Nawaf Al-Abed is a name etched in the history of Saudi Arabian football. Known for scoring what is widely considered the fastest goal in football history (just two seconds after kickoff), the talented midfielder has enjoyed a decorated career with top clubs like Al-Hilal and the Saudi national team.
Despite battling injuries that hampered his prime years, Al-Abed remains a respected figure in Gulf football.
In this article, you will know Nawaf Al-Abed’s Net worth, career earnings, career overview, stats, relationship, and more.
Nawaf Al-Abed’s Biography
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Nawaf Shaker Fayrouz Al-Abed |
| Date of Birth | January 26, 1990 |
| Age | 35 |
| Nationality | Saudi Arabian |
| Height | 1.70 m (5 ft 7 in) |
| Weight | 60 kg (132 lbs) |
| Turned Pro | 2009 |
| Net Worth | Approx. $5 Million – $8 Million |
| Current Status | Free Agent (Released July 2025) |
| Wife/Partner | N/A |
| @nawaf__alabid24 | |
| @nawaf__alabid24 |
Early Career
Nawaf Al-Abed was born and raised in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, where his passion for football blossomed at a young age. He joined the youth academy of Al-Hilal, the most successful club in Saudi history, and quickly stood out for his technical ability, dribbling skills, and left-footed creativity.
His rise through the ranks was meteoric. Coaches marveled at his natural flair, often comparing him to the legendary Saudi playmaker Youssef Al-Thunayan.
He made global headlines in 2009, while still playing for the Al-Hilal U-23 team in the Prince Faisal bin Fahd Cup. In a match against Al-Shoulla, Al-Abed spotted the goalkeeper off his line and shot directly from the kickoff spot, scoring in just 2.4 seconds.
Although the match result was later annulled due to player eligibility issues (unrelated to him), the video of his goal went viral, earning him international fame before he had even fully established himself in the first team.
This moment of genius signaled the arrival of a special talent in Saudi football.
Professional Career
Al-Abed spent the majority of his professional career with Al-Hilal (2009–2020), where he became a club icon. During his decade-long tenure, he won almost every available trophy, including five Saudi Pro League titles, multiple Crown Prince Cups, and the prestigious AFC Champions League in 2019.
He was integral to the team’s attack, often operating as a playmaker or winger. His performances earned him regular call-ups to the Saudi Arabia national team, representing his country at the 2011, 2015, and 2019 AFC Asian Cups, as well as being part of the squad that qualified for the 2018 FIFA World Cup (though injury kept him out of the final tournament squad).
After leaving Al-Hilal in 2020, he joined Al-Shabab on a lucrative three-year deal. While his time there showed glimpses of his old self, persistent injuries limited his impact. He was released in 2023 and spent nearly a year as a free agent recovering and rehabilitating.
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In February 2024, he made an emotional return to football by signing with Al-Qadsiah in the First Division, helping them secure promotion.
Most recently, he joined Al-Riyadh SC in July 2024 for a one-season stint before being released in July 2025, currently leaving him as a free agent weighing his next move or potential retirement.
Nawaf Al-Abed’s Net Worth Details
As of 2026, Nawaf Al-Abed’s net worth is estimated to be between $5 million and $8 million. His wealth was largely accumulated during his prime years at Al-Hilal and his high-salary contract at Al-Shabab.
Contract
Nawaf Al-Abed is currently without a professional contract as of late 2025, having been released by Al-Riyadh SC in July 2025 following the expiration of his one-year deal.
His most significant financial agreement was a three-year contract with Al-Shabab signed in October 2020, which was reportedly valued at approximately £16,000 per week ($1 million annually).
Before that, he spent over a decade at Al-Hilal on lucrative terms befitting one of the club’s star players.
His recent short-term stints with Al-Qadsiah and Al-Riyadh were structured as performance-based deals, reflecting his veteran status and injury history rather than the high-value contracts of his prime.
Salary
During his peak years in the Saudi Pro League, Nawaf Al-Abed commanded a substantial salary, earning an estimated $1 million to $1.5 million annually while playing for Al-Hilal and later Al-Shabab.
His weekly wage at Al-Shabab was reported to be around £16,000 (approx. $20,000). However, his earnings decreased significantly in the latter stages of his career.
His most recent contracts with Al-Qadsiah and Al-Riyadh SC likely paid between $400,000 and $600,000 per year, a reflection of his transition from a star playmaker to an experienced veteran role player. As a free agent in late 2025, he is currently not receiving a club salary.
Career Earnings
| Season | Club | Estimated Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| 2024-2025 | Al-Riyadh SC | ~$400,000 – $600,000 |
| 2023-2024 | Al-Qadsiah | ~$300,000 |
| 2022-2023 | Al-Shabab | ~$1,000,000 |
| 2021-2022 | Al-Shabab | ~$1,000,000 |
| 2020-2021 | Al-Shabab | ~$1,000,000 |
| Prior (Al-Hilal) | Al-Hilal | ~$1.5M – $2M (Peak Years) |
| Total | Career Earnings | ~$15 Million+ |
Career Stats
| Stat Category | Data |
|---|---|
| Club Appearances | 303+ |
| Goals Scored | 45 |
| Assists | 53 |
| National Team Caps | 56 (Saudi Arabia) |
| International Goals | 8 |
| Key Honors | 5x Saudi Pro League, 2x AFC Champions League |
FAQs
1. What is Nawaf Al-Abed famous for?
Nawaf Al-Abed is famous for scoring what is often cited as the fastest goal in football history—a shot from the midfield kickoff just 2.4 seconds into a game in 2009 while playing for Al-Hilal’s U-23 team.
2. Which club does Nawaf Al-Abed play?
Nawaf Al-Abed is currently a free agent. He most recently played for Al-Riyadh SC in the Saudi Pro League but was released upon the expiry of his contract in July 2025.
3. Has Nawaf Al-Abed retired from football?
While he is currently without a club as of late 2025, Nawaf Al-Abed has not officially announced his retirement. However, given his age (35) and recent injury history, he is in the twilight of his career.
4. How many titles did Nawaf Al-Abed win with Al-Hilal?
He enjoyed a trophy-laden career with Al-Hilal, winning 16 major titles, including 5 Saudi Professional League titles, 2 AFC Champions League trophies, and multiple King’s Cups and Crown Prince Cups.
5. What happened to Nawaf Al-Abed’s fastest goal record?
Although he scored in 2.4 seconds, the goal is not officially recognized by FIFA as a world record because the entire match was later annulled due to an administrative error regarding ineligible players, meaning the record technically doesn’t stand in official books.
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