PLAYER SNAPSHOT: At a Glance
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Alaa Haji Al Hejji |
| Date of Birth | 03/12/1995 (Age: 30) |
| Place of Birth | Buraydah, Saudi Arabia |
| Nationality | Saudi Arabian |
| Height | 1.78 m / 5 ft 10 in |
| Weight | 72–73 kg |
| Position | Midfielder |
| Preferred Foot | Right |
| Squad Number | #18 (Saudi Arabia & Neom) |
| Current Club | Neom SC |
| Previous Clubs | Al-Khaleej, Al-Wehda |
| International Caps | 5 |
| International Goals | 0 |
| World Cup Appearances | 2026 |
| Market Value | — |
The Frozen Moment
The 2026 World Cup in North America was a milestone for Saudi Arabian football. For Alaa Hejji, the 30-year-old midfielder from Buraydah, the tournament was the culmination of a journey that had taken him from the lower tiers of Saudi football to the biggest stage in the world.
Hejji was named in Georgios Donis’s 26-man Saudi Arabia squad for the World Cup, selected on June 1, 2026, just days before the tournament began. He made two substitute appearances in the group stage—coming on for one minute against Uruguay in a 1-1 draw and playing 31 minutes against Spain in a 4-0 defeat.
“The feeling of representing your country at a global event like this is impossible to describe,” Hejji said ahead of the tournament. “It’s a dream I’ve had since I was a child, and without doubt it’s the ultimate dream for every Saudi player.” For the midfielder who had worked his way through the Saudi Pro League with Al-Khaleej, Al-Wehda, and Neom, the World Cup was the reward for a decade of consistency and dedication.
Origins
Born on December 3, 1995, in Buraydah, Saudi Arabia, Alaa Hejji began his football journey at Al-Khaleej’s youth academy. He made his senior debut for the club in the 2015/16 season, making nine league appearances. Over five seasons at Al-Khaleej, he accumulated 82 league appearances and scored nine goals, establishing himself as a reliable midfielder.
Hejji’s consistency at Al-Khaleej earned him a move to Al-Wehda in 2020, where he signed on a pre-contract agreement on March 7, 2020, and officially joined the club following the conclusion of the 2019-20 season. His time at Al-Wehda was the most productive period of his career.
The European Forge
Al-Khaleej (2015-2020):
Hejji spent five seasons at Al-Khaleej, making 82 league appearances and scoring nine goals. His breakthrough came in the 2016/17 season, where he made five appearances, and his final season at the club saw him become a regular contributor.
Al-Wehda (2020-2025):
Hejji joined Al-Wehda in 2020 and spent five seasons at the club, making 137 league appearances and scoring six goals. His most active season came in 2023/24, where he made 30 appearances (15 starts). Across his time at Al-Wehda, he demonstrated his versatility and consistency, becoming a key figure in the club’s midfield.
Neom SC (2025-Present):
On July 17, 2025, Hejji joined newly-promoted Saudi Pro League club Neom. The 2025/26 season was his first with the club. He made 24 league appearances (8 starts), scoring 3 goals and providing 1 assist. He recorded 1 yellow card and 0 red cards during the campaign.
Saudi Arabia National Team (2026-Present):
Hejji received his first senior call-up to the Saudi Arabia national team in 2025, making his debut that year. He has earned 5 caps for his country as of the end of the 2026 World Cup. He was named in Saudi Arabia’s 26-man squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. At the tournament, he made two substitute appearances, playing a total of 32 minutes.
The Anatomy of His Game
Alaa Hejji is a versatile midfielder capable of operating in central or attacking midfield roles. Standing at 178 cm, he combines technical ability with a workmanlike approach. He is right-footed and has a strong tactical understanding of the game.
In Possession:
Hejji is a composed passer who contributes to build-up play. In the 2025/26 Saudi Pro League season, he scored 3 goals and provided 1 assist in 24 appearances. His goal-scoring contributions have been consistent throughout his career, with 9 goals for Al-Khaleej and 6 for Al-Wehda. In the 2025/26 season, he recorded 1 yellow card, reflecting his disciplined approach.
Out of Possession:
Hejji is a disciplined defender who reads the game well. His work rate and tactical discipline have been noted by coaches. Ahead of the World Cup, he spoke of the team’s focus on implementing the coaching staff’s ideas “as accurately as possible.”
Psychological Edge:
Hejji’s mental resilience is one of his defining traits. He has worked his way through the Saudi Pro League, earning a World Cup call-up after a decade of consistent performances. His comments ahead of the tournament reflected a player who was grateful for the opportunity and determined to give everything for his country: “I’m always ready and fully available whenever the coach needs me.”
