Musab Aljuwayr risks losing Saudi Arabia’s number seven after Gulf Cup omission

Musab Aljuwayr is facing the possibility of losing his preferred number with Saudi Arabia after being left out of the squad for the 27th Arabian Gulf Cup on disciplinary grounds.

Aljuwayr, who plays for Al-Qadsiah, was omitted from the Saudi Arabia squad only a few days before the tournament began. No official explanation has been given for the disciplinary action, which followed a major incident involving the 23-year-old.

His absence has now created uncertainty over the number seven shirt he had worn for the national team in recent periods. Saleh Abu Al Shamat started in that role for Saudi Arabia in their opening Group A match against Kuwait at Alinma Stadium in Jeddah.

Abu Al Shamat wore number seven as Saudi Arabia began their campaign in the 27th edition of the Arabian Gulf Cup. The match was 0-0 after six minutes, according to a post by Nawaf Al-Oqail on 23 September 2026.

The decision means Aljuwayr could return to future Saudi Arabia camps without automatically reclaiming the shirt. The player is understood to be concerned that Abu Al Shamat may retain the number if he is selected again for the national side.

Number seven is Aljuwayr’s preferred shirt and is also strongly associated with Cristiano Ronaldo, the Portugal captain and Al-Nassr forward. Ronaldo is widely recognised for wearing the number, which has added significance for Aljuwayr.

Aljuwayr has made 39 appearances for Saudi Arabia across all competitions. He has scored six goals and supplied four assists during his international career.

The midfielder’s removal from the Gulf Cup squad therefore represents a setback beyond missing the tournament itself, with his place in the national-team squad and his established shirt number now both uncertain.

Saudi Arabia’s meeting with Kuwait was the first match of the group stage for both teams. Aljuwayr had been expected to be part of the squad before his late exclusion, but the Saudi national team did not publicly disclose the specific circumstances behind the disciplinary decision.