Al Ettifaq, one of Saudi Arabia’s most prestigious football clubs, has a rich history filled with memorable moments and remarkable players. Among the many contributors to the club’s success, some stand out as the all-time top scorers, leaving an indelible mark on the team’s legacy. In this article, we celebrate the legendary players who have graced Al Ettifaq with their goal-scoring prowess and continue to be remembered by fans.
All Time Top Scorers of Al Ettifaq
5. Prince Tagoe – 30 Goals
Prince Tagoe’s journey with Al Ettifaq commenced in 2007/08 when he made the move to Saudi Arabia. Prior to joining Al Ettifaq, Tagoe had made a name for himself in Ghanaian football and had also gained experience playing for European clubs. His lethal finishing, physical presence, and ability to find the back of the net consistently made him Al Ettifaq’s go-to striker during his tenure at the club.
He could operate as a traditional center-forward or play in deeper attacking roles, adapting to various tactical setups. Tagoe’s imposing physical presence posed a formidable challenge for opposing defenders. His strength, aerial ability, and hold-up play made him a nightmare for defenders to deal with. While his time at Al Ettifaq may have been relatively short, Prince Tagoe’s contributions to the club’s history are etched in the hearts of fans and serve as a testament to his remarkable footballing career.
Despite his nomadic career, Tagoe will always be remembered as one of Al Ettifaq’s greatest strikers. He was a prolific goalscorer who entertained the fans with his dribbling skills and powerful shots. Tagoe is a true legend of the club.
Here are some of Tagoe’s other achievements with Al Ettifaq:
- Won the Saudi Premier League top scorer award in 2009
- Reached the final of the Saudi FA Cup in 2009
- Reached the quarterfinals of the AFC Champions League in 2009
4. Mohammed Al-Kuwaykibi – 36 Goals
Mohammed Al-Kuwaykibi’s journey with Al Ettifaq began when he joined the club’s youth academy as a promising teenager. The club’s commitment to nurturing homegrown talent provided him with a platform to develop his skills and progress through the ranks. His dedication and rapid improvement soon earned him a spot in Al Ettifaq’s senior squad.
Al-Kuwaykibi’s youthfulness injects energy and enthusiasm into the team. His vibrant playing style, combined with his ability to take on defenders and create goal-scoring opportunities, added a new dimension to Al Ettifaq’s attack. Despite his young age, Al-Kuwaykibi has showcased his ability to find the back of the net. His composure in front of goal and instinctive finishing have seen him score crucial goals for the club.
Al-Kuwaykibi is still young and has a lot of potential. He is one of the brightest young stars in Saudi Arabian football, and he is sure to achieve great things in the years to come.
Here are some of Al-Kuwaykibi’s achievements with Al Ettifaq:
- Saudi Premier League: 2016, 2017
- King Cup: 2017
- Saudi Super Cup: 2017
3. Sebastian Tagliabue – 36 Goals
Sebastián Tagliabúe’s journey with Al Ettifaq commenced in 2009, marking the start of a fruitful partnership. His move to Saudi Arabia came after a stint with Argentine club Atlético Rafaela. Tagliabúe quickly adapted to the Saudi Arabian league, demonstrating his extraordinary goal-scoring ability and work ethic.
He has been Al Ettifaq’s go-to striker for over a decade, marking an impressive tally of goals that placed him among the league’s all-time top scorers. His prolific goal-scoring, versatility, leadership, longevity, and undeniable passion for the game left an unforgettable legacy at the club.
Tagliabue is a popular figure among Al Ettifaq fans and is seen as one of the club’s most important players. He is contracted to the club until 2023 and is expected to continue to be a key part of the team for many years to come.
Here is a list of Tagliabue’s achievements with Al Ettifaq:
- Saudi Professional League champion: 2020
- King Cup champion: 2021
- Saudi Professional League top scorer: 2020
- Al Ettifaq Player of the Year: 2020
2. Youssef Al-Salem – 55 Goals
Youssef Al-Salem was renowned for his ability to find the back of the net. His precise finishing, aerial prowess, and innate sense of positioning made him a formidable forward. His goal-scoring exploits have consistently helped Al Ettifaq to success in domestic and international competitions. Al-Salem’s physical presence posed a significant threat to opposing defenders. His strength and agility allowed him to hold up play and create opportunities for his teammates.
Beyond his natural talent, Al-Salem is admired for his relentless work ethic on the field. He tirelessly tracked back to help in defence and actively participated in pressing opponents, making him an asset in both the attacking and defensive phases of the game. He did set an example for younger players and served as a mentor both on and off the pitch.
Al-Salem was a versatile attacker who can play anywhere in the front three. He was a good finisher with both feet, and he is also a threat from set-pieces. He was a popular figure among the Al Ettifaq fans, and he is known for his work ethic and dedication.
