RIYADH: A Pakistani boy had one of his footballing dreams come true when he met his Saudi hero Salem Al-Dawsari in Islamabad.
The young fan was seen in a video on social media watching Al-Dawsari’s goal against Argentina in the 2022 World Cup and saying that the winger was his hero.
Dawsari responded to his wishes by welcoming the youngster and gifting him the iconic, green-and-white number 10 Salem shirt.
A video posted to the national team’s X account showed the encounter.
“You happy now?” Al-Dawsari asks, after hugging the boy. “Yes, so happy,” the boy replies, before the pair shared a photo.
Saudi Arabia is set to face off against Pakistan in Islamabad on Thursday in the 2026 World Cup and 2027 Asian Cup qualifiers.
Al-Dawsari took to X and said in Urdu that he is happy to be in Pakistan and that he looks forward to the match at Jinnah Stadium.
The Saudi playmaker scored the winning goal in the 2-1 victory against the South American giants, stunning the sporting world in the process and prompting authorities in the Kingdom to announce a national holiday to commemorate the achievement.
But, footballing legend Lionel Messi and his company of stars would later go on to win all their remaining games to lift the trophy in Qatar.
The Green Falcons are favorites to win the match against their hosts, who are rooted to the bottom of Group G after playing four of their six matches. The Saudi players will fly home to face Jordan on Tuesday.
The next World Cup will be held in the USA, Canada and Mexico. The Asian Cup will be played in the Kingdom.