PLAYER SNAPSHOT: At a Glance
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Hassan Kadesh Mahboob |
| Date of Birth | 26 September 1992 (Age: 33) |
| Place of Birth | Dammam, Saudi Arabia |
| Nationality | Saudi Arabian |
| Height | 1.79 m / 5 ft 10 in |
| Weight | 70–75 kg |
| Position | Defender |
| Preferred Foot | Left |
| Squad Number | #15 (Al-Ittihad), #14 (Saudi Arabia) |
| Current Club | Al-Ittihad |
| Previous Clubs | Al-Ettifaq, Al-Hilal, Al-Taawoun |
| International Caps | 21 |
| International Goals | 2 |
| World Cup Appearances | 2026 |
| Contract Until | — |
| Market Value | — |
The Frozen Moment
The 2026 FIFA World Cup. Saudi Arabia, seeking to build on their historic victory over Argentina in 2022, had arrived in North America with aspirations of a deep run. For Hassan Kadesh, the journey to the global stage represented the culmination of a career defined by longevity, versatility, and an unwavering commitment to his country.
When Saudi Arabia’s 26-man squad was announced for the 2026 World Cup, Kadesh was among the defenders selected, a veteran presence in the Green Falcons’ backline. The 33-year-old Al-Ittihad defender had been a consistent presence in Saudi football for over a decade, accumulating 21 international caps and scoring 2 goals for his country.
Kadesh featured in Saudi Arabia’s World Cup campaign, making appearances in the tournament. Though his minutes were limited, his selection represented the pinnacle of a career that had seen him rise through the ranks of Saudi football, from Al-Ettifaq to Al-Hilal, from Al-Taawoun to Al-Ittihad, and finally to football’s greatest tournament.
The boy from Dammam who had begun his career at Al-Ettifaq and served as club captain, who had become the most expensive Saudi player in history when he joined Al-Ittihad, who had won league titles with both Al-Hilal and Al-Ittihad, had taken his place on football’s grandest stage.
Origins
Hassan Kadesh Mahboob was born on September 26, 1992, in Dammam, Saudi Arabia. His footballing journey began in the Saudi domestic system, where his talent as a defender became apparent at a young age.
His professional career commenced with Al-Ettifaq, a club based in his hometown of Dammam, where he developed the defensive attributes that would define his career. During his time at Al-Ettifaq, he made 128 league appearances and scored 3 goals, and served as club captain from 2015 until his departure in 2017.
His leadership qualities were recognized early. He captained the Saudi Arabia U-21 national team for two years before progressing to the Saudi Olympic Team. His international career at the senior level began in 2017, and he has since earned 21 caps and scored 2 goals for the Green Falcons.
The Forge
Al-Ettifaq (2012-2017):
Kadesh’s senior career began at Al-Ettifaq, where he established himself as a reliable defender. Over five seasons, he made 128 league appearances and scored 3 goals. He served as club captain from 2015 to 2017, demonstrating his leadership qualities at a young age. His performances at Al-Ettifaq attracted attention from larger Saudi clubs.
Al-Hilal (2017-2020):
On July 3, 2017, Kadesh joined Saudi giants Al-Hilal on a four-year contract for a reported fee of 6 million Saudi Riyals. Over three seasons at the club, he made 21 league appearances. He won the Saudi Professional League title with Al-Hilal in the 2019-20 season. He also made appearances in the FIFA Club World Cup during his time at the club.
Al-Taawoun (2020-2023):
On January 21, 2020, Kadesh joined Al-Taawoun on a three-and-a-half-year contract. Over three seasons at the club, he made 74 league appearances and scored 5 goals. In the 2020-21 season, he played a significant role, making 25 appearances and providing 1 assist. He was a consistent presence in the Al-Taawoun defense during his time at the club. On January 27, 2023, he renewed his contract with Al-Taawoun.
Al-Ittihad (2023-Present):
On August 31, 2023, Kadesh made a high-profile move to Al-Ittihad on a three-year contract for a reported fee of 60 million Saudi Riyals, making him the most expensive Saudi player in history. In the 2023-24 season, he made 35 appearances for the club. The 2024-25 season saw him make 31 appearances, and he won the Saudi Professional League title with Al-Ittihad. In the 2025-26 season, he made 27 league appearances, scoring 1 goal and providing 1 assist, and also featured in the AFC Champions League Elite, scoring 1 goal in 6 appearances. Across all competitions in the 2025-26 season, he made 33 appearances, scoring 1 goal.
