Inside the Rise of Saudi Futsal: Daniel Berdejo del Fresno on Coaching, Challenges, and the Game’s Future

Unpacking Saudi Futsal’s Evolution: Progress, Challenges, and the Road Ahead

 

Futsal in Saudi Arabia is gaining momentum, with increased investment and growing interest at both the grassroots and professional levels. But what does this growth look like behind the scenes? And how are key figures contributing to its development?

Daniel Berdejo del Fresno, assistant coach and sports scientist for the Saudi national futsal team, offers a unique perspective. With a dual role that bridges coaching and performance analysis, he has firsthand insights into the strategies being implemented and the challenges faced. Through this conversation, we aim to understand his role and the broader efforts shaping Saudi futsal’s journey.

In this interview, we delve into Daniel’s experiences, uncover his views on the sport’s development in the Kingdom, and explore how Saudi Arabia can elevate its standing on the global futsal stage.

This conversation seeks to answer key questions:

• How is futsal evolving in Saudi Arabia, from youth development to the national league?
• What role do training methodologies and sports science play in improving performance?
• What challenges need to be addressed to ensure sustainable growth?

 
By asking these questions, we hope to uncover the story behind Saudi Arabia’s ambitions in futsal and learn about Daniel’s contributions to the process.

Personal Journey

Daniel, can you please share your journey in futsal and how you became involved with the Saudi Arabian national futsal team?

Like many Spanish boys, I began playing futsal at school and later joined my local club in Utebo, Spain. I played until the age of 13 or 14, when I decided to focus on my running career—a decision I am very proud of. Despite stepping away from competitive futsal, my passion for the sport never waned. I watched as many games as possible and attended numerous courses to deepen my knowledge. My opportunity to actively return to futsal finally came during the 2010-11 season, marking a new chapter in my involvement with the sport.

After moving to Manchester, UK, to pursue my PhD, I became involved with several National Governing Bodies (NGBs), including England Basketball, British Basketball, England Hockey, and British Cycling. However, it was Manchester Futsal Club that truly reignited my connection with futsal, providing me with the opportunity to return to the sport. That same season, I also began working with The FA, contributing to the national team—a pivotal moment in my journey.

I spent two fantastic seasons at Manchester Futsal Club (2010-12), primarily fulfilling the role of fitness coach. However, I also stepped into the roles of assistant coach and even goalkeeper coach whenever needed. After those memorable seasons, I had the privilege of leading Sheffield FC Futsal during the 2012-13 season as head coach. Sheffield FC Futsal will always hold a special place in my heart as the first club to give me the opportunity to lead a team—and what an incredible team it was!

I enjoyed two extremely rewarding seasons at the club (2012-14) before an exciting opportunity took me to Loughborough, where I became the Head of Coaching & Sport Science at the International Futsal Academy (IFA) from 2014 to 2016. In the summer of 2016, I made the difficult decision to leave my position at the IFA, as well as my dual role with The FA—serving as fitness coach and assistant coach for the England futsal national team (a role I had held since December 2015)—to embark on a new chapter in California, USA.

Across the pond, I worked with several clubs, academies, and organizations, taking on roles such as Futsal Technical Director for some entities and Director of Fitness & Injury Prevention for others. A standout moment was my work with the MLS club San Jose Earthquakes, where I led the futsal program for the girls’ academy. In 2017, alongside two friends, I co-founded Bay Area Futsal Club—a milestone I’m particularly proud of. My five years in the U.S. (2016-21) were incredibly productive, offering me valuable lessons and exposing me to a unique futsal culture. In the U.S., the sport is primarily viewed as a developmental tool for football players.

In the 2019-20 season, I had the opportunity to work alongside Spanish goalkeeping legend and now highly regarded coach, Julio Fernández Correa, with the Libya futsal national team. During this time, we competed in the Africa Futsal Cup of Nations in Morocco and had the chance to qualify for the FIFA Futsal World Cup. Unfortunately, we fell just short, losing the bronze medal and missing a lifelong dream. After this, I returned to the U.S. to resume my previous roles. However, a new opportunity soon emerged: together with Sergio Gargelli, I began delivering the futsal coaching education program for the Trinidad & Tobago Football Federation.

