PLAYER SNAPSHOT: At a Glance
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Nawaf Mashari Abdulrahman Boushal |
| Date of Birth | 16 September 1999 (Age: 26) |
| Place of Birth | Saudi Arabia |
| Nationality | Saudi Arabian |
| Height | 1.73 m / 5 ft 8 in |
| Weight | 64–79 kg |
| Position | Right-Back |
| Preferred Foot | Right |
| Current Club | Al-Nassr FC |
| Previous Clubs | Al-Fateh SC |
| International Caps | 2+ |
| International Goals | 0 |
| World Cup Appearances | 2026 |
| Contract Until | 2027 |
| Market Value | €1.1M–€1.4M |
The Frozen Moment
The 2026 FIFA World Cup in North America marked Nawaf Boushal’s arrival on the global stage. The 26-year-old right-back from Al-Nassr was named in Georgios Donis’s 26-man squad for the tournament, selected among Saudi Arabia’s defensive options alongside established names like Saud Abdulhamid, Hassan Tambakti, and Abdulelah Al Amri.
Boushal made his World Cup debut in Saudi Arabia’s Group H campaign, featuring in two matches and accumulating 91 minutes of tournament football. He started one match, coming on as a substitute in the other, and recorded no goals or assists across his appearances. Despite the limited minutes, Boushal’s inclusion in the squad was a testament to his consistent performances for Al-Nassr in the Saudi Pro League, where he had helped the club win the league title in the 2025-26 season.
For the right-back who had risen through the ranks of Saudi football—from Al-Fateh to Al-Nassr, from a €3.9 million transfer to league success and a World Cup call-up—the tournament was the pinnacle of a career built on steady progression and defensive reliability.
Origins
Nawaf Boushal was born on 16 September 1999 in Saudi Arabia. He stands at 1.73 metres and is right-footed, typically playing as a right-back.
His football journey began in Saudi Arabia’s domestic league, where he developed through the ranks of Al-Fateh SC. He made his professional debut in the 2019-20 Saudi Pro League season, making 17 appearances. His early career at Al-Fateh established him as a promising young defender capable of performing in Saudi Arabia’s top flight.
The Professional Forge
Al-Fateh SC (2019-2023):
Boushal spent his formative years at Al-Fateh, where he developed into a reliable right-back over four seasons. His breakthrough campaign came in 2020-21, when he made 29 league appearances (27 starts), playing 2,435 minutes and scoring 2 goals. The 2021-22 season was similarly productive, with 27 appearances, 2,098 minutes, 1 goal, and 2 assists.
His consistency at Al-Fateh made him one of the most promising full-backs in the league and attracted the attention of Saudi Arabia’s biggest clubs. In January 2023, Boushal transferred to Al-Nassr for a reported fee of approximately €3.9 million.
Al-Nassr (2023-Present):
Boushal joined Al-Nassr in January 2023, signing a contract until 2027. His first full season at the club (2023-24) saw him make 14 league appearances (8 starts), playing 758 minutes, and providing 1 assist.
The 2024-25 season was his most productive at Al-Nassr. He made 30 appearances (24 starts), playing 2,191 minutes, scoring 2 goals, and providing 6 assists. His creative output from the right-back position was significant—his 0.33 goal involvements per 90 minutes placed him among the most productive full-backs in the league.
In the 2025-26 Saudi Pro League season, Boushal made 32 appearances, playing 1,871 minutes. He recorded 0 goals and 6 assists, with an average rating of 7.22. He made 62 tackles, 33 interceptions, and 92 recoveries. His defensive actions ranked in the 92nd percentile compared to other full-backs. He received 3 yellow cards and 1 red card across the season.
Boushal’s contributions helped Al-Nassr win the Saudi Professional League title in the 2025-26 season. He also featured in the AFC Champions League Elite and AFC Champions League Two competitions, making 26 appearances across both tournaments.
International Career
Senior Debut:
Boushal made his senior debut for Saudi Arabia in the lead-up to the 2026 World Cup. He was named in Georgios Donis’s final 26-man squad for the tournament, selected among nine defenders.
2026 World Cup Campaign:
Boushal was named in Saudi Arabia’s 26-man squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup on 31 May 2026. At the tournament, he made his World Cup debut in Saudi Arabia’s Group H campaign, featuring in two matches. He started one match and came on as a substitute in the other, accumulating 91 minutes of tournament football.
In his World Cup appearances, Boushal recorded 64 ball contacts, 1 foul committed, 1 foul suffered, and 1 tackle won. He received no cards across the tournament. His pass accuracy was 70%. Saudi Arabia competed in a group that included Uruguay, Spain, and Cape Verde.
International Record:
Boushal has earned 2+ caps for Saudi Arabia, both at the 2026 World Cup, and has yet to score his first international goal. He has also represented Saudi Arabia at the Arab Club Champions Cup and AFC Champions League levels.
