Mohammad Al-Sahlawi moved to Al-Nassr in 2009 for a transfer fee of SR32 million, or $8 million, establishing a record for the highest deal in the history of Saudi football at that time. Born in Hofuf on 10 January 1987, the forward built a professional career spanning nearly two decades across multiple regional clubs and international competitions.
Early Development and Al-Qadsiah
Al-Sahlawi entered professional football after participating in the Karkiz Championship, which caught the attention of Al-Qadsiah administration. His initial contract included a car and a payment of SR40,000. During the 2006–07 season, he secured a place in the first team. Despite facing administrative challenges and a temporary loan to Al-Fateh where he played five matches, he returned to lead the Al-Qadsiah attack. His performance in the 2008 season included 18 goals and 8 assists, earning him the title of top goalscorer in the Saudi First Division and a new three-year contract worth SR3 million.
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Upon joining Al-Nassr in 2009, Al-Sahlawi maintained a high scoring frequency, netting 21 goals in 36 matches during his debut season and winning the STC Young Player of the Year award. His tenure at the club coincided with significant team achievements, including three Saudi Pro League titles in 2013–14, 2014–15, and 2018–19, as well as the 2013–14 Crown Prince's Cup. His personal performance was recognized internationally when the IFFHS selected him as one of the world's best top goalscorers in 2015. In March 2018, he spent three weeks training with Manchester United to prepare for the FIFA World Cup.
International and Late Career
Al-Sahlawi represented Saudi Arabia starting with the U-20 national team, where he scored his first national goal during the 2006 AFC Youth Championship. His senior international career featured prolific scoring, highlighted by a hat-trick against Timor-Leste in a 2018 FIFA World Cup qualifier. He appeared in the 2015 AFC Asian Cup and was named to the final Saudi squad for the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia. Following his departure from Al-Nassr in 2019, he held tenures with Al-Shabab, the Qatari side Muaither, Al-Hazem, and eventually signed with Al-Safa in September 2023.
Fast facts
- Born: 10 January 1987, Hofuf
- Primary Position: Striker
- Record Transfer Fee: SR32 million (2009)
- 2008 Saudi First Division Top Scorer
- 2015 Best Gulf Player
- 2018 FIFA World Cup Squad Member
- Training Period: Manchester United, 2018
Questions readers ask
Which clubs has Mohammad Al-Sahlawi played for?
His career includes Al-Qadsiah, Al-Fateh, Al-Nassr, Al-Shabab, Muaither, Al-Hazem, and Al-Safa.
What individual honors has he received?
He earned the Saudi Pro League Footballer of the Year award twice, in 2013–14 and 2014–15, and was named the 2015 Best Gulf Player.