In the summer of 2021, Andreu Plaza Álvarez, after concluding his contract with FC Barcelona, accepted a position with the Saudi Arabia Football Federation. The federation allowed him to bring one collaborator, and he chose me. Andreu and I first met in 2013, and since then, we had worked together on summer futsal camps in the U.S. and organized trips for American kids to attend camps and tournaments in Spain during the Christmas period.

I vividly remember the call—it was the 4th of July, and I was in San Diego. A follow-up call came just a week later, and within another week, I was on a flight out of the U.S. The decision was simple; there was no hesitation. It was an incredible opportunity to continue learning and growing as a coach. Now, almost four years later, we’re still in Saudi Arabia, continuing this journey together.

What inspired you to take on the dual role of assistant coach and sports scientist?

When you analyze my professional career, it becomes clear that it is quite diverse. Rather than following a single pathway, I have navigated multiple roles: teacher, tutor, sport scientist, coach, writer, researcher, athlete, rehabilitator, and team scout. I’m not sure whether this versatility is entirely positive or could be seen as a drawback. Some might view it as a strength, showcasing my ability to adapt and fill different roles, while others might interpret it as a lack of deep specialization in one area.

When Andreu called me that 4th of July to discuss the job, role, and duties, what resonated most with me was his desire for someone who could seamlessly step into various responsibilities. That flexibility was a key aspect of the conversation that I appreciated. As I mentioned earlier, my decision was straightforward: let’s go to Arabia.

The technical staff consists of four coaches. Andreu Plaza Álvarez serves as the head coach, supported by three assistant coaches, each with a primary focus. One specializes in goalkeepers, another handles scouting, reports, and video analysis, and the third is responsible for fitness—that’s my role. However, our responsibilities are not confined to these specific areas. When Andreu called me, he emphasized the importance of collaboration across all aspects of the game.

We operate as a multidisciplinary team, working closely under his leadership. During this period, I have not only delivered fitness and injury prevention sessions but also contributed to video analysis of our training sessions and matches, scouted opponents, and implemented new set-piece strategies. The collaborative nature of our staff ensures that every aspect of the game is addressed comprehensively.

Over the past four years, the technical staff has undergone several changes, with Andreu and me being the only constants. During these transitions, we often had to take on additional responsibilities to ensure continuity and maintain high standards.

One of our key achievements during this time has been the creation of a comprehensive futsal development plan, with coaching education as one of its main pillars. We have delivered coaching courses to help train and develop the next generation of coaches, fostering growth within the sport.

More recently, the federation entrusted me with collaborating on other national teams, including women’s futsal and beach soccer. These experiences have allowed me to expand my skill set further while contributing to the broader development of the sport here.

First Impressions

What were your initial impressions of Saudi Arabian futsal when you arrived?

When I first joined the national team, the futsal style was highly anarchic, with minimal tactical structure. The team lacked both a defensive and offensive model. Defensively, the team struggled significantly, while offensively, everything was rigidly pre-determined, relying heavily on pre-established movements and an abundance of set pieces.

Today, we have established a clear and distinctive defensive model. Our defensive system is so unique that other nations recognize and anticipate how we defend. The shift began as an effort to build confidence in our players, and they embraced it wholeheartedly. The result has been remarkable—our players fully trust and believe in our zonal defense, which has become a cornerstone of our identity and success.

Offensively, due to the absence of pivots, our attacking model is built around a 4-0 system. When it comes to set pieces, we’ve focused on simplifying them—one pass, one movement, and a shot. Since Andreu’s arrival, our primary goal has been to instill strong fundamentals, provide structure to the team, build confidence, and gradually implement new strategies.

The evolution of the team has been remarkable, and we are proud of the progress made. To put it into perspective: in September 2021, just before our first competition, Saudi Arabia was ranked 86th worldwide and 18th in Asia. As of December 2024, we have climbed to 55th in the world and 13th in Asia. These numbers reflect the hard work and dedication of everyone involved, as well as the effectiveness of the system we’ve put in place.

