Thu, 28 Oct, 2021
Kuala Lumpur: It is difficult to put in words what Majed Abdullah represents to the supporters of Al Nassr in Saudi Arabia, but ask any yellow-clad fan who their biggest star is and the replies will probably be similar.
They will be flooded with memories of a one-club striker who was a menace to defences all over Asia.
In the latest edition to our 'Asian Icons' series, the-AFC.com looks back at the career of one of the continent's most prolific strikers as the man known to his legion of fans simply as Majed celebrates his 58th birthday.
Age: 58
Club: Al Nassr
International appearances (Goals): 116 (71)
From Jeddah to Riyadh
Majed was born in the coastal city of Jeddah and if it wasn't for his father moving the family to Riyadh three years later, his life and career could have taken a completely different turn.
For it was in the Saudi capital that Majed first picked up a football, perhaps helped by the fact that his father had joined Al Nassr as a coach.
Unsurprisingly, Al Nassr coaches were quick to notice Majed's talents and, after impressive displays for his amateur team, 16-year-old Majed signed for his father's club in 1975.
Coming through the youth ranks, Majed was called up to the Al Nassr senior squad for the inaugural season of the nationwide Saudi league in the 1976-77 campaign.
The youngster took his first steps to stardom with his competitive debut against Al Shabab in January 1977.
His first goal would follow two months later; Majed's strike against Al Wehda was to be the first of 260 goals for his beloved Al Nassr over the next 20 years.
The making of a star
www.the-afc.com/en/more/photo/majed_abdullah1_jpg.html
www.the-afc.com/en/more/photo/majed_abdullah2_jpeg.html
www.the-afc.com/en/more/photo/majed_abdullah3_jpeg.html
