Trezeguet scores and assists as Al-Riyadh claim point against Al-Shabab

Mahmoud Hassan Trezeguet scored his first goal for Al-Riyadh and created another as his new side drew 3-3 with Al-Shabab in the third round of the 2026-27 Roshn Saudi League on Tuesday.

The Egypt international opened the scoring in the 32nd minute after receiving the ball inside the penalty area. He created space before striking powerfully towards the left side of the Al-Shabab goalkeeper, with the shot finding the net.

Trezeguet also provided an assist as both teams shared six goals in an entertaining contest. Al-Riyadh had to play the final stages with 10 men after Kader Keita was sent off in the 61st minute.

The goal was Trezeguet’s first since joining Al-Riyadh and marked an impressive individual contribution despite his team being forced to defend with a numerical disadvantage.

After the match, Trezeguet said he had quickly settled in Saudi Arabia and described the country as his “second home”. He also claimed the Roshn Saudi League is currently one of the best competitions in the world, rather than only one of the strongest leagues in the Middle East.

The 30-year-old midfielder based his assessment on his experience of playing in Turkey, Belgium and England.

Asked by Thamanya reporter Khaled Al-Arafa whether Al-Riyadh could maintain the same level throughout the season, Trezeguet said: “The team has an excellent manager and the club provides all the necessary facilities to deliver the best level possible. We will take it step by step and, God willing, we will meet at the end of the season with Al-Riyadh in the place it deserves.”

He had earlier spoken positively about his first days at the club, saying: “From the first day, I felt that I was in my second home. Everyone welcomed me, and I am very happy in Saudi Arabia. The league is strong and one of the best leagues in the world.”

The draw left Al-Riyadh 16th in the Roshn Saudi League with one point from three matches. They had previously lost 4-2 to Al-Ettifaq and suffered a 4-0 defeat by Al-Nassr, while their meeting with Al-Shabab delivered their first point of the campaign.

Al-Riyadh have had better fortune in the King’s Cup. They reached the last 16 after beating Al-Zulfi 2-0.

Trezeguet’s arrival has brought considerable experience from European football, and his first goal for the club, combined with his assist against Al-Shabab, gives Al-Riyadh an encouraging attacking contribution as they look to improve their league position.

Despite surrendering the lead and playing the closing stages with 10 players, Al-Riyadh’s performance against Al-Shabab offered a positive moment in a difficult start to the 2026-27 season.