Regarding the league and domestic clubs, we’ve observed a significant increase in participation and professionalism. Clubs are progressively improving the way they operate, and the level of both Saudi and foreign players continues to rise. In particular, the arrival of coaches from abroad, especially over the last two seasons, has had a substantial impact. These coaches bring valuable tactical knowledge that benefits local players while also enhancing clubs’ logistical and organizational capabilities.

When we first assessed the league in 2021, it was characterized by very low intensity and pace, a significant lack of tactical knowledge, and a heavy reliance on individualism and 1v1 situations. There was little to no organization, either offensively or defensively.

Now, the story is completely different. The league has become increasingly professional and competitive. Since last season, the Saudi Arabia Football Federation (SAFF) has installed video cameras in almost all venues, allowing matches to be streamed live and free on the SAFF website. Additionally, the finals are now broadcast live on television, further enhancing the league’s visibility and appeal.

How would you describe the current state of futsal in Saudi Arabia compared to other countries you’ve worked in?

Currently, on the men’s side, we have a senior national team, as well as U23 and U20 teams. Additionally, there is a Saudi Arabia University team. On the women’s side, there is currently only a senior national team.

When it comes to competitions, Saudi Arabia hosts the Saudi Games, which are akin to the Olympic Games but on a national level. This event features 53 different sports and brings together over 6,000 athletes, with futsal being one of the included sports.

In addition to the Saudi Games, we have a well-structured futsal ecosystem comprising the first division league, second division league, the cup, the supercup, and various Ramadan tournaments held across the country. Moreover, both the Universities and the Army operate their own leagues, adding further depth to the sport’s reach.

On the women’s side, the third edition of the Saudi women’s futsal league is set to begin in just a few days, showcasing the growing development and enthusiasm for futsal among women in the country.

As you can see, there are numerous futsal competitions in Saudi Arabia. While they may not yet match the scale of those in Spain, Portugal, or Russia, they are developing rapidly. In comparison, the futsal scene in the United States is still largely tournament-driven, with most competitions being short events held over 3-4 days rather than full-fledged leagues. Although amateur leagues exist in various regions, they are not widespread, and futsal is not yet structured as a season-long competition across the country and in England, futsal has faced significant challenges over the last five years, if not, the past 20 years.

In Saudi Arabia, the futsal setup is becoming increasingly robust. A top player can participate in as many as 60-70 matches per season, including:

• League matches: Approximately 22 games.
• Saudi Games: 4-5 matches.
• Cup competitions: Around 4 matches.
• Supercup: 1 match.
• National team fixtures: 22-26 matches.
• Additional tournaments: University, Army, and Ramadan competitions.

 
This level of participation is a significant advantage for player development and reflects the growing professionalism and organization within Saudi futsal.

Futsal Development in Saudi Arabia

Infrastructure and Resources

How would you evaluate the facilities and resources available for futsal development in Saudi Arabia?

Around 95% of the clubs in Saudi Arabia have futsal halls with international-standard dimensions of 40×20 meters, where both training sessions and matches are conducted. In major cities like Jeddah, Riyadh, and Dammam, there are halls with a capacity of over 5,000 spectators. These venues typically host national team matches and the finals of various competitions.

While not all halls have wooden floors, the vast majority do, which is fantastic for both player performance and the overall quality of the game. Most clubs now operate professionally, with full-time staff, and train almost every day, often incorporating double sessions on some days. Teams fly to away matches and stay in hotels the night before games, reflecting a fully professional setup.

Additionally, more than 75% of clubs now include gym sessions in their training regimens and employ specialized staff, such as goalkeeper coaches, fitness coaches, and physiotherapists. This level of professionalism has elevated the overall standard of futsal in the country.

Regarding the national team, we hold training camps during FIFA dates as well as additional camps outside those windows. These camps take place both within Saudi Arabia and abroad, depending on the schedule and preparation needs. Annually, we play between 22 and 26 international matches, depending on the season and the competitions in which we participate. These matches include both friendly tournaments and official events, such as the AFC Futsal Asia Cup, Arab Futsal Cup, West Asia Futsal Cup, and the Gulf Cooperation Council Games.

In terms of resources and personnel, we are well-supported. During training camps and major competitions, we typically have everything we need, including a dedicated cook to ensure proper nutrition when traveling for important tournaments. This level of support allows us to focus entirely on preparation and performance.

