Mohammed Abu Al-Shamat: Donis's new gamble in the Saudi national team's journey to the 2026 World Cup
Young star Mohammed Abu Shamat, a 23-year-old player for Al-Qadisiyah FC, is preparing to launch his international career with the Saudi national team after being selected by Greek coach Giorgos Donis to join the "Green Falcons" squad preparing for the 2026 World Cup qualifiers. This call-up comes as a culmination of an exceptional season in which the player has firmly established himself as one of the most prominent rising talents in Saudi football.
Rocket rise in the Roshan League
The selection of Abu Shamat was no surprise to observers, given his outstanding performance with Al-Qadisiyah last season. He was a key player in the team's lineup, directly contributing to their fourth-place finish in the Saudi Professional League with 77 points – an achievement that secured their participation in the next edition of the AFC Champions League. The numbers speak for themselves: the modern right-back participated in 34 matches, scoring three goals and providing eight assists for his teammates, accumulating 2,714 minutes of playing time, reflecting his consistent level of performance and tactical importance to the team.
Mohammed Abu Shamat: Donis's confidence and the bet on the future
The call-up of Mohammad Abu Shamat to the national team represents a significant step in his career, reflecting coach Donis's vision of injecting new blood and rejuvenating the squad with young, talented, and ambitious players. This move comes as part of serious preparations for the crucial stage of the World Cup qualifiers, where Saudi Arabia aims to secure its seventh appearance in the world's biggest football tournament. Placing trust in players like Abu Shamat not only strengthens the current team but also builds a solid foundation for the future, capable of competing at both the continental and international levels for years to come. The young player is seen as a promising prospect who can provide both offensive and defensive solutions at right-back, a position that demands high physical and technical attributes in modern football.
Promising football career
Abu Shamat's football journey began at Al-Ahli Academy, one of the Kingdom's most prominent talent development centers, before he moved to Al-Qadisiyah Club, where he progressed through the youth ranks, honing his skills until he reached the first team. He played alongside his brother, Saleh Abu Shamat, and together they formed an inspiring success story within the club. This logical progression in his career contributed to his continuous development and maturity, making him a key player in the Saudi Professional League.
A long-term contract secures the future of the talent
Recognizing the player's value and importance to the team's future, Al-Qadisiyah's management moved quickly to secure their star player from the advances of other clubs. The club recently announced the renewal of Mohammed Abu Shamat's contract until 2031, a strategic move that underscores the club's desire to build a strong team capable of competing for championships, and considers Abu Shamat a cornerstone of this ambitious project. This stability will give the player peace of mind, allowing him to focus on developing his skills and performing at his best for both his club and the national team.
