Abderrazak Hamdallah: when could he become the RSL's all-time goal king? | OneFootball

And then there were 11.

Goals that is. Only 11 goals stand between Abderrazak Hamdallah and Roshn Saudi League immortality.

The Moroccan striker, an RSL great already and now on the books of Al Shabab, is second on the competition’s all-time goalscorers list, and is chasing down frontrunner Omar Al Somah. Syria’s Al Somah currently holds the record with 144. Hamdallah has 134.

As the second half of the season gets ready to resume this week, we look at the matches Hamdallah might have ringed on his calendar for adding to his tally and, ultimately, setting him apart as the greatest marksman in RSL history.

Matchweek 14 - Al Ahli (a)

As a former star of Al Ittihad, scoring against Jeddah rivals Al Ahli was always extra special for Hamdallah. So, although he managed to net in only one of the three Sea Derby fixtures he played, it’s one he will remember fondly. In February 2022, and as Al Ittihad chased a first RSL title in 14 years, Hamdallah struck a hat-trick in a thrilling 4-3 victory.

This season, and after a slow start, Al Ahli found form before the break, with five wins in their past seven. They resume the 2024-25 RSL on Friday at home to Al Shabab, who they are currently ahead of in fifth place, albeit on goal difference.

Hence, a goal and a win for Hamdallah on his first match back would be extra sweet indeed.

Matchweek 16 - Al Ittihad (a)

Oh, how Hamdallah would love to score against his former team, even having captured the RSL title with them. While most players typically observe the unwritten rule of not celebrating against past employers, they also know that goals against teams who let them go do carry that little bit extra weight.

While Al Ittihad’s form this season has justified the club’s decision to move on Hamdallah in the summer - they lead the table by two points after 13 rounds - banging in one or more against his former club would be a nice way to remind them of what they let go. And, of course, take him closer to that record.

Matchweek 20 - Al Qadsiah (h)

In a battle of heavyweight strikers, Hamdallah will go head-to-head with Al Qadsiah’s star frontman, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang. The Gabon international has been in a rich vein of form with six goals in his past nine RSL matches, helping catapult the promoted side from Al Khobar into the top three.

Despite both hailing from the African continent, Hamdallah and Aubameyang have never come up against each other in international competition. And, as one of the RSL’s original stars, the former will be keen to put down a marker that shows he still has what it takes to outshine everyone else.

Matchweek 22 - Al Raed (a)

Surely, a little shudder runs through Al Raed with the very mention of Abderrazak Hamdallah. The Buraidah side have been the victim more than any other club across the forward’s seven seasons in Saudi Arabia. In fact, they are the club against which he has scored the most goals (14) since moving to the Kingdom in 2018.

Hamdallah terrorised Al Raed in his debut season with Al Nassr, first with an incredible four goals in a 4-0 rout in December 2018, before following that up a few months later with another hat-trick in a 5-0 win in April. And he hasn’t really let up since.

Hamdallah was absent when the two sides met back in September in a 2-1 win for Al Shabab so, with the bit between his teeth this time, Al Raed best look out in the return fixture in February.

Matchweek 24 - Al Nassr (a)

In early March, Hamdallah comes up against another old foe, this time in the form of Al Nassr. The Riyadh giants were his first home in Saudi Arabia, where he played three-and-a-half, goal-laden seasons in yellow before switching to Al Ittihad. His time there included the 2018-19 league title and two RSL golden boots.

It was in his opening campaign at Al Nassr where Hamdallah set the RSL single-season goalscoring record of 34, a mark that was broken only last year by another Al Nassr star, Cristiano Ronaldo, when he netted 35 times.

Only two points currently separate the Riyadh rivals. And, while there is plenty of time between now and then, this match could be worth a lot more than simply three points in the battle for top four – or even a place further up the standings.

Matchweek 29 - Al Hilal (a)

Matches between Al Shabab and Al Hilal are always intense given they are both capital clubs, but with Al Somah’s record potentially in sight by the time they meet in April, this one could have extra spice for the man chasing down history.

Hamdallah has now had three homes in the Kingdom - Al Nassr, Al Ittihad and Al Shabab - and all three are major rivals of Al Hilal, who have become the dominant force in recent years, winning four of the past five titles.

With the end of the season looming and the grandest prizes on offer, there could be records - and titles - on the line when the two clash at Kingdom Arena. Encouragingly for Hamdallah, he has already found the net against Al Hilal this term, albeit in the 2-1 home defeat in Matchweek 11.

Matchweek 31 - Al Ahli (h)

By the time Al Shabab face Al Ahli again - this time at home - if things go as Hamdallah would hope, that huge 144 target could very much be in striking distance.

And remember, Al Somah set his record as an Al Ahli player, so they won’t be too keen on giving up lightly their place in history. Could Hamdallah surpass Al Somah against the team with which the Syrian reigned supreme? For one aiming to become the new all-time king, it would represent a lovely bit of symmetry.