Saudi international defender Hassan Tambakti etched his name in gold in the annals of the Saudi Professional League after breaking his long goal drought. In an exceptional moment during the league matches, the Al-Hilal defender scored his first official goal in the competition, ending a goalless streak that had lasted 108 matches played for various clubs since his debut in the top flight.
A remarkable journey culminated in a historic goal
Timbukti's professional journey began during the 2019–2020 season, with his real breakthrough coming on loan at Al-Wahda from Al-Shabab. That period served as the foundation upon which he built his solid defensive character, before returning to Al-Shabab and becoming one of their key players. His ambitions didn't stop there, however, culminating in his controversial and historic transfer to the Asian powerhouse, Al-Hilal, in what was then the most expensive transfer fee for a Saudi Arabian player, placing a heavy responsibility on his shoulders to prove his worth.
The importance of the goal and the context of artistic development
Timbuktu's first goal cannot be viewed as merely another statistic in the match; it is a clear indication of the player's technical and mental development. While his primary duties are to defend his goal, excel in tackling, maintain proper positioning, and build attacks from the back, modern football now demands that defenders contribute effectively to the attack, particularly on set pieces and corner kicks. This goal reflects the tireless work of Al-Hilal's coaching staff, led by coach Jorge Jesus, who consistently focuses on diversifying the team's attacking options.
International and local impact
This personal achievement by Timbuktu will undoubtedly boost his confidence, positively impacting his performance both with his club, Al-Hilal, which competes on all fronts domestically and continentally, and with the Saudi national team. It's worth noting that Timbuktu was one of the Green Falcons' standout players at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, delivering a heroic performance against Argentina, which has led fans to consistently expect even better from him. His goal this year sends a reassuring message to Al-Hilal and Saudi fans alike that the player is on a continuous upward trajectory, demonstrating that his abilities extend beyond simply preventing goals; he can also contribute to scoring when needed, making him a valuable asset in crucial and tight matches.