What steps are being taken to improve grassroots infrastructure?

As I mentioned earlier, almost a year after our arrival, Andreu and the staff developed a comprehensive five-year strategic plan after thoroughly analyzing the state of futsal in the country. This plan was built on three major pillars, one of which is Grassroots Development. Grassroots is the foundation for any sustainable growth, which is why we dedicated an entire pillar to it. Our goal is to establish futsal as a key activity in communities and schools—spanning primary, intermediate, and high school levels—through amateur and recreational programs.

An important milestone for grassroots development will be the Asian Youth Olympic Games, taking place in October 2025 in Bahrain, where futsal is included as a competition. This event will provide a platform for Saudi Arabia’s young players, aged 14-17, to showcase their talent.

Youth Development

What is being done to encourage youth participation in futsal in Saudi Arabia?

Building on the previous answer, we outlined five key initiatives within the Grassroots Development pillar. These initiatives aim to create a robust foundation for futsal across the country:

1. School Involvement: Engage 100 primary and intermediate schools nationwide through the SAFF Let’s Play FUTSAL Caravan.
2. School Leagues and Competitions: Establish leagues and competitions for primary, intermediate, and high schools, catering to both male and female students.
3. Community Programs and Development Centers: Launch community futsal programs and establish development centers in all 13 provinces of Saudi Arabia.
4. Mass Participation: Achieve participation from over 10,000 children in SAFF-organized futsal festivals, as well as Ramadan, summer, and winter camps and competitions.
5. Promotion and Accessibility: Create local hubs to promote both competitive futsal (regional and national championships) and recreational futsal opportunities for people of all ages within communities.

 
These efforts aim to ensure futsal becomes a cornerstone of community and school sports while nurturing future talent and broadening participation across Saudi Arabia.

Are there plans to introduce more youth academies or structured training programs?

There are also plans to establish Futsal Regional Training Centres (RTCs) in the three main cities of Saudi Arabia—Jeddah, Riyadh, and Dammam. These centers will be overseen by specialized national coaches under our direction and will form an integral part of SAFF’s talent development programs.

The primary objective of the RTCs is to identify and nurture talented players, providing them with structured training and guidance. Once developed, these players will be transferred to futsal clubs to begin their professional futsal careers. This initiative aims to create a sustainable pipeline of talent, strengthening the overall level of futsal in the country.

National League

How has the Saudi Futsal League evolved in recent years?

Firstly, the number of teams in both the first and second divisions has increased significantly. Currently, the Premier Futsal League consists of 20 teams, divided into two groups. The grouping is randomized, and teams travel across the country to play home-and-away fixtures.After the regular season, the top four teams from each group advance to the playoffs, creating an exciting and competitive finale to the season.

Next season, the league format will shift to a single-group structure. Each team is permitted to have three foreign players. In previous years, most clubs relied on players from Morocco, Egypt, and Jordan, with only the top teams bringing in Brazilians. However, last season saw an increase in players from a wider range of nationalities, and this season continues that trend.

In addition to players from Morocco, Egypt, and Jordan, the league now features talents from Portugal, Argentina, Paraguay, Uruguay, Venezuela, Afghanistan, Kazakhstan, Georgia, and more. Among these, the arrival of big names has drawn significant media attention, including Pany Varela, Douglas Jr, Cleber, Alex Viana, and Fer Drasler (unfortunately sidelined due to injury).

In addition, there is a growing presence of Brazilian and Portuguese coaches in the league, alongside coaches from Morocco, Egypt, Jordan, and Kuwait. As a result, approximately 85-90% of the coaches in the league are non-Saudis. This highlights the importance of another pillar of the strategic plan: coaching education.

The goal is to educate and develop Saudi coaches in futsal so that, in the near future, they are more engaged and better equipped to take on coaching roles. These roles could include leading teams in the league, working in academies, managing Regional Training Centres (RTCs), or contributing to primary schools and futsal festivals. Building a strong base of qualified local coaches is essential for the long-term growth and sustainability of futsal in Saudi Arabia.

What role does the league play in developing talent for the national team?

