Abderrazak Hamdallah's international retirement after winning the 2025 Arab Cup
The curtain has fallen on the international career of one of the most prominent goalscorers in the history of Moroccan and Saudi football, as the star of the Saudi Al-Shabab club, Abderrazak Hamdallah, officially announced his retirement from international play, after leading his national team to win the title of the 2025 Arab Cup hosted by Qatar.
This impactful decision came at a historic moment, as Hamdallah was the star of the final match between the Atlas Lions and their Jordanian counterparts, the Nashama, at the Lusail Stadium. Hamdallah delivered an exceptional performance, scoring two crucial goals that contributed to Morocco's 3-2 victory in a match characterized by its competitiveness and excitement until the final whistle.
The joy of winning the title is mixed with tears of farewell
In media statements following the coronation ceremony, Al-Sati surprised the Arab and Moroccan fans with his decision, saying: “The Jordan match was my last with the Moroccan national team, and I am very happy with this title, which came after lean years during which I hoped to represent the national team and make an contribution.”.
The Al-Shabab striker, who is considered one of the legends of the Saudi Professional League, added: “Unfortunately, my return to the Moroccan national team came late, but the most important thing is that it was achieved in the end, and that I was able to contribute to making the Moroccan people happy with this precious title.”.
A remarkable journey and historical context
This retirement brings to a close a complex and fascinating relationship between Hamdallah and the national team jersey. Despite his undeniable and exceptional goal-scoring talent, which made him the all-time top scorer in a single Saudi League season with Al-Nassr, and his contribution to winning the league title with Al-Ittihad, his international career was punctuated by long periods of absence.
Hamdallah's reference to "lean years" refers to the period when he was absent from the national team for several years before returning to the squad for the 2022 Qatar World Cup, where he was part of Morocco's historic achievement of reaching the semi-finals. Hamdallah deserves credit for his triumphant return, culminating in an Arab title that reaffirms Moroccan football's regional and continental dominance in recent years.
Hamdallah International Numbers
According to the global statistics website Transfermarkt, Abderrazak Hamdallah's international record stands at 28 appearances for the Moroccan national team, during which he scored 8 goals. His international debut was on February 29, 2012, and his career ended in Doha in 2025, leaving behind a significant legacy as one of the best strikers inside the penalty area in the last decade.