Here are some of Al-Salem’s achievements with Al Ettifaq:
- Saudi Premier League: 2016
- Saudi Cup: 2015, 2016
- Saudi Crown Prince Cup: 2016
1. Saleh Bashir – 84 Goals
Saleh Bashir’s journey with Al Ettifaq began in the club’s youth system, where he improved his skills and developed into a promising forward. His determination and hard work paid off when he made his debut for Al Ettifaq’s senior team in 2013.
Bashir’s versatility on the field was one of his standout qualities. He was equally comfortable as a center-forward or playing in the wide attacking positions. This adaptability allowed him to fit seamlessly into various tactical setups.
Bashir’s consistency in performance had been a driving force behind Al Ettifaq’s success in domestic and international competitions. His ability to deliver in high-pressure situations earned him the trust of both fans and coaches. His experience and on-field maturity have made him a mentor to younger players and a respected figure in the dressing room.
Bashir retired from football in 2014. He is Al Ettifaq’s all-time leading scorer and is considered one of the club’s greatest ever players.
Here are some of Bashir’s other achievements with Al Ettifaq:
- 2x Saudi Premier League champion (2004, 2005)
- 2x King Cup champion (2006, 2013)
- AFC Champions League finalist (2005, 2012)
- Saudi Professional League Player of the Year (2005)
Most goals for Al Ettifaq in history of Saudi Club
In the vibrant history of Saudi Arabian football, Al Ettifaq Football Club shines as a beacon of success and transformation. Established in 1944 through the merger of three Dammam-based clubs, this football institution has etched its name in history by clinching an impressive tally of 13 major trophies. From the Saudi Premier League to the King Cup and the GCC Champions League, Al Ettifaq has consistently displayed a commitment to excellence that has earned them a hallowed status in Saudi football.
The club’s zenith arrived in the illustrious 1980s when they clinched the Saudi Premier League title twice, alongside the King Cup and the prestigious GCC Champions League. This golden era saw the emergence of iconic players such as Khalil Al-Zayani, a stalwart who remains one of the most celebrated figures in Saudi Arabian football history. Alongside him, Mohammed Al-Khazraj and the legendary goalkeeper, Mohammed Al-Deayea, graced the pitch, contributing significantly to Al Ettifaq’s dominance.
While the ’90s and early 2000s ushered in a period of relative decline, Al Ettifaq underwent a remarkable resurgence in recent years. Triumphantly clinching the Saudi Premier League in both 2016 and 2017, the club also impressed by reaching the AFC Champions League final on two occasions, asserting their return to the upper echelons of Asian football.
A pivotal turning point was the appointment of Jorge Fossati as manager. A revered coach with a trophy-laden history spanning Uruguay, Qatar, and Iran, Fossati instilled a newfound professionalism within Al Ettifaq, fostering the development of the club’s emerging talents.
Crucially, the club’s international aspirations were buoyed by the strategic acquisition of talented foreign players hailing from Brazil, Argentina, and Europe. These seasoned athletes not only bolstered the squad’s quality but also brought a wealth of experience to the team.
Today, Al Ettifaq stands as one of Saudi Arabia’s most ambitious football clubs, setting its sights on a future filled with more silverware and international acclaim. With prudent investments and meticulous planning, there’s no doubt that Al Ettifaq has the potential to become a global powerhouse in the years ahead.
The heroes who have etched their names in Al Ettifaq’s annals include:
- Khalil Al-Zayani: A lifelong servant of the club, Al-Zayani’s legacy is synonymous with the club’s golden era of the 1980s, solidifying his status as one of Saudi Arabia’s all-time greats.
- Mohammed Al-Khazraj: A prolific striker in the ’80s and ’90s, Al-Khazraj’s goal-scoring prowess was instrumental in Al Ettifaq’s trophy-laden history.
- Mohammed Al-Deayea: As the custodian of Al Ettifaq’s goalposts from 1992 to 2009, Al-Deayea’s exceptional talents earned him the distinction of being one of Asia’s greatest goalkeepers and the record holder for the most appearances for the Saudi Arabian national team.
Al Ettifaq’s journey has been one of resilience, adaptation, and triumph. With their eyes firmly set on the future, they continue to inspire and capture the hearts of football fans both within Saudi Arabia and across the globe.
These legendary forwards have etched their names into the history of Al Ettifaq with their remarkable goal-scoring exploits. Their contributions to the club’s success, memorable goals, and unwavering commitment to the team continue to be celebrated by fans and serve as a source of inspiration for future generations of footballers. As Al Ettifaq continues to evolve and make its mark in Saudi Arabian football, the legacy of these all-time top scorers will forever be part of the club’s storied history.