The Numbers Game
TABLE A: The Data Snapshot (2025/26 Season)
| Competition | Apps (Starts/Subs) | Minutes | Goals | Assists | Cards |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Saudi Pro League | 24 (8/16) | 1,346–1,358 | 3 | 1 | 1Y 0R |
| FIFA World Cup 2026 | 2 (0/2) | 32 | 0 | 0 | 0Y 0R |
TABLE B: Career Overview
| Season/Period | Club | League/Competition | Apps | Goals |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2015-2020 | Al-Khaleej | Saudi Pro League | 82 | 9 |
| 2020-2025 | Al-Wehda | Saudi Pro League | 137 | 6 |
| 2025-2026 | Neom SC | Saudi Pro League | 24 | 3 |
| TOTAL | — | — | 243 | 18 |
TABLE C: International Record
| Tournament/Competition | Apps | Goals | Major Honours |
|---|---|---|---|
| FIFA World Cup 2026 | 2 | 0 | Group Stage |
| Saudi Arabia Senior Career | 5 | 0 | — |
TABLE D: Career Milestones
| Year | Achievement | Details |
|---|---|---|
| 2015 | Senior Debut | Al-Khaleej |
| 2020 | Al-Wehda Transfer | Signed on pre-contract agreement |
| 2025 | Neom SC Transfer | Joined newly-promoted club |
| 2025 | Saudi Arabia Debut | First senior international cap |
| 2026 | World Cup Selection | Named in 26-man squad |
| 2026 | World Cup Debut | vs Uruguay |
What these figures reveal is a player of steady consistency and late-career recognition. Hejji has accumulated 243 professional appearances and 18 goals across three Saudi clubs. His 5 caps for Saudi Arabia and his World Cup appearances at age 30 demonstrate the importance of perseverance in his career. His 2025/26 season—3 goals in 24 appearances—was his most productive since his Al-Khaleej days.
The Present Tense
Alaa Hejji is 30 years old and at a significant moment in his career. He is a key squad player for Neom SC in the Saudi Pro League and has represented Saudi Arabia at the 2026 World Cup.
The Neom SC Story:
Hejji joined Neom in July 2025 after five seasons at Al-Wehda. In the 2025/26 season, he made 24 league appearances, scoring 3 goals and providing 1 assist. He was part of the Neom squad that competed in the Saudi Pro League, with a notable goal in a 1-1 draw against Al-Ettifaq on May 21, 2026, scoring with a right-footed shot. He is under contract with the club.
The World Cup Campaign:
Hejji was named in Saudi Arabia’s 26-man World Cup squad for the 2026 tournament on June 1, 2026. Ahead of the tournament, he spoke of the team’s preparations and his excitement at representing his country: “Preparations are progressing extremely well, and everyone here is fighting to give their best.” He made two substitute appearances in the group stage: one minute against Uruguay in a 1-1 draw and 31 minutes against Spain in a 4-0 defeat. He recorded one interception in his appearances. Saudi Arabia were eliminated in the group stage.
International Record:
Hejji has earned 5 caps for Saudi Arabia since his debut in 2025. He has represented his country at the 2026 World Cup and in World Cup qualifying.
Beyond the Touchline
Off the pitch, Alaa Hejji is a product of the Saudi football system who has worked his way through the ranks to earn a World Cup call-up. His journey from Al-Khaleej’s youth academy to the national team is a testament to his perseverance.
Ahead of the World Cup, Hejji spoke about the influence of head coach Georgios Donis, who has extensive experience in Saudi football. “Donis is a well-known figure in Saudi football,” Hejji said. “There are six or seven players in this camp — myself included — who have worked with him previously at club level, which makes it easier for us to understand his methods and approach.”
Hejji has also spoken about the importance of the fans’ support. Ahead of the tournament, he emphasised the team’s commitment to representing Saudi Arabia “in the best possible way at the World Cup.”
The Verdict from the Camp
Alaa Hejji, Saudi Arabia midfielder:
“Preparations are progressing extremely well, and everyone here is fighting to give their best. We have completed seven intensive training sessions so far under head coach Georgios Donis, and there is a clear determination among all the players to implement the coaching staff’s ideas as accurately as possible. We want to represent Saudi Arabia in the best possible way at the World Cup.”
“The feeling of representing your country at a global event like this is impossible to describe. It’s a dream I’ve had since I was a child, and without doubt it’s the ultimate dream for every Saudi player. I’m grateful for this opportunity and eager to give everything for the badge. I’m always ready and fully available whenever the coach needs me.”
Statistic:
Hejji has made 243 professional appearances and scored 18 career goals across the Saudi Pro League.
Statistic:
Hejji was selected for Saudi Arabia’s 2026 World Cup squad and made 2 substitute appearances at the tournament.
Statistic:
Hejji scored 3 goals in 24 Saudi Pro League appearances for Neom SC in the 2025/26 season.
Where Next?
Alaa Hejji is 30 years old and at a pivotal moment in his career. He is under contract with Neom SC in the Saudi Pro League, where he has established himself as a reliable midfielder. His World Cup experience, even in a limited role, has added to his international pedigree.
For Saudi Arabia, Hejji remains a useful squad player. With 5 caps and a World Cup campaign under his belt, he brings experience and professionalism to the national team. The next chapter of his career, whether at Neom or elsewhere, will determine whether he can continue to represent the Green Falcons in future tournaments.
From Buraydah to the World Cup, Alaa Hejji’s journey is one of perseverance, consistency, and the fulfillment of a dream. The midfielder who worked his way through the Saudi Pro League has earned his place on the biggest stage—and his story is a testament to the belief that hard work and dedication can lead to the highest honours.
