Khalid Al-Ghannam is making a strong push for a return to the Saudi national team ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, following a spectacular performance in Al-Ettifaq's 3-1 away victory over Al-Okhdood in the Saudi Pro League on Thursday. The 25-year-old winger scored a breathtaking bicycle kick in the 74th minute, his 11th league goal of the season, to lead his team to a crucial win.
Impressive Season Stats
Al-Ghannam's goal contributions this season total 15, including four assists, placing him just one behind the most prolific Saudi player in the league, Salem Al-Dawsari, who has eight goals and eight assists. The winger's recent form has caught the attention of national team selectors, especially with only four caps to his name so far.
Goal Highlights
The highlight of the match came when Al-Ghannam capitalized on a loose clearance by Al-Okhdood defender Hussain Al-Zabdani. He leaped acrobatically to fire a stunning bicycle kick past goalkeeper Samuel Portugal, a goal that could significantly boost his chances of earning a starting spot for the Green Falcons at the World Cup this summer.
National Team Journey
Al-Ghannam recently returned to the national setup after a four-year absence. His first three international appearances included 61 minutes in Herve Renard's penultimate match in charge, a 4-0 defeat to Egypt in March. He also has a connection with Renard's successor, Giorgos Donis, who previously coached him at club level. Donis brought Al-Ghannam to Al-Fateh on loan in 2023, giving him a major opportunity early in his career. At just 22, the winger made 15 appearances and contributed to five goals, helping Al-Fateh finish sixth in the league.
Club Performance
Al-Ghannam has been a key player for Al-Ettifaq this season, especially after playing only 195 minutes on loan with Al-Hilal last season. His performances have pushed the club into seventh place, with an outside chance of catching fifth-placed Al-Taawoun and securing a spot in the AFC Champions League Elite play-offs.
Match Details
Al-Ghannam's goal came between Alvaro Medran's opener just before half-time and Georginio Wijnaldum's 79th-minute effort that sealed the win. The victory left Al-Ettifaq on 45 points, four behind Al-Taawoun with four games remaining. Al-Ittihad are on 48 points in sixth but have a game in hand. The defeat pushed Al-Okhdood deeper into relegation trouble, as the Najran-based club remains second-bottom on 16 points after 30 matches, 10 behind Damac in the final safe spot.
Other Matches
Elsewhere on Thursday, Al-Kholood and Al-Fayha played out a 1-1 draw at Al-Hazem Stadium. Chris Smalling opened the scoring for Al-Fayha in the 30th minute, before Iker Kortajarena equalized nine minutes later. The result moves 14th-placed Al-Kholood closer to top-flight survival on 30 points but still not safe. The Pro League action continues on Saturday with Al-Hazem hosting title challengers Al-Hilal, who aim to close the eight-point gap on league leaders Al-Nassr.
