Moussa Diaby’s landmark appearance for Al Ittihad was meant to be a moment of celebration, but it unfolded into a night of mixed emotions as praise before kick-off gave way to criticism during the match against Al Ettifaq in round 16 of the Saudi Pro League.
It ended in a 1-0 home defeat to Al Ittihad.
The French winger of Malian descent marked his 50th appearance for the Jeddah club on Friday, 16 January, a milestone that underlined his importance since arriving in Saudi Arabia.
Al Ittihad acknowledged the occasion ahead of kick-off through their official X account, hailing the achievement as a reflection of his commitment and continuity with the team.
Celebration before kick-off
The pre-match tribute framed Diaby’s journey as a success story. Since joining from Aston Villa in the summer of 2024, the 26-year-old has been a central figure in Al Ittihad’s attacking setup and played a decisive role in the club’s return to domestic dominance last season.
His pace, creativity and output helped power Al Ittihad to a Saudi Pro League and King’s Cup double, cementing his status as one of the league’s standout wide players.
However, the tone shifted quickly once the match began.
Fan frustration during first half
Diaby’s first-half display against Al Ettifaq sparked a wave of criticism from supporters on social media. Many fans felt his performance lacked sharpness and cohesion, arguing that Al Ittihad’s attacking rhythm suffered whenever play flowed through him.
Several comments questioned his decision-making and positioning, suggesting that his influence on the game was more negative than positive on the night.
One supporter summed up the confusion around his display by writing: “Diaby, you don’t know if he’s playing with you or against you,” while another described him bluntly as “the flaw in the team,” pointing to missed chances and broken attacking moves.
Questions over attitude and discipline
Beyond technical shortcomings, some criticism focused on Diaby’s perceived attitude. A section of the fan base felt he appeared detached from the collective effort, with one comment claiming he was “arrogant and indifferent to the team, as if he’s playing only for himself.”
Others echoed similar concerns, arguing that his body language and choices disrupted Al Ittihad’s organisation in key moments.
Another fan wrote: “Diaby is the problem; every time the team starts to move, attacks break down and concentration is lost,” reflecting a growing frustration that individual milestones do not excuse inconsistent performances.
Proven quality amid scrutiny
Despite the backlash, Diaby’s overall record at Al Ittihad remains strong. He has now featured in 50 matches, contributing eight goals and 27 assists, while helping deliver two major trophies.
According to Transfermarkt, his market value stands at around €28 million, underlining his stature within the squad and the league.
For Diaby, the challenge now is to turn criticism into motivation. His quality is not in doubt, but nights like this underline how quickly celebration can turn to scrutiny at a club where expectations remain relentlessly high.
