One hundred and seventy-three official international appearances define the career of Saudi Arabian goalkeeper Mohamed Al-Deayea. Born on 2 August 1972 in Ha'il, he navigated a two-decade trajectory that saw him transition from youth handball to become a cornerstone of the national football setup, eventually participating in four consecutive FIFA World Cup tournaments for his home country.
Early Development and Club Transition
Al-Deayea initially focused on handball as a goalkeeper at the age of eight while at al-Tai FC. Following advice from the club's junior football coach and his older brother, Abdullah, he shifted his focus to association football. He joined the al-Tai junior system in 1988, quickly progressing to the national level where he contributed to a victory at the 1989 FIFA U-16 World Championship held in Scotland.
National Team and World Cup Tenure
By 1993, Al-Deayea secured a position on the senior Saudi national team. He proved critical during the qualifying rounds for the 1994 FIFA World Cup in the United States. His World Cup participation spanned from 1994 to 2002, although his defensive record includes conceding 25 goals across ten matches. This figure ties him for the highest number of goals allowed by any individual goalkeeper in the history of the tournament.
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Take the IQ test →Professional Success with Al-Hilal
In 1999, Al-Hilal SFC completed a high-profile transfer for the goalkeeper. He remained with the club for eleven years, collecting multiple domestic honors including the Saudi Premier League title four times and the Saudi Crown Prince Cup seven times. His tenure also yielded international club success, such as the 1999-2000 AFC Champions League and the 2000 Asian Super Cup, before his eventual retirement in 2010.
Testimonial and Recognition
Following his retirement announcement on 22 June 2010, the football community recognized his extensive career with a testimonial match held on 5 January 2012. Played at the King Fahd Stadium before 70,000 spectators, the match featured Juventus against Al-Hilal. Beyond individual match events, he has received various accolades, including being named IFFHS Asia's Goalkeeper of the Century in 1999 and appearing in the 2023 AFC Asian Cup All-time XI.
Fast facts
- Born: 2 August 1972, Ha'il
- Primary Position: Goalkeeper
- International Caps: 173
- Club Career Start: 1988
- FIFA World Cup appearances: 4
- Retirement Date: 22 June 2010
- Main Clubs: al-Tai FC, al-Hilal SFC
Questions readers ask
How many FIFA World Cups did Al-Deayea play in?
He participated in four FIFA World Cups: 1994, 1998, 2002, and 2006.
What record does Al-Deayea hold regarding goals conceded?
He holds the joint record for most goals conceded by a goalkeeper in FIFA World Cup history, with 25 goals against in 10 matches.
Which club did Al-Deayea join in 1999?
He was acquired by al-Hilal SFC in a high-profile transfer and played for the club until 2010.
