Osama Hawsawi
Osama Hawsawi (, born 31 March 1984) is a retired Saudi Arabian footballer who played as a central defender. After starting out at Al-Wehda, he went on to spend the vast majority of his career with Al-Hilal and Al-Ahli. He won several major titles with both clubs, including five Pro League titles, five Crown Prince Cups and two King Cups. In addition, he became the first Saudi player to play in the Belgian Pro League. Hawsawi earned 138 caps for the Saudi Arabia national team between 2006 and 2018, playing at three AFC Asian Cups, captaining  the side at the 2018 World Cup and finishing as runner-up at the 2007 AFC Asian Cup. Club career. Al Wehda. Hawsawi began his professional football career where Al-Wehda Club and soon after, at Al-Wehda, he became a regular in the first team, playing in the central defense. Al Hilal. After making 59 appearances and scoring once, Hawsawi joined Al-Hilal. While at Al-Hilal, Hawsawi was a regular player under the manager of Eric Gerets, Hawsawi was appointed the captain. Hawsawi won seven titles with Al-Hilal. Three league titles (in 2008, 2010 and 2011 seasons ) and 4 Crown Prince Cup. Anderlecht. In April 2012, Hawsawi signed a two-year contract with Belgian side Anderlecht, making him the only member of the Saudi Arabia national team squad to play in Europe at the time. Hawsawi also become the first Saudi Arabian player to play for the club and also in the league. However, his time at Anderlecht was 'forgettable' due to lack of playing time at the club and only made one appearance for the club when played as a centre back in a 1–1 draw against OH Leuven on 25 August 2012. Hawsawi was also  on the substitute bench when Anderlecht won the Belgian Super Cup but he wasn't substituted. Al-Ahli. In November 2012, Hawsawi finally left Belgium to return to his homeland by joining Al-Ahli for 1.5 million. Al-Hilal. In 2016, Al-Hilal made Hawsawi return to Al-Hilal for 5.5 million dollars (21 million riyals). In his first season he won the Saudi King's Cup & the Saudi Professional League. In his second season with Al-Hilal, he helped the club win a second consecutive league title and reach the finals of the 2017 AFC Champions League. Al-Wehda  return. On August 23, 2018, Osama Hawsawi signed for his boyhood club Al-Wehda for free following the expiration of his contract. Retirement. On December 26, 2018, Osama Hawsawi announced his retirement from football on his personal twitter account. International career. He is Captain of the Saudi Arabian national team. He appeared for his country in the 2007 Gulf Cup of Nations and was a member of the Saudi team at the FIFA World Youth Championship. He was also called up to the squad to participate in the 2007 AFC Asian Cup. On Saturday, 29 May 2010, he scored an  excellent goal against Spain, after a corner kick which put the Saudi Arabian team ahead 1-0 against Spain, scoring his second goal with the Saudi Arabian national team. In June 2018 he was named in Saudi Arabia's squad for the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia., captaining his side in all three matches at the finals. Career statistics. "Updated 26 December 2018" Honours. Club. Al-Hilal Al-Ahli