At just 21, Abdulaziz Al Elewa is still early in his professional journey, yet this season has already marked a turning point. Now in his fourth year as a professional, the Saudi attacker believes persistence has been central to his recent progress.
At just 21, Abdulaziz Al Elewa is still early in his professional journey, yet this season has already marked a turning point. Now in his fourth year as a professional, the Saudi attacker believes persistence has been central to his recent progress.
Before arriving at Al Kholood on a permanent deal last summer, Al Elewa spent three campaigns registered with Al Nassr, including a loan spell at Al Ettifaq during the previous season. Despite training in demanding environments, chances to appear on the pitch were limited.
Those early years nevertheless provided exposure to elite standards. Training alongside Cristiano Ronaldo at Al Nassr, and later sharing a squad with Moussa Dembele and Georginio Wijnaldum at Al Ettifaq, offered invaluable lessons. Still, as Al Elewa himself recognizes, development truly accelerates only through competitive minutes.
The switch to Al Kholood has delivered exactly that. Across nine appearances in the 2025-26 Roshn Saudi League, Al Elewa has already accumulated 344 minutes, surpassing his combined playing time from the previous two seasons.
By comparison, he featured for just 25 minutes over six matches during his loan year, while the season before that brought 278 minutes from nine outings with Al Nassr. The difference has been immediate and transformative.
This pathway aligns with the vision of Al Kholood’s new owner, American investor Ben Harburg, who aims to position the club as a destination for emerging Saudi players. Al Elewa’s selection as the league’s Young Player of the Month for October underlines that strategy, offering a tangible example of how regular involvement can accelerate a career.
For Al Elewa, leaving a high-profile club was a difficult but ultimately rewarding decision. He credits the move with restoring confidence and reinforcing the importance of discipline, dedication, and resilience—qualities he believes contributed to his recent Player of the Tournament award at the U23 Gulf Cup.
Harburg’s influence has also resonated personally. The forward speaks warmly about the owner’s professionalism and humility, explaining that the backing he receives makes him feel recognized and valued within the club environment.
Support extends beyond the club, too. Al Elewa highlights the constant presence of his family, particularly his father, during challenging moments. He also recalls advice from Ronaldo during his time at Al Nassr—even down to a suggestion about getting a haircut—moments that remain vivid reminders of learning alongside one of football’s most decorated figures.
With three goals and two assists during Saudi Arabia’s victorious U23 Gulf Cup campaign and ambitions of reaching the 2026 World Cup, Al Elewa now appears determined to shape his own identity, both on and off the field, as his career continues to unfold.
