Saudi Arabia’s Saud Abdulhamid has become the first-ever Saudi footballer to appear in France’s top flight, stepping off the bench for new club RC Lens in their 1-0 defeat to Lyon on the opening weekend of the 2025/26 Ligue 1 season.
The 25-year-old defender is currently on loan from AS Roma, where he also made history as he became the first Saudi player to join a Serie A club after signing in early 2024. Though opportunities in Rome were limited - making just six appearances across all competitions - Abdulhamid's move was historic in its own right, seen as a breakthrough for Saudi footballers entering top-tier European systems.
Now, his loan to Lens represents a chance not just for more regular minutes, but to prove that Saudi talent can compete and grow in Europe’s major leagues.
Abdulhamid received a warm ovation from the home crowd at Stade Bollaert-Delelis as he entered the fray in the second half. While Lens ultimately came up short, the night marked a personal milestone for the Saudi international—and another landmark moment in the country’s growing footballing presence on the global stage.
The game’s only goal arrived in first-half stoppage time (45+1), when Georgian striker Georges Mikautadze pounced on a slick assist from Belgian winger Malick Fofana, one of Lyon’s standout performers on the night.
Off the pitch, the match also signified a new era for Lyon, who recently overcame financial turmoil following the exit of former owner John Textor. Initially ruled ineligible for Ligue 1 by the French football watchdog, the club was reinstated after new president Michele Kang successfully demonstrated financial viability heading into the 2026 season.
From Rome to Lens, Abdulhamid’s journey reflects the ambition of a new generation of Saudi footballers—ready not just to dream, but to compete.
