Roberto Mancini’s first Saudi Arabia squad announcement since taking over as head coach has sparked a wave of mixed reactions from the Green Falcons’ passionate fanbase. The Italian manager unveiled his 26-man selection for the upcoming September friendlies against Costa Rica and South Korea, making several bold changes that have dominated local football discussion.
The most notable inclusion is the recall of veteran goalkeeper Abdullah Al-Mayouf. The 36-year-old, a key figure in the 2018 World Cup and a fan favorite, returns after being consistently overlooked by former coach Hervé Renard. His reinstatement has been met with widespread celebration online, with many fans expressing joy at seeing “the leader” back in the fold.
Conversely, the omission of midfielder Salman Al-Faraj has caused significant disappointment. The long-serving captain, another icon of the Russia 2018 campaign, was left out of Mancini’s plans. Social media platforms were flooded with messages of support for Al-Faraj, with the hashtag “We are all Salman Al-Faraj” trending as fans shared their sadness and questioned the decision to drop a player of his stature and experience.
The squad also sees the return of defender Yasser Al-Shahrani, who has fought back to full fitness after a serious injury, and the inclusion of emerging talents like midfielder Mohammed Al-Qahtani. However, the absence of striker Firas Al-Buraikan, despite his strong start to the domestic season, raised eyebrows. Mancini opted for Saleh Al-Shehri and Abdullah Al-Hamdan as his central forward options instead.
Fans were quick to dissect every choice. The call-ups for players like Hassan Tambakti and Ayman Yahya were praised, while leaving out Nawaf Al-Aqidi and Sultan Al-Ghannam generated debate. The overall sentiment reflects a nation deeply invested in its team’s direction under new leadership, celebrating the return of beloved veterans but lamenting the exit of others as a new era begins.
The team is set to begin its training camp in Newcastle, England on September 4, 2023. They will face Costa Rica at St. James’ Park on September 8, followed by a match against South Korea at the same venue on September 12. These fixtures serve as crucial preparation ahead of the joint 2026 World Cup and 2027 Asian Cup qualification campaigns starting in November.
