Keeping it real: Al Kholood's Grohe forever a safe pair of hands | OneFootball

When Al Kholood were busy last summer preparing for their debut season in the Roshn Saudi League, they showed they were far from naïve novices.

Searching for a reputable performer between the sticks, a competent and commanding last line of defence, the Ar Rass club could not have plumped for anyone much better than they did.

In came Marcelo Grohe, the record-breaking Brazilian who not long before had reigned supreme in the Saudi Arabian top flight.

Grohe may have been 37 at the time, but he joined Al Kholood little more than 12 months from his pivotal role in Al Ittihad’s 2022-23 RSL title success.

Even today, two years on from his defining campaign in the competition, Grohe’s unprecedented mark of 18 clean sheets in a single season sustains.

And, although he managed only five shutouts for Al Kholood through the 2024-25 RSL, Grohe was instrumental in the first-timers’ superb campaign.

For Al Kholood finished ninth in the table – an incredibly commendable performance for a team expected to battle relegation.

Now 38, Grohe underlined that, when it comes to footballers of elite ability, age is merely a number.

Keen for proof of those still-there goalkeeping gifts? Then check out the below video.