Al-Buraikan faces difficult choice between Asian award ceremony and Al-Nassr clash

Feras Al-Buraikan is facing a difficult decision after the Asian awards ceremony was scheduled just 24 hours before Al-Ahli’s Saudi Pro League clash with Al-Nassr on 20 November 2026.

The timing has prompted widespread debate, with some questioning why the highly anticipated clasico was not postponed. A later date would have allowed Al-Ahli forward Al-Buraikan to attend the continental event without affecting his preparations for the match.

However, the issue extends beyond simply attending an awards ceremony. Badr Al-Obaid, an expert on Asian football, said on the television programme Dorina Ghair that the player’s presence at the ceremony is regarded as one of the key criteria used by the Asian Football Confederation when selecting the winner.

Al-Obaid added that Al-Buraikan’s absence could cost him the award, even though he is included among the contenders.

The forward therefore faces two competing demands. Travelling to the ceremony could disrupt his preparations for Al-Ahli’s meeting with Al-Nassr, while missing the event may damage his prospects of being named the best player in Asia.

The narrow gap between the two commitments creates further practical difficulties. Al-Buraikan would have to arrange travel and his return to the team, while also ensuring he has enough time to recover before the match.

The situation has increased scrutiny of the fixture’s scheduling, with the 20 November 2026 clasico placing one of Al-Ahli’s leading players in an unexpected conflict between individual recognition and club responsibilities.

Al-Buraikan’s final decision is expected to depend on the arrangements for the ceremony and Al-Ahli’s position. For now, he remains at a crossroads, with the chance to pursue a major individual honour coming immediately before an important league fixture against Al-Nassr.