“Football is a common love of the nation,” Abdulellah Al-Malki says thoughtfully. “When we come together for the national team, all the different clubs colours merge together and unify into one green colour. We are all Saudis and we are proud of that.”
The Al-Hilal playmaker speaks with a gravitas that only comes from experience. Having previously played for Jeddah’s Al-Ittihad and Al-Wehda in Mecca, he knows what it is is like to represent different sides of the Saudi football spectrum.
As one of the more senior members of the Saudi world cup squad Abdulellah Al-Malki has learnt what his role in the team is, and he knows what his country needs from him. “We don’t want to go to the World Cup just to participate, we are there to make everyone in our county proud. As people, we have multiple differences, but we all have the same desire.”
ESQ: What does it mean for you to be playing for the Saudi National Team?
A source of inspiration, pride and joyful
ESQ: What was the moment you remember falling in love with football?
I fell in love with football since my early steps. I grew up watching and playing football. I decided to be a professional football player when I got the opportunity with Al Wehda FC
ESQ: What makes the football culture so unique and special in Saudi Arabia?
It is the one, only and common love of the nation. It is the sport watched by all Saudi people categories. Passion puts us all together to love football.
“We don’t want to participate just to be there. We will do our best to satisfy everyone who believes in us.”
Abdulellah Al-Malki
ESQ: Who are your footballing heroes?
I love the playing style of Andres Iniesta. I used to love watching the magic of his touch when he played.
ESQ: Do you have a favourite World Cup moment or specific goal that you remember?
Without a doubt, my favourite moment was when we qualified for the World Cup 2022. Also, representing the national team and the Saudi nation is limitless honor. I tend to be an assists maker due to the position I occupy on the playfield. My first assist to the national team is something impossible to forget.
ESQ: What did you learn from playing to the Saudi National team?
I have learned that the different clubs colours unify into one green colour, since we have one purpose and one goal. We have multiple differences but one desire.
ESQ: In the upcoming World Cup, what are your expectation for KSA? What would you consider a successful tournament?
We don’t want to participate just to be there. We will do our best to satisfy everyone who believes in us.
ESQ: What message, and legacy would you like to leave on the footballing culture of the KSA?
Beating sports fanaticism and enjoying the moment.