Marwan Al Sahafi, a 20-year-old Saudi Arabian player, made history by scoring two goals for Beerschot in their 2-1 victory against Anderlecht in the Belgian Pro League. This marked the first time a Saudi player had scored in the competition and the first double by a Saudi in a prominent European league. Al Sahafi, along with teammate Faisal Al Ghamdi, joined Beerschot on loan ahead of the 2024-25 season, becoming the first duo from the Kingdom to play in Belgium’s top tier. His performances in previous matches had already showcased his potential, but it was his outstanding display against Anderlecht that truly captured fan and media attention.
In the match against Anderlecht, Al Sahafi scored both goals for Beerschot. His first goal came in the 30th minute when he cut inside from the right flank and fired a shot into the bottom corner with his weaker left foot. After Anderlecht equalized in the 70th minute, Al Sahafi embarked on a dazzling run into the penalty area, collecting a pass and slotting home the winner. His teammate Al Ghamdi, who was also making his third appearance for the club, was quick to congratulate him on his impressive performance.
This victory was a significant one for Beerschot, who had previously been winless in 10 matches since the start of the season and were sitting at the bottom of the table. In contrast, Anderlecht had lost only once in their last 10 matches and were close to the top of the league standings. Al Sahafi’s achievement in this match adds to his growing career, which began in the Roshn Saudi League in July 2022. He made his debut for Al Ittihad and went on to establish himself as a regular player for the club, scoring his first goal in the league in March of the following year and his second goal two months later in another match.
In addition to his success with Beerschot, Al Sahafi also made his first start for the Saudi national team in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier against Bahrain this week. This milestone further highlights the young winger’s talent and potential as a rising star in Saudi Arabian football. His performances both at the club level and internationally have garnered attention and praise, and he is becoming a player to watch in the coming seasons. Saudi Arabian football fans have reason to be excited about the future of Marwan Al Sahafi and his contributions to both club and country.
