Asian Player of the Year Prediction: Firas Al-Buraikan Challenges Salem Al-Dawsari
The race for the Asian Player of the Year award has developed into a compelling contest between Al Hilal captain Salem Al-Dawsari and Al Ahli striker Firas Al-Buraikan. As the winner announcement approaches, former players, media figures and fans are debating which Saudi star has made the stronger case during the qualifying period. Recent opinion on social media has increasingly leaned towards Al-Buraikan, though Al-Dawsari’s record and influence ensure he remains a formidable contender.
The discussion reaches beyond the rivalry between two of Saudi Arabia’s leading clubs. It reflects a broader question about how the continental award should be judged: by a player’s achievements over the relevant season, by the importance of his contribution to major trophies, or by the consistency and reputation built over a longer career. With both candidates bringing different strengths to the argument, a clear prediction is far from straightforward.
Al-Dawsari’s record meets Al-Buraikan’s recent momentum
Al-Dawsari has already won the Asian Player of the Year award twice, in 2022 and 2025. His experience at the highest level, leadership for Al Hilal and contributions to Saudi football make him one of the region’s most recognised players. A third title would further strengthen an already exceptional individual record and provide a notable milestone in his career.
Al-Buraikan, however, has built a strong case through his recent performances. He helped Al Ahli secure the AFC Champions League Elite title for a second consecutive season, adding a major continental achievement to his résumé. He also impressed with the Saudi national team at the Arabian Gulf Cup, finishing as the tournament’s top scorer with three goals.
Those accomplishments give the Al Ahli forward a clear platform in the award debate. Supporters of his candidacy argue that the prize should recognise the player who delivered the most during the assessment period, rather than simply reward past success or reputation. Al-Dawsari’s supporters, meanwhile, can point to his sustained quality and importance to a team that regularly competes for major honours.
Saud Kariri backs Al-Buraikan on the award criteria
Former Al Hilal midfielder Saud Kariri has added particular weight to the conversation by backing Al-Buraikan, despite his connection to Al-Dawsari’s club. Speaking on the Thmanyah channels network, Kariri said he would view an award for Al-Dawsari as a fitting conclusion to his career, but believes the recent-season evidence favours the Al Ahli striker.
“I think Salem Al-Dawsari winning the award would be a fine end to his career, but based on the numbers and the criteria relating to last season and this season, I see Firas Al-Buraikan as deserving of the award,” Kariri said.
His comments underline the distinction between admiration for a player’s career and an assessment of a specific award period. Kariri’s position is that the candidates should be evaluated against the relevant criteria and their performances within the qualifying timeframe. That approach may appeal to voters who want the award to reflect current form, measurable contributions and success in major competitions.
Abdullah Falatah calls it Al-Buraikan’s moment
Media figure Abdullah Falatah has also publicly declared his support for Al-Buraikan. Appearing on the Thmanyah channels network, Falatah said his vote would go to the Al Ahli striker and described him as the most deserving candidate. He also framed his choice as an opportunity for another Saudi player to join the list of Asian award winners.
“My vote for the Asian Player of the Year award goes to Firas Al-Buraikan, and I have my reasons, so that the number of Saudi players winning this award increases. I believe Firas is the most worthy of winning it, and this is Firas’s time,” Falatah said.
That argument adds a national dimension to the debate. Al-Dawsari has already claimed the honour twice, while a win for Al-Buraikan would mark a first and offer recognition to a different generation of Saudi talent. Whether voters consider that broader significance will depend on the award’s rules, but it has become part of the public discussion surrounding the final decision.
Al-Sahlawi and Al-Shamrani join the debate
Former Saudi international striker Mohammed Al-Sahlawi has also expressed hope that Al-Buraikan will win. During an appearance on the programme Nadina, he noted that Al-Dawsari has already received the honour and said he would like to see the Al Ahli forward earn his turn.
“Salem Al-Dawsari has previously been crowned with the best player award, and I hope Firas achieves it this time,” Al-Sahlawi said.
Former Saudi star Nasser Al-Shamrani has similarly predicted that Al-Buraikan will take the award. His backing adds to a growing list of prominent voices leaning towards the Al Ahli striker, although predictions from former players and media personalities do not determine the result. The final outcome will depend on the award’s assessment process and the performances of all eligible candidates.
What could decide the Asian Player of the Year prediction?
For Al-Buraikan, the strongest points are his recent trophy success with Al Ahli and his scoring impact for Saudi Arabia. Winning the AFC Champions League Elite for a second straight season is a major achievement, while finishing as the Arabian Gulf Cup’s leading scorer provides a clear individual statistic. Together, those accomplishments make his candidacy easy to understand and give his supporters concrete evidence to cite.
Al-Dawsari’s case rests on a different combination of qualities: a proven record at the top level, leadership and the possibility of making history with a third award. His previous wins demonstrate how highly he has been regarded across Asia, though the key question is how much those past honours should influence a decision focused on a particular period.
For football fans following the Asian Player of the Year race, the contest is therefore more than a choice between two well-known names. It is a test of how the award balances team silverware, international performance, individual statistics and consistency. Al-Buraikan has gained momentum among Saudi commentators, but Al-Dawsari’s achievements mean the prediction remains uncertain until the official decision is announced.
The stakes are clear: Al-Dawsari is seeking a historic third crown, while Al-Buraikan is aiming to win the award for the first time. Their contrasting paths have made this one of the most closely watched individual honours in Asian football, with the final verdict set to determine whether experience or recent momentum proves decisive.