The Anatomy of His Game
Boushal is a right-footed right-back known for his defensive reliability, work rate, and attacking contributions from the flank. At 1.73 metres, he uses his agility and pace to defend effectively and support attacking transitions.
In Possession:
Boushal is a creative presence from the full-back position. In the 2025-26 Saudi Pro League season, he recorded 6 assists. He also created 6 big chances and completed 6 successful crosses. His expected assists (xA) stood at 2.09, and he completed 701 passes at a success rate of 84.6%. His 0.33 goal involvements per 90 minutes in the 2024-25 season highlight his attacking quality from the back.
Out of Possession:
Boushal’s defensive contributions are his primary asset. In the 2025-26 Saudi Pro League season, he recorded 62 tackles, 33 interceptions, and 92 recoveries. He made 73 clearances and 3 blocks. His defensive actions ranked in the 92nd percentile compared to other full-backs. He also recorded 1.34 tackles per 90 minutes and 0.72 interceptions per 90. His aerial duel success rate stood at 66.7%. At the World Cup, he recorded 64 ball contacts and won 1 tackle.
Psychological Edge:
Boushal’s career is defined by steady progression. From Al-Fateh’s youth ranks to Al-Nassr, and from a €3.9 million transfer to league success and a World Cup call-up, he has consistently proven himself at each level. His ability to contribute both defensively and offensively from the full-back position has made him a valuable asset to both club and country.
The Numbers Game
TABLE A: 2025/26 Season Snapshot (Al-Nassr)
| Competition | Apps | Minutes | Goals | Assists | Rating | Yellow Cards | Red Cards |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Saudi Pro League | 32 | 1,871 | 0 | 6 | 7.22 | 3 | 1 |
TABLE B: 2026 World Cup Snapshot
| Competition | Apps | Starts | Minutes | Goals | Assists | Tackles Won | Fouls Committed | Cards |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| FIFA World Cup 2026 | 2 | 1 | 91 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 0 |
TABLE C: Career (League Only)
| Season | Club | Apps | Starts | Minutes | Goals | Assists |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2019-20 | Al-Fateh | 17 | 13 | 1,215 | 0 | 1 |
| 2020-21 | Al-Fateh | 29 | 27 | 2,435 | 2 | 0 |
| 2021-22 | Al-Fateh | 27 | 25 | 2,098 | 1 | 2 |
| 2022-23 | Al-Fateh | 11 | 11 | 963 | 0 | 0 |
| 2022-23 | Al-Nassr | 10 | 1 | 174 | 0 | 0 |
| 2023-24 | Al-Nassr | 14 | 8 | 758 | 0 | 1 |
| 2024-25 | Al-Nassr | 30 | 24 | 2,191 | 2 | 6 |
| 2025-26 | Al-Nassr | 32 | 24 | 1,871 | 0 | 6 |
| TOTAL | — | 170 | 133 | 11,705 | 5 | 16 |
TABLE D: International Record
| Competition | Apps | Goals |
|---|---|---|
| Saudi Arabia Senior Career | 2+ | 0 |
| FIFA World Cup 2026 | 2 | 0 |
TABLE E: Career Achievements
| Honour | Details |
|---|---|
| Saudi Pro League | 2025-26 (Al-Nassr) |
| FIFA World Cup Participant | 2026 (Saudi Arabia) |
| AFC Champions League Elite | 16 appearances (Al-Nassr) |
| Saudi Pro League Appearances | 170 |
Beyond the Touchline
Off the pitch, Boushal’s journey is defined by steady progression through Saudi football. From his early days at Al-Fateh to his move to Al-Nassr and his World Cup selection, he has consistently proven himself at each level.
His transfer to Al-Nassr in January 2023 for €3.9 million marked a significant step in his career. Since then, he has become a regular contributor at one of Saudi Arabia’s biggest clubs, winning the league title in the 2025-26 season. His 170 league appearances and 16 assists reflect a career of sustained output.
At the 2026 World Cup, Boushal was part of Saudi Arabia’s defensive unit, gaining valuable experience on the global stage. His 91 minutes of tournament football and his start in one match demonstrate the trust placed in him by the coaching staff.
Where Next?
Nawaf Boushal is 26 years old and under contract with Al-Nassr until 2027. His performances in the Saudi Pro League—6 assists in the 2025-26 season and an average rating of 7.22—have established him as a key player for the club. His World Cup experience, though brief, has elevated his profile. He is expected to continue as a regular starter for Al-Nassr and to remain a part of the Saudi Arabian national team setup.
For Saudi Arabia, Boushal provides depth and reliability at right-back. His defensive contributions and his ability to contribute offensively make him a valuable squad option. At 26, he is entering his prime years and is expected to compete for a regular place in the national team setup for the foreseeable future.
From Al-Fateh to Al-Nassr, from the Saudi Pro League to the World Cup, Nawaf Boushal’s journey is a story of steady progression, defensive reliability, and quiet achievement. The right-back who rose through the ranks of Saudi football is now a World Cup player—and a symbol of the Green Falcons’ defensive depth on the global stage.
