Ali Al-Bulaihi Makes Saudi Pro League History as Al-Shabab Beat Al-Fateh
Ali Al-Bulaihi produced a memorable performance for Al-Shabab, scoring twice in a 3-1 victory over Al-Fateh and becoming the Saudi Pro League’s highest-scoring defender. But the defender’s historic night extended beyond the pitch: after the final whistle, he dedicated the match to broadcaster Waleed Al-Farraj, prompting a playful response on television that quickly became part of the story.
The result gave Al-Shabab three valuable points after a recent stumble at home, while Al-Bulaihi’s brace added a landmark achievement to his career. His goals took his league total to 22, moving him ahead of former Al-Shabab defender Farouk Chafai, who had scored 21 in the competition.
Al-Bulaihi’s Message to Waleed Al-Farraj
Speaking after the match, Al-Bulaihi said he wanted to dedicate the performance to Al-Farraj. He also stressed the importance of the win and reflected on his record-breaking contribution, saying: “We achieved an important win after stumbling at home. It is natural that I score, and I set the scoring record as a defender in the league.”
Al-Farraj responded during his programme, Rotana Sport with Waleed, on Rotana Khaleejia. In a light-hearted moment, the broadcaster raised his agal while acknowledging Al-Bulaihi’s comments and making clear that the player had every right to speak with confidence after reaching such a milestone.
The exchange gave the result an extra talking point for Saudi football fans. Al-Bulaihi’s achievement was the main sporting headline, but the friendly back-and-forth also brought attention to the personalities and media moments that increasingly accompany major league performances.
How Al-Shabab Secured the 3-1 Win
Al-Shabab began brightly and took the lead in the 17th minute through Ricardo Matias. Al-Bulaihi then doubled the advantage in the 31st minute, giving the home side a strong platform and underlining his threat from attacking situations despite his defensive role.
Al-Fateh responded before half-time. Lukas Haraslin found the net in the 40th minute, reducing the deficit and keeping the contest alive going into the break. The visitors had a reason to believe they could get back into the match, but Al-Bulaihi struck again shortly after the restart.
His second goal arrived in the 54th minute, restoring Al-Shabab’s two-goal cushion and completing the brace. The goal proved decisive, allowing Al-Shabab to manage the remainder of the match with greater control. For Al-Fateh, Haraslin’s finish offered a brief opening, but the hosts’ early scoring and second-half response ultimately settled the contest.
A Record-Breaking Return for a Defender
Al-Bulaihi’s 22 Saudi Pro League goals place him alone at the top of the competition’s all-time scoring list for defenders. He moved past Chafai’s previous mark of 21, turning an impressive personal statistic into a piece of league history.
The goals have come across three club spells. Al-Bulaihi scored 17 times for Al-Hilal, added four goals for Al-Shabab and registered one while playing for Al-Fateh. His latest brace was therefore significant not only because it secured a win, but also because it confirmed his place as the most prolific defender in the league’s history.
Defenders are not usually judged by their goal totals, with their primary responsibilities focused on stopping attacks, protecting the penalty area and helping their teams maintain shape. However, Al-Bulaihi has repeatedly shown that he can influence matches at the other end as well. His performance against Al-Fateh demonstrated how a defender’s timing, confidence and presence in attacking areas can change the course of a game.
What the Result Could Mean for Al-Shabab
Beyond the record, the victory could provide Al-Shabab with a timely lift. Dropping points at home can create pressure, particularly in a competitive Saudi Pro League campaign where a short run of results can quickly affect a club’s position and momentum. A convincing win, supported by goals from multiple players, offers a useful response.
Al-Bulaihi’s contribution may also give the team another attacking option to consider. His goals do not make him a forward, but they highlight the value of set pieces, well-timed runs and defenders who can make the most of opportunities in the opposition area. If Al-Shabab can continue creating those situations, his threat could remain an important feature of their football.
Saudi Pro League Prediction and the Road Ahead
One result does not determine the direction of a season, so any prediction about Al-Shabab’s prospects should be measured. The win over Al-Fateh is encouraging, but consistency will matter most. Al-Shabab will need to build on the performance, limit defensive lapses and turn strong individual displays into a reliable team pattern.
For Al-Bulaihi, the immediate challenge is to balance his historic scoring form with the defensive duties that remain central to his role. Opponents are likely to pay closer attention to his movement after this performance, particularly when Al-Shabab has a chance to attack from dead-ball situations. How he adapts—and whether his teammates can continue finding him in dangerous areas—will be worth watching.
For now, Al-Bulaihi can celebrate a rare double: a decisive brace in a 3-1 victory and sole ownership of the Saudi Pro League’s defender scoring record. His message to Al-Farraj added an entertaining finish to the night, but the lasting headline belongs to the football itself. Al-Shabab earned an important result, and their defender made history while doing it.
