Hamed Al-Shanqiti is among the top 100 young goalkeepers in the world according to CIES
In a remarkable achievement reflecting the development of footballing talent in Saudi Arabia, Al-Ittihad's young goalkeeper, Hamed Al-Shanqiti, has been selected among the top 100 most promising goalkeepers in the world under the age of 23. This prestigious ranking, issued by the CIES Football Observatory, a global organization specializing in statistics and data analysis of football players, places Al-Shanqiti among the world's elite talents in his position, despite his limited appearances as a starter with Al-Ittihad's first team.
Background of the classification and importance of the CIES observatory
The CIES Football Observatory, an independent international sports studies center based in Switzerland, is one of the most trusted sources in the world of football for analyzing player performance and market value. The observatory bases its assessments on a complex statistical model that takes into account multiple factors such as the player's age, contract length, match performance, club level, and the tournament in which they participate. Therefore, Al-Shanqiti's inclusion on this list is not merely a compliment, but a global endorsement based on precise data that points to his immense potential and promising future.
Report details and Al-Shanqiti's market value
A CIES report indicates that Hamed Al-Shanqiti's estimated market value should reach €1.4 million, a figure far exceeding his current valuation of just €225,000 on the popular website Transfermarkt. This significant difference highlights that the young goalkeeper, who is under contract with Al-Ittihad until 2029, possesses far greater potential than his current assessment suggests. This high valuation comes despite Al-Shanqiti playing only 883 minutes last year, during which he gained an estimated 51.3 points in experience according to the observatory's indicators.
Expert certification and international recognition
This recognition didn't come out of thin air; it was preceded by praise from experts who worked closely with the player. Serbian goalkeeping coach Jesus Salvado, who previously worked with Al-Ittihad's coaching staff, told the Okaz newspaper that "Hamed Al-Shanqiti possesses all the qualities to become the best Saudi goalkeeper." Salvado added that all Al-Shanqiti needs is a comprehensive training program focusing on technical and tactical aspects, in addition to a "courageous coach" who will give him confidence and include him in matches even if he makes mistakes, because experience only comes through consistent participation.
The expected impact on the player's future and Saudi football
Domestically, this international recognition shines a bright light on Al-Ittihad's academy and its ability to produce talent. It also sends a message to the club's management and coaching staff to pay special attention to Al-Shanqiti and provide him with the necessary opportunities to hone his skills. Regionally and internationally, the presence of a young Saudi player on such a global list enhances the reputation of Saudi football and confirms that it not only relies on attracting international stars but also works to develop and export local talent. This ranking may open doors for Al-Shanqiti and other Saudi talents to move to major European leagues in the future, thus serving the long-term goals of the Saudi national team.
