A 1-1 equalizer in the 88th minute of the 2024 King's Cup final against Al-Hilal marked a high-profile moment for Saudi Arabian winger Ayman Yahya. Since debuting for Al-Nassr in 2019, the Riyadh native has transitioned from a youth prospect into a core component of the club's offensive rotation and a decorated international competitor.
Club Development at Al-Nassr
Ayman Yahya Salem Ahmed emerged from the youth ranks at Al-Nassr to make his first-team debut in a Saudi Pro League fixture against Al-Hazem in 2019. Over the subsequent years, he established his versatility as both a winger and a full-back. His performance trajectory gained momentum throughout the 2024 calendar year. Beyond his goal in the King's Cup, he contributed significantly to the 2024 Saudi Super Cup by scoring the opening goal in a 2-0 victory against Al-Taawoun. By early 2025, his output increased; on 13 February, he assisted Jhon Durán and registered his own goal in a 3-2 league success against Al-Ahli. His club tenure has yielded domestic silverware, including the Saudi Pro League title for the 2025-26 season, the 2020 Saudi Super Cup, and the 2023 Arab Club Champions Cup.
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Yahya secured his first senior international appearance on 14 November 2020, during a 3-0 friendly win over Jamaica. His involvement with youth international squads has been extensive. He participated in the 2021 FIFA Arab Cup, appearing in all three group matches. During the 2020 AFC U-23 Championship hosted in Thailand, he played in two games, including the final, where the team finished as runners-up to South Korea after extra time. Shortly thereafter, he joined the Saudi Arabia Olympic squad for the 2020 Summer Olympics in Tokyo, playing two matches during the tournament. In 2023, he traveled to France to compete in the Maurice Revello Tournament.
Success in the 2022 AFC U-23 Championship
The 2022 AFC U-23 Championship in Uzbekistan marked a peak in Yahya's international career. Throughout the six-match campaign, he recorded three goals, including a decisive strike in the semi-final against Australia. His contributions were vital to the team's tournament victory, which concluded with a 2-0 win over Uzbekistan in the final. For his influence on the pitch, he received the competition's Most Valuable Player award and finished as the top scorer.
Fast facts
- Born: 14 May 2001, Riyadh
- Professional Debut: 2019
- Primary Position: Winger, full-back
- Club: Al-Nassr
- 2022 AFC U-23 Championship MVP: Yes
- International Debut: 14 November 2020
Questions readers ask
Which positions does Ayman Yahya play?
He is primarily utilized as a winger or a full-back.
What individual awards has he won at the international level?
He was named the Most Valuable Player and the top scorer of the 2022 AFC U-23 Championship.
