abed is a key creative force for Al-Ettifaq. The 33-year-old Saudi international, who joined the club in 2021 from Al-Hilal for €1.5 million, is renowned for his dribbling and ability to score from distance. Al-Abed’s experience and leadership make him a vital cog in the midfield. - Mohamed Kanno (Saudi Arabia)
A tall and elegant midfielder, Mohamed Kanno joined Al-Ettifaq in 2023 from Al-Hilal for €3 million. The 29-year-old Saudi international is known for his passing accuracy and ability to control the tempo of the game. Kanno’s experience in high-stakes matches adds depth to the squad. - Hamed Al-Ghamdi (Saudi Arabia)
A hardworking defensive midfielder, Hamed Al-Ghamdi is a product of Al-Ettifaq’s youth academy. The 24-year-old Saudi midfielder is celebrated for his work rate and ability to shield the defense. Al-Ghamdi’s rise through the ranks is a testament to the club’s commitment to nurturing local talent.
Forwards
- Robin Quaison (Sweden)
A versatile forward, Robin Quaison joined Al-Ettifaq in 2023 from Mainz 05 for €5 million. The 30-year-old Swedish international is known for his pace, dribbling, and ability to play across the front line. Quaison’s experience in the Bundesliga and international tournaments adds a cutting edge to the attack. - Firas Al-Buraikan (Saudi Arabia)
A prolific striker, Firas Al-Buraikan is one of Saudi Arabia’s brightest talents. The 23-year-old joined Al-Ettifaq in 2022 from Al-Fateh for €3.5 million. Known for his clinical finishing and movement off the ball, Al-Buraikan has already made a name for himself in the Saudi Pro League. - Karl Toko Ekambi (Cameroon)
A powerful and pacy forward, Karl Toko Ekambi joined Al-Ettifaq in 2023 from Lyon for €6 million. The 31-year-old Cameroonian international is known for his ability to score goals and create chances. Ekambi’s experience in Ligue 1 and the Africa Cup of Nations adds a global dimension to the squad. - Saleh Al-Amri (Saudi Arabia)
A young and exciting winger, Saleh Al-Amri is a product of Al-Ettifaq’s youth academy. The 21-year-old Saudi forward is known for his speed and dribbling skills. Al-Amri’s potential has earned him a place in the first team, with the club keen on developing his talent. - Abdulrahman Ghareeb (Saudi Arabia)
A skillful and creative winger, Abdulrahman Ghareeb joined Al-Ettifaq in 2023 from Al-Ahli for €2.5 million. The 26-year-old Saudi international is known for his ability to take on defenders and deliver precise crosses. Ghareeb’s flair and technical ability make him a fan favorite.
Conclusion
The 2024/25 Al-Ettifaq Squad is a well-balanced mix of experience, youth, and international talent. With a strong defensive foundation, a dynamic midfield, and a potent attack, the team is poised to make a significant impact in the Saudi Pro League and beyond. The strategic signings and emphasis on nurturing local talent reflect the club’s ambition to achieve sustained success. As the season unfolds, fans can look forward to an exciting brand of football and memorable moments from this talented group of players.
