Ali Al-Bulaihi breaks Saudi Pro League defensive scoring record with Al Shabab

Ali Al-Bulaihi became the highest-scoring defender in Saudi Pro League history after scoring twice for Al Shabab against Al Fateh on Thursday, following his departure from Al Hilal.

The Saudi defender put Al Shabab 2-0 ahead in the 31st minute of their 11th-round match at Al Fateh’s stadium in Al Ahsa. He reacted quickest to a rebound from the goalkeeper and headed the ball into the net.

Al-Bulaihi struck again nine minutes after half-time to complete his brace and make it 3-0. This time, he converted a cross with his left foot.

The goals were Al-Bulaihi’s first in the current Saudi Pro League season, according to the Dawri Roshn Saudi League Statistics account on X.

His double took his career total in the competition to 22 goals, making him the league’s leading defensive goalscorer. He moved ahead of Algeria’s Farouk Chafai, who has scored 21.

Al-Bulaihi scored 17 of his 22 goals during his time with Al Hilal. He has also scored once for Al Fateh and has now registered four goals for Al Shabab.

The defender joined Al Shabab after leaving Al Hilal, where he had established himself as a prominent figure in Saudi football. His two goals against Al Fateh marked his first scoring appearance for his new club in the league.

The Dawri Roshn Saudi League Statistics account had earlier posted that Al-Bulaihi had matched Chafai’s record at 21 goals. The later tally, following his second goal in the match, placed the Saudi defender alone at the top with 22.

Al Shabab’s goals came during an away fixture against Al Fateh on 22 October 2026, with Al-Bulaihi scoring both of his side’s first two goals before adding his name to the competition’s defensive scoring record.