The International Stage
Saudi Arabia Debut and International Record:
Kadesh made his senior debut for Saudi Arabia in 2017. He has since earned 21 caps for the Green Falcons, scoring 2 goals. His first international goal came on September 10, 2024, in a World Cup qualifying match against China, where he scored the equalizer in a 2-1 victory. His second international goal came later in the qualifying campaign.
World Cup Qualifying:
Kadesh was a key member of the Saudi squad that qualified for the 2026 World Cup. In World Cup qualifying, he made 11 appearances and scored 2 goals. His goal against China on September 10, 2024, was a crucial contribution to Saudi Arabia’s successful qualification campaign.
World Cup Campaign (2026):
Kadesh was selected for Saudi Arabia’s 26-man squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. He made three appearances in the tournament. He featured in matches against Uruguay and Spain, though he did not record any goals or assists. He was an unused substitute in the opener against Uruguay.
International Record:
Kadesh has earned 21 caps for Saudi Arabia, scoring 2 goals. He has represented Saudi Arabia in World Cup qualification, the AFC Asian Cup, the CONCACAF Gold Cup, and the 2026 World Cup finals. He has also represented Saudi Arabia at the U21 and Olympic levels.
The Anatomy of His Game
Hassan Kadesh is a defender defined by his experience, leadership, and defensive reliability. Standing at 1.79 meters, he combines physical presence with tactical discipline.
In Possession:
Kadesh is a composed presence in possession, with a pass completion rate of 93% in the 2025-26 Saudi Professional League season. In the 2025-26 league season, he scored 1 goal and provided 1 assist. He is a left-footed defender, a valuable asset for possession-based systems.
Out of Possession:
Kadesh’s defensive contributions are his defining quality. In the 2025-26 Saudi Professional League season, he won 59% of his duels and recorded 1,735 ball contacts. He has a combative, no-nonsense approach to his defensive duties. His longevity in the Saudi Pro League across multiple clubs gives him a broad understanding of the game. His disciplinary record is notable—he received 1 red card in the 2025-26 season.
Psychological Edge:
Kadesh’s mental resilience and leadership are his defining qualities. He served as captain of Al-Ettifaq and captained the Saudi Arabia U-21 national team. His ability to perform consistently across multiple clubs and at the international level reflects his professionalism and commitment. He is described as a “rugged, experienced right-back” who brings a combative, no-nonsense approach to his defensive duties.
The Numbers Game
TABLE A: The Data Snapshot (2025/26 Season)
| Competition | Apps | Goals | Assists | Yellow Cards | Red Cards |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Saudi Pro League (Al-Ittihad) | 27 | 1 | 1 | — | — |
| AFC Champions League Elite | 6 | 1 | 0 | — | — |
| FIFA World Cup 2026 | 3 | 0 | 0 | — | — |
| TOTAL | 36 | 2 | 1 | — | 1 |
TABLE B: Career (League)
| Club | Years | Apps | Goals |
|---|---|---|---|
| Al-Ettifaq | 2012-2017 | 128 | 3 |
| Al-Hilal | 2017-2020 | 21 | 0 |
| Al-Taawoun | 2020-2023 | 74 | 5 |
| Al-Ittihad | 2023-Present | 82+ | 4+ |
| TOTAL | — | 305+ | 12+ |
TABLE C: International Record
| Tournament/Competition | Apps | Goals | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| World Cup Qualifiers | 11 | 2 | Scored vs China |
| AFC Asian Cup | — | 0 | — |
| CONCACAF Gold Cup | — | 0 | — |
| International Friendlies | — | 0 | — |
| FIFA World Cup 2026 | 3 | 0 | — |
| TOTAL | 21 | 2 | — |
TABLE D: Career Milestones
| Year | Achievement | Details |
|---|---|---|
| 2012 | Professional Debut | Al-Ettifaq |
| 2015 | Al-Ettifaq Captain | Appointed club captain |
| 2017 | Al-Hilal Move | Joined Saudi giants |
| 2017 | Saudi Arabia Debut | Senior international debut |
| 2020 | Al-Taawoun Move | Joined Saudi club |
| 2020 | Saudi Professional League Winner | Al-Hilal |
| 2023 | Al-Ittihad Move | Most expensive Saudi player |
| 2025 | Saudi Professional League Winner | Al-Ittihad |
| 2026 | World Cup Selection | Named in Saudi Arabia squad |
| 2026 | World Cup Appearance | 3 appearances |
What these figures reveal
is a player of remarkable consistency and achievement. Kadesh has made over 300 league appearances across four clubs by age 33, scoring over 12 goals from defense. His 21 caps for Saudi Arabia reflect his importance to the national team. His two league titles—with Al-Hilal and Al-Ittihad—demonstrate his ability to perform at the highest level in Saudi football. His selection for the 2026 World Cup represents the pinnacle of his career to date.
