Amir Sayoud produced one of the most memorable moments of his career on Thursday, executing a mesmerizing dribble that left nearly half of the Al-Taawoun FC defense in his wake.
The Algerian midfielder, playing for Al-Raed SFC in the Saudi Pro League, nearly scored a goal worthy of the 2025 Puskas Trophy, but was thwarted by the post in what would have been a stunning individual effort.
Sayoud, now 34, is renowned for his dribbling ability, and while his performances have often turned heads, Thursday’s run was exceptional.
His control, pace, and technical ability were on full display as he weaved through the Al-Taawoun defense, leaving defenders trailing in his wake.
Starting from the touchline, Sayoud accelerated with precision, performing a series of quick feints and cuts that left six defenders beaten.
His ball control was flawless, with the ball seemingly glued to his foot as he deftly bypassed one challenge after another.
The culmination of this breathtaking run came when Sayoud faced the final defender, pulling off a deceptive move that fooled his opponent without even touching the ball.
With the goal in sight, it appeared that the Algerian was about to put Al-Raed in the lead, but a cruel twist of fate intervened.
As his shot struck the post, the chance evaporated, and the opportunity for a historic goal slipped away by mere centimeters.
The effort was reminiscent of the slaloms often seen from Lionel Messi, with Sayoud’s combination of speed, agility, and finesse drawing comparisons to the legendary Argentine.
Despite the unfortunate miss, Sayoud’s performance was a testament to his rare technical quality and vision on the ball, qualities that have often made him a standout player, even in the later stages of his career.
Earlier in the match, Sayoud had opened the scoring for Al-Raed with a well-taken penalty, giving his side a 1-0 lead.
However, despite his best efforts, including his brilliant dribble and a crucial assist, Al-Raed ultimately fell short, losing 4-3 to Al-Taawoun.
Sayoud’s contributions were vital, and his performance earned him the title of Man of the Match, but the result was a bitter disappointment for both the player and his team.
This match also served as a reminder of the challenges Sayoud has faced in his international career. Despite his skill and experience, he has struggled to find consistent opportunities with the Algerian national team.
His brief appearance in a 2024 World Cup qualifier against Liberia—where he played only three minutes—highlighted the difficulty in breaking into a national team that already boasts a wealth of talent.
Despite this, Sayoud remains a key figure for his club, continuing to display his creative playmaking abilities and earning admiration for his technical mastery.
While Thursday’s game ended in frustration for Sayoud, his individual brilliance did not go unnoticed. His slalom remains one of the most talked-about moments in the Saudi Pro League this season and stands as a testament to his enduring talent.
As Al-Raed look to bounce back from the defeat, Sayoud’s performances continue to prove that he is far from past his prime, and his contribution to the team remains invaluable.