Having a variety of competitions provides players with the valuable opportunity to gain more game experience. As I mentioned earlier, we already have a sufficient number of competitions in Saudi Arabia. However, the next crucial step is strengthening the league itself. A strong, well-structured league is vital for the long-term development and success of the sport in the country.

First comes quantity, then quality. A strong league not only elevates the sport but also attracts more fans, generates greater revenue, and draws in more sponsors. Additionally, it inspires more children to take up futsal. However, there is a significant challenge: foreign players dominate the game time, leaving Saudi players with limited opportunities to develop.

From my analysis, the key findings are as follows:

• 19 teams have Saudi goalkeepers.
• All teams field the maximum of three foreign players, who consistently play a minimum of 30 minutes per match.
• Saudi players average a maximum of 15 minutes per game.
• In some matches, the three foreign players and one Saudi player play the full 40 minutes.

 
This creates a major issue for the national team. The limited minutes and lack of high-intensity playing experience leave Saudi players underprepared for international competition. They are often not involved in key moments of the match and may only play when the result is already decided or due to injuries or suspensions. As a result, some players lack the confidence and responsibility needed to perform under pressure, which is detrimental to their development and the overall progress of Saudi futsal.

We are currently in discussions with SAFF to adjust some rules to address this issue. Personally, I would propose allowing each team to have four foreign players on their roster. This change would elevate the intensity and quality of training sessions throughout the week. However, I would also recommend limiting the number of foreign players on the court to two at any given time.

This approach ensures a balance, requiring a minimum of two Saudi players on the court in every quartet. As a result, at least four Saudi players would get meaningful minutes in each game. In the worst-case scenario, two Saudi players could play the entire match. This adjustment would help bridge the gap in game time for local players while maintaining the competitive edge that foreign players bring to the league. Just my two cents.

International Player Signings

How do high-profile player signings, like Pany from Portugal, influence the local league and the national team’s performance?

First, these high-profile signings have significantly increased media attention and global interest in Saudi futsal. How many journalists or media outlets discussed futsal in Saudi Arabia before the summer of 2024? Not many, to be honest. But now, thanks to these marquee signings, the spotlight is on Saudi futsal.

As mentioned earlier, the level of competition is rising, and Saudi players are benefiting as they train daily alongside world-class athletes—players who have won everything. However, the limitation on the number of foreign players allowed on the court at the same time remains an issue. Last season, it wasn’t uncommon to watch matches where 2 Saudi goalkeepers were on the sidelines while 6 Brazilian players and only 2 Saudis dominated the game for almost 38-40 minutes.

This situation isn’t ideal for the national team, for reasons already discussed. While we need a strong league and high-profile players to raise the overall standard and global appeal, we also need local players to gain valuable match experience. Striking the right balance between star power and meaningful participation for Saudi players is crucial. Only then will both the league and the national team continue to improve and grow stronger step by step.

Coaching and Scientific Approach

Training Methodologies

What training methodologies are being implemented to raise the performance standards of Saudi players?

Coaching a national team is completely different from coaching at a club. The limited contact time with players requires us to define the key topics for each training camp with precision. We must be extremely specific in our approach.

However, the situation has improved significantly since Andreu and I arrived nearly four years ago. Initially, we had to conduct longer training camps with more basic and foundational sessions. Some camps even served as a preseason, focusing heavily on fitness. Now, we primarily utilize FIFA dates for training camps, as players benefit from more professional setups at their clubs, training daily under structured programs.

The players are now familiar with our game model and continue to develop through the influence and expertise of foreign coaches in the league. As a result, our training sessions have become much more game-based. We often begin with positional games tied to our game model, followed by exercises designed with constraints, rules, and modifications that encourage the specific aspects we want to emphasize. Everything we do is futsal-focused, with very little reliance on purely analytical drills.

How do you balance traditional coaching with sports science in your approach?

During these nearly four years with the Saudi Arabia futsal team, we have consistently aimed to utilize sports science in a way that provides meaningful and actionable data. Our goal is not to simply collect a large volume of data during the 10-12 days of a typical training camp without applying it. That would waste valuable training time and, ultimately, could frustrate the players.Instead, every sports science intervention we conduct has a clear purpose and is designed to provide almost immediate feedback to both players and coaches. It’s this timely and relevant feedback that can truly make a difference in performance and decision-making. In the following questions, I will share real examples of how we integrate sports science into our daily routines and how it has become an essential part of our coaching and development process.