The Present Tense
Hassan Kadesh is 33 years old and in the veteran stage of his career. He is Al-Ittihad’s defender, a Saudi Arabian international, and a World Cup participant.
The Al-Ittihad Story:
Kadesh joined Al-Ittihad in August 2023 for a record fee, making him the most expensive Saudi player in history. In the 2025-26 season, he made 27 league appearances, scoring 1 goal and providing 1 assist. He won the Saudi Professional League title with Al-Ittihad in the 2024-25 season. He also featured in the AFC Champions League Elite and the FIFA Club World Cup. His contract runs until 2026.
The World Cup Campaign:
Kadesh was selected for Saudi Arabia’s 26-man squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. He made three appearances in the tournament. Saudi Arabia was eliminated in the group stage.
International Record:
Kadesh has earned 21 caps for Saudi Arabia, scoring 2 goals. He has represented Saudi Arabia in World Cup qualification, the AFC Asian Cup, the CONCACAF Gold Cup, and the 2026 World Cup finals.
Beyond the Touchline
Off the pitch, Hassan Kadesh is defined by his journey from the Saudi domestic leagues to the World Cup stage. Born in Dammam, he has been a consistent presence in Saudi football for over a decade.
His leadership has been a hallmark of his career. He served as captain of Al-Ettifaq and captained the Saudi Arabia U-21 national team. He has been described as a “rugged, experienced” defender who brings a “combative, no-nonsense approach to his defensive duties.”
His record transfer to Al-Ittihad in 2023 marked a significant moment in Saudi football, making him the most expensive Saudi player in history. The move reflected his standing in Saudi football and the value placed on his experience and quality.
His World Cup selection at age 33 reflects the respect he commands within the Saudi national team setup and his ability to perform at the highest level despite his age.
The Verdict from the Camp
Kicker, on Kadesh's profile:
Hassan Kadesh is a defender born on September 26, 1992, standing at 179 cm, and weighing 70 kg. He has been with Al-Ittihad since August 31, 2023.
L'Équipe, on Kadesh's career:
Hassan Kadesh has won the Saudi Professional League in 2025 with Al-Ittihad. He has 21 caps and 2 goals for the Saudi Arabia national team.
Airial Travel, on Kadesh's role:
Kadesh is a “rugged, experienced right-back” who “brings a combative, no-nonsense approach to his defensive duties.” His longevity in the Saudi Pro League gives him a “broad understanding of the game domestically,” and his experience provides “reliable cover on the right flank.”
Wikipedia, on Kadesh's career:
Hassan Kadesh made 128 appearances and scored 3 goals for Al-Ettifaq, serving as club captain from 2015 to 2017. He joined Al-Hilal on July 3, 2017, for a reported fee of 6 million Saudi Riyals, and joined Al-Ittihad on August 31, 2023, for a reported fee of 60 million Saudi Riyals, making him the most expensive Saudi player in history. He has 21 caps and 2 goals for Saudi Arabia.
Where Next?
Hassan Kadesh is 33 years old and in the veteran stage of his career. He is established at Al-Ittihad, a Saudi Arabian international, and a World Cup participant.
For Saudi Arabia, he remains a valuable squad member. His World Cup experience will be invaluable for younger players. With 21 caps, he will be a valuable squad member for future tournaments, including the 2027 AFC Asian Cup.
For Al-Ittihad, he is a key defender and a veteran presence in the squad. His experience and leadership are valuable assets. He will be central to Al-Ittihad’s ambitions in the Saudi Professional League and AFC Champions League.
His career trajectory is remarkable—from Al-Ettifaq to Al-Hilal, from Al-Taawoun to Al-Ittihad, and from the Saudi youth teams to the World Cup. He has earned his place through consistent performance, defensive reliability, and an unwavering commitment to his country.
The boy from Dammam who became Al-Ettifaq captain has become Al-Ittihad’s record signing, a Saudi international, and a World Cup participant. Hassan Kadesh’s journey is a story of loyalty, leadership, and the pursuit of excellence on football’s greatest stage.
