Khaled Al-Ghannam is competing with Salem Al-Dawsari for the top spot in the Roshan League
The 2025-2026 Saudi Professional League season promises an exciting battle of skill and statistics, not only among international stars but also featuring local talents delivering impressive performances. Leading the pack is Al-Ettifaq's Khalid Al-Ghannam, who is challenging Al-Hilal and Saudi national team captain Salem Al-Dawsari for the title of top Saudi goalscorer.
Approaching the record
According to official statistics for this season, Khalid Al-Ghannam has narrowed the gap with Salem Al-Dawsari to just one goal contribution. Al-Ghannam has now contributed to 12 goals (both assists and goals) during his time with his team, putting him within one goal of equaling Al-Dawsari's record of 13. This close competition reflects Al-Ghannam's excellent form and puts Al-Dawsari under direct pressure to maintain his title as the top Saudi assist provider and scorer.
An artistic uprising and unprecedented numbers
Al-Ghannam has played 21 league matches this season, scoring 8 goals and providing 4 assists. These figures are not just a passing statistic; they indicate his best season ever in terms of effectiveness and direct impact in front of goal. These numbers become even more significant when compared to his previous career; the statistics reveal a radical transformation in his performance.
In the previous four seasons combined, Al-Ghannam's tally did not exceed 10 goal contributions (6 goals and 4 assists) across 72 matches. Compared to his performance in just one season (12 contributions in 21 matches), the player's footballing maturity and tactical development with Al-Ettifaq are evident, making him a key pillar of the team.
The importance of competition for the Saudi national team
The importance of this rivalry between Al-Ghannam and Al-Dawsari comes at a time when Saudi football needs the emergence of local talents capable of making a difference amidst the constellation of foreign stars in the league. For many years, Salem Al-Dawsari has been a constant icon and inspiration for local players, and the presence of a young competitor like Khalid Al-Ghannam, striving to emulate his achievements, is a very positive sign for the future of the Saudi national team. This development strengthens the national team's attacking options and creates a competitive environment that raises the overall level of Saudi players, which will positively impact their performance in international and regional competitions.
