5 Saudi Stars to shine for Renard at FIFA Arab Cup | OneFootball

The latest edition of the FIFA Arab Cup is up and running in Qatar as teams from across the Arab world fight for regional pride.

Our Green Falcons are chasing their first Arab Cup title since 2002 and, with close to a full-strength squad, Herve Renard’s Saudi Arabia are aiming for success.

To do so, he will need his side firing. So, we’ve selected five players who have made a fast start to the current Roshn Saudi League season who are hoping to transfer that form to Qatar this month.

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Waleed Al Ahmed - Al Taawoun

The 26-year-old has forced his way back into the national team on the back of his impressive showings for a surging Al Taawoun, who sit third in the table after nine matchweeks.

Having made his international debut in 2021 while playing for Al Faisaly, Al Ahmed had to wait four years for another shot, but his form so far has warranted this chance.

With four goals already, the centre-back is the highest-scoring defender in the 2025-26 RSL. Standing at almost 190cm, Al Ahmed is a clear threat from set-pieces, with his goals against Al Qadsiah and NEOM Sports Club coming from corners.

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Saleh Abu Al Shamat - Al Ahli

The biggest impact Abu Al Shamat has made this season, arguably, has been with the national team rather than Al Ahli.

Not that he hasn’t played well for the Asian champions; he has a goal and assist to his name in the AFC Champions League Elite.

However, such was Abu Al Shamat’s impact in the Fourth Round of Asian Qualifiers that a large part of the reason Saudi Arabia are going to next year’s FIFA World Cup is because of him, especially in his debut display against Indonesia.

Renard will be expecting more of the same from the 23-year-old forward at the Arab Cup to help liven up his team’s attack.

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Salem Al Dawsari - Al Hilal

The reigning AFC Player of the Year remains the talisman for Saudi Arabia, even at 34 years of age.

Remarkably, he seems to get better with age, where his craft and finishing in the final third remain key for Saudi Arabia as they look at not only success at the Arab Cup, but further ahead to the 2026 FIFA World Cup in North America next year.

As Al Hilal remain hot on the heels of RSL leaders Al Nassr - they sit second, four points back - Al Dawsari has two goals and four assists this season. As if needed, but the electrifying winger continues to show why he is regarded as one of Saudi Arabia’s finest-ever players.

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Feras Al Buraikan - Al Ahli

The 25-year-old seems to have become the preferred option to lead his national team’s line, and his two goals against Indonesia in October were key in guiding Saudi Arabia to another FIFA World Cup appearance. Again, it showed that Al Buraikan can be a man for the big occasion.

With Al Ahli hunting down Al Nassr at the top of the table - they went into this break in fourth - he’s already contributed two goals and an assist this campaign.

Meanwhile, Al Buraikan’s understanding and combination play with both Al Dawsari and Abu Al Shamat will be key as they create a mobile and versatile attack that can threaten and unlock defences.

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Murad Al Hawsawi - Al Khaleej

It remains to be seen whether the 24-year-old will make his international debut having been an unused substitute against Cote d’Ivoire and Algeria last month.

However, such has been his start to the season for sixth-placed Al Khaleej that Al Hawsawi is now firmly in Renard’s plans.

After coming through at Ohod, the midfielder enjoyed a breakout season on loan at Al Khaleej last season - enough so for the Saihat club to make the move permanent in the summer.

That show of faith has been rewarded, with Al Khaleej one of the early season surprise packages, where Al Hawsawi sits at the heart of that in central midfield. From there, he has contributed a goal and an assist - the former a stunning long-range effort against Al Nassr last time out.