Mohammed Al-Sahlawi names Sergio Ramos as the only player who could stop him

Mohammed Al-Sahlawi says Sergio Ramos was the only player capable of stopping him during his football career.

The former Saudi Arabia striker made the claim in a video clip published by the MBC 1 programme Nadina. Al-Sahlawi was shown a series of names and asked to speak when he heard the player he believed could prevent him from succeeding.

Several current players were mentioned during the feature, including Abdulilah Al-Omari, Brazilian defender Roger Ibanez, France international Mohamed Simakan, Senegal captain Kalidou Koulibaly and Ali Al-Bulaihi.

None of those names prompted a response from Al-Sahlawi.

The programme also included former Saudi Arabia players Omar Hawsawi, Redha Tukar, Hamad Al-Montashari and Saleh Al-Nuaimeh. Al-Sahlawi again chose not to identify any of them as the player who could stop him.

However, when the name of the former Real Madrid captain was read out, Al-Sahlawi immediately responded: “I expect Ramos.”

Ramos spent much of his career at Real Madrid and was widely recognised as one of the leading defenders of his generation. Al-Sahlawi’s answer therefore singled out the Spain international from a list that included both current and former players.

Al-Sahlawi played football for approximately 18 years. He began his career at Al-Qadsiah before later representing Al Fateh, Al Nassr, Al Shabab, Al Taawoun, Muaither, Al Hazem and Al Safa.

His club career included a spell at Al Nassr, where he was among the most prominent players in Saudi football. He also became an important figure for the Saudi Arabia national team after receiving his first call-up in 2010.

Al-Sahlawi represented Saudi Arabia for approximately eight years. His international career ended after the 2018 World Cup in Russia, bringing to a close a period in which he was one of the country’s recognised attacking players.

The video focused on Al-Sahlawi’s personal view of the opponents who might have been able to contain him, but only Ramos received his approval when the names were presented.