Al-Ettifaq Goalkeepers 2024/25
In the world of football, the role of a goalkeeper is often described as the most critical on the pitch. A single save can change the course of a match, and a reliable shot-stopper can be the foundation of a team’s success. For Al-Ettifaq, a club with a rich history and ambitious aspirations, the 2024/25 season brings a renewed focus on their goalkeeping department. This season, the club boasts a blend of experience, youth, and international talent between the posts. In this post, we will take an in-depth look at each of Al-Ettifaq’s goalkeepers, exploring their backgrounds, careers, and what they bring to the team.
1. Paulo Victor
Paulo Victor, the seasoned Brazilian goalkeeper, has been a cornerstone of Al-Ettifaq’s defensive stability since his arrival. Born in Rio de Janeiro, Victor’s journey to Saudi Arabia has been marked by a series of impressive performances across multiple continents. 
Standing at 6 feet 3 inches, his commanding presence in the box is complemented by his exceptional reflexes and ability to read the game.
Victor began his career at Botafogo, one of Brazil’s most storied clubs, where he quickly established himself as a promising talent. His performances earned him a move to Europe, where he spent time at Greek side Panathinaikos before returning to Brazil with Flamengo. It was during his stint at Flamengo that Victor truly shone, helping the club secure the Copa Libertadores in 2019. His heroics in the final, including a crucial penalty save, cemented his reputation as one of South America’s finest goalkeepers.
In 2022, Al-Ettifaq secured Victor’s services for a reported fee of €5 million, a testament to his quality and experience. Since joining the club, he has been a model of consistency, earning the trust of his teammates and coaches alike. His leadership on and off the pitch has been invaluable, particularly in guiding the younger players in the squad. With over 100 appearances for Al-Ettifaq, Victor remains a vital figure as the club aims for silverware in the 2024/25 season.
2. Mohammed Al-Owais
Mohammed Al-Owais is a name synonymous with Saudi Arabian football. As the first-choice goalkeeper for the national team, Al-Owais brings a wealth of international experience to Al-Ettifaq. Born in the city of Ha’il, he began his career at Al-Shoulah before making a name for himself at Al-Ahli, one of Saudi Arabia’s most successful clubs.
Al-Owais’s rise to prominence came during his time at Al-Ahli, where his acrobatic saves and composure under pressure earned him widespread acclaim. His performances caught the attention of the national team selectors, and he has since become a mainstay for Saudi Arabia, representing the country in multiple AFC Asian Cups and FIFA World Cups. His standout display against Argentina in the 2022 World Cup, where he made several crucial saves in a historic 2-1 victory, remains a highlight of his career.
In 2023, Al-Ettifaq secured Al-Owais’s signature on a free transfer following the expiration of his contract with Al-Ahli. His arrival was seen as a major coup for the club, adding a proven domestic talent to their ranks. Known for his agility and ability to perform in high-pressure situations, Al-Owais has quickly become a fan favorite. His understanding of the local game and ability to communicate effectively with the defense make him an indispensable asset for Al-Ettifaq.
3. Zaid Al-Bawardi
Zaid Al-Bawardi represents the future of Saudi Arabian goalkeeping. At just 22 years old, Al-Bawardi has already shown immense potential, earning a place in Al-Ettifaq’s first-team squad. Born in Riyadh, he began his youth career at Al-Hilal before joining Al-Ettifaq’s academy, where he honed his skills and developed into a promising young goalkeeper.
Al-Bawardi’s rise through the ranks has been nothing short of impressive. His performances for Al-Ettifaq’s youth teams earned him a call-up to the Saudi Arabian U-23 national team, where he played a key role in their successful campaign at the AFC U-23 Championship. His ability to command his area, coupled with his excellent distribution, has drawn comparisons to some of the country’s greatest goalkeepers.
Despite his young age, Al-Bawardi has already made several appearances for Al-Ettifaq’s senior team, showcasing his composure and maturity beyond his years. While he is still developing, his potential is undeniable, and the club has high hopes for his future. With the guidance of experienced teammates like Paulo Victor and Mohammed Al-Owais, Al-Bawardi is well-positioned to become a star in the coming years.
4. Vladimir Stojković
Vladimir Stojković, the veteran Serbian goalkeeper, brings a wealth of experience and international pedigree to Al-Ettifaq. Born in Loznica, Serbia, Stojković’s career has taken him across Europe, where he has represented some of the continent’s most prestigious clubs. Standing at 6 feet 5 inches, his towering frame and shot-stopping ability have made him a formidable presence in goal.
Stojković began his career at Red Star Belgrade before moving to France, where he played for Nantes and Marseille. His performances in Ligue 1 earned him a move to England, where he had a brief stint at Wigan Athletic. However, it was during his time at Partizan Belgrade that Stojković truly flourished, helping the club win multiple domestic titles and establishing himself as one of Serbia’s top goalkeepers.
In 2021, Stojković made the move to Saudi Arabia, joining Al-Fayha before transferring to Al-Ettifaq in 2023 for a nominal fee. Despite being in the latter stages of his career, Stojković continues to perform at a high level, bringing a calm and composed presence to the team. His experience and leadership have been invaluable, particularly in mentoring the younger goalkeepers in the squad. As Al-Ettifaq looks to compete on multiple fronts in the 2024/25 season, Stojković’s role as a reliable backup and mentor cannot be overstated.
5. Nawaf Al-Aqidi
Nawaf Al-Aqidi is another rising star in Al-Ettifaq’s goalkeeping ranks. At 23 years old, Al-Aqidi has already made a name for himself as one of Saudi Arabia’s most promising young goalkeepers. Born in Riyadh, he began his career at Al-Nassr before joining Al-Ettifaq in 2022 in search of regular first-team football.
Al-Aqidi’s time at Al-Nassr saw him develop under the guidance of some of the club’s most experienced players, and he quickly established himself as a reliable shot-stopper. His performances for the Saudi Arabian U-20 national team further highlighted his potential, earning him a call-up to the senior squad. Known for his quick reflexes and ability to make crucial saves in one-on-one situations, Al-Aqidi has all the attributes to become a top goalkeeper.
Since joining Al-Ettifaq, Al-Aqidi has continued to impress, earning a place in the first-team squad and making several appearances in domestic competitions. His dedication to improving his game and willingness to learn from his more experienced teammates have been key to his development. As the 2024/25 season unfolds, Al-Aqidi will be looking to build on his progress and establish himself as a regular starter for both club and country.
Conclusion
Al-Ettifaq’s goalkeeping department for the 2024/25 season is a perfect blend of experience, youth, and talent. From the seasoned leadership of Paulo Victor and Vladimir Stojković to the rising stars like Zaid Al-Bawardi and Nawaf Al-Aqidi, the club is well-equipped to face the challenges of the upcoming season. Mohammed Al-Owais, with his international pedigree and domestic success, adds further depth and quality to the squad. As Al-Ettifaq aims to compete for titles and make their mark on both the domestic and international stage, the role of their goalkeepers will be crucial. Each player brings unique qualities to the team, and their collective contributions will be key to the club’s success. With such a strong group of shot-stoppers, Al-Ettifaq fans can look forward to a season filled with confidence and optimism.