Saud Abdulhamid Becomes First Saudi Player to Score for AS Roma in Europa League
In a historic moment, Saud Abdulhamid, AS Roma's right-back, netted his first goal for the club during their 3-0 Europa League victory over Braga, marking the first time a Saudi Arabian player has scored in European competition.
AS Roma celebrated a significant 3-0 triumph over Braga in the Europa League, a match that featured a landmark achievement by right-back Saud Abdulhamid. The 25-year-old defender, who joined Roma from Al-Hilal in August 2024, became the first Saudi Arabian player to score in European competition.
The Giallorossi took the lead in the 11th minute when captain Lorenzo Pellegrini converted a precise pass from Nicola Zalewski. Shortly after the second half commenced, Abdulhamid doubled the advantage. In the 47th minute, following a dynamic play by Manu Koné, Abdulhamid found himself one-on-one with Braga's goalkeeper and confidently struck the ball into the net.
This goal not only solidified Roma's position in the match but also etched Abdulhamid's name into the history books as the first Saudi player to score in a major European tournament. His performance underscores his growing importance to the team, especially under the guidance of coach Claudio Ranieri.
The victory was further cemented in stoppage time when Mario Hermoso, who entered the game in the 74th minute, scored his debut goal for Roma, sealing the 3-0 result.
Abdulhamid's journey to this historic moment began with his transfer from Al-Hilal to AS Roma for €2.5 million. He made his debut for the club in a Europa League match against Athletic Bilbao on 26 September 2024, becoming the first Saudi player to feature in European competitions. His Serie A debut followed on 24 November 2024, in a match against Napoli.
This milestone not only highlights Abdulhamid's personal achievements but also signifies a broader progression for Saudi Arabian football, showcasing the increasing presence and impact of its players on the international stage.