Performance Analysis

How does your role as a sports scientist contribute to improving the team’s performance?

One of my primary objectives as a coach is to educate players. My approach involves collecting and analyzing data, then explaining the findings to the players to ensure they understand. This understanding is critical when planning interventions, as we always make a point of explaining the whys behind our decisions. For instance, recovery and regeneration during training sessions and throughout the days in a training camp are vital to maintaining performance.

There are five key factors that significantly influence recovery, either positively or negatively:

• Nutrition
• Hydration
• Sleep and rest
• Relaxation and emotional status
• Cooldowns and stretching protocols

 
We monitor these aspects closely, providing players with feedback on where and how they can improve. We also make sure they understand the potential consequences of poor habits and the benefits of adopting good ones.

Another example is the readiness tests we conduct in the mornings before breakfast. These tests—such as urine osmolality, sit-and-reach flexibility, countermovement jump (CMJ), and adductor squeeze tests—combined with RPEs (Rate of Perceived Exertion) and wellbeing questionnaires, provide us with invaluable insights into the players’ physical state at the start of each day. This is a critical moment for the coaching staff, as it allows us to assess the players’ condition and make informed adjustments. We can modify the planned training, tailor individual workloads, or even provide rest to a player to prevent potential overload and reduce the risk of injury.

Can you share an example of how data or analysis has directly impacted a match or training session?

I would say that new technologies used to monitor and control both the internal and external training load of each session have had the greatest impact on matches and training. With the advanced wearables available today—such as heart rate monitors, GPS devices, accelerometers, and wristbands—we can gather vast amounts of data from hundreds of variables. These insights allow us to plan, periodize, and adjust training sessions with precision.

One of the most valuable aspects of this technology is its ability to support real-time decision-making. During a session, we can analyze the data and, if necessary, shorten or modify exercises, or even cancel certain parts of the session if the training load is exceeding what was initially planned. This dynamic approach ensures that the players’ workload is optimized, reducing the risk of overtraining and helping them perform at their best during matches.

Challenges and Opportunities

Cultural Barriers:

What cultural or structural barriers have you encountered in developing futsal in Saudi Arabia?

Saudi Arabia is a unique country that has been undergoing remarkable changes in recent years. In my almost four years here, I’ve witnessed significant transformations—all of them positive. When I mentioned educating players earlier, I was referring to areas such as lifestyle and habits, which play a crucial role in athletic performance.

One example is lifestyle routines. Across the Middle East, high temperatures often lead to a nightlife culture where people stay up very late (3–4 a.m.) and sleep through the morning. Naturally, this isn’t an ideal routine for recovery and regeneration, especially when there are morning training sessions.

Nutrition is another area of focus. Saudi food is delicious, but there’s a strong preference for sugary foods, and we all know the potential negative impact of excessive sugar on performance and recovery.

We’ve also learned to accommodate prayer times, which are an integral part of daily life in Saudi Arabia. As much as possible, we adapt our training schedules to align with prayer times to avoid any conflicts. If we need to pause a session for a few minutes to allow players to pray, we do so without hesitation. It’s a quick break of 5–7 minutes, and we resume immediately after.

These adjustments not only respect the local culture but also foster a better understanding of how players can balance their traditions with the demands of high-level performance.

How do you adapt your strategies to align with local customs and traditions?

When it comes to lifestyle, we strive to educate our players as much as possible. We are fully aware that lifelong habits are challenging to change, but even small adjustments during a training camp can make a positive impact. It’s always better to achieve incremental improvements than none at all.

As mentioned earlier, we adapt our schedules to accommodate prayer times, ensuring there are no conflicts. Additionally, during training camps, we usually give players Friday mornings off so they can attend the mosque.

The most significant adjustment comes during Ramadan. When we have training camps or competitions during the holy month, we account for the players’ fasting schedules. The primary change is limiting training to one session per day. This session typically takes place late at night, a few hours after the players have broken their fast and had sufficient time for digestion. This approach respects their fasting commitments while ensuring they can train effectively without overexertion.

Competition and Goals

What are Saudi Arabia’s immediate and long-term goals in futsal, both regionally and globally?

In September 2025, we face the AFC Asia Futsal Qualifiers, which is our primary objective. Our goal is to secure qualification for the AFC Asia Futsal Cup in Indonesia in January 2026. If we succeed, it will mark the third time that Andreu and I have reached this prestigious competition.

In preparation for the qualifiers, we have scheduled several friendly tournaments to fine-tune our team. However, qualification remains our main focus.

Regionally, we’ve shown tremendous improvement, having already reached the finals of both the West Asia Futsal Cup and the Gulf Cooperation Council Games, although we narrowly lost on both occasions. Hopefully, we can push further and claim a title next time. The Arab Cup also remains a highly competitive tournament, and advancing further in the next edition is another goal we are aiming for.

How do you see Saudi Arabia competing with established futsal nations in the future?

The journey so far has been fantastic, and the team continues to show a positive trajectory. In the Gulf region, we are currently one of the strongest teams—if not the strongest. On the Asian stage, we are steadily improving, as evidenced by our performances in the last two AFC Asia Futsal Cups.

Our growing reputation is reflected in the invitations we receive to play against some of the world’s top futsal nations. Over the past two years, we have faced teams like Brazil, Iran, Japan, Colombia, Thailand, the Netherlands, and France—countries that have all competed in the Futsal World Cup. In just a couple of weeks, we will participate in a tournament against Indonesia, Japan, and Argentina. These opportunities demonstrate that strong teams want to play us because we present a genuine challenge.

Of course, we’re not at their level yet, but we are closing the gap. Most importantly, these matches provide invaluable learning experiences for our players. It would be easier to arrange games against weaker opponents for better results, but that approach wouldn’t help us grow. If we want to become a consistently strong futsal nation, we need to compete against the best—and that is exactly what we’re doing.

Our long-term goal is to not only play against the top teams but also compete at their level. When will that happen? It’s hard to predict, but we are determined to make it happen, and hopefully, it will be sooner rather than later.

Vision for the Future

Legacy and Impact

What legacy do you hope to leave behind in Saudi Arabian futsal?

I have always been acutely aware that, in sports, being part of a club or a national team has an expiration date—eventually, you move on. While victories, trophies, and titles are undoubtedly important, what truly endures is how you made people feel.

When my time in Saudi Arabia comes to an end, I hope to be remembered not just for the results, but for my values, principles, character, and friendship. Above all, I want these qualities to have contributed meaningfully to the development of futsal in the country and to have left a lasting positive impact on the people I worked with.

If you could implement one major change to accelerate the growth of futsal in Saudi Arabia, what would it be?

Introducing futsal into the school system and launching youth futsal competitions as early as possible is critical. In any sport, a strong foundation is essential for ensuring a bright future. Developing grassroots futsal is not just important—it’s fundamental. Saudi children represent the future of the sport, and it’s vital to involve them in futsal from an early age to nurture their passion, skills, and understanding of the game.

Advice to Aspiring Players and Coaches

What advice would you give to young Saudi players and coaches who aspire to contribute to futsal’s growth in the country?

Learn as much as you can—ask questions, read, watch matches from foreign leagues, and never stop seeking knowledge. Knowledge is power. With Saudi Arabia opening up and many foreign professionals now working in the country, take every opportunity to learn from their expertise. Engage with them, ask for insights, and absorb their experience. By doing so, you’ll equip yourself with the tools to lead and shape the future of futsal in your own country.

Reflection

Looking back at your tenure so far, what has been the most rewarding moment in your journey with Saudi futsal?

There have been so many incredible moments to cherish, but without a doubt, the two qualifications for the AFC Asia Futsal Cup stand out. The first one holds special significance because it happened during Ramadan. We were playing in the UAE, facing a very challenging match against Lebanon. The second qualification was equally memorable—it took place at home in Dammam against a strong Indonesian team led by a top coach, where we were the underdogs.

Another unforgettable moment was beating Japan 2-1 in our first AFC Asia Futsal Cup. It was completely unexpected. While you always aim to win, you also have to remain realistic, and that victory was a testament to how far we’ve come.

Playing in the final of the West Asia Futsal Cup against Kuwait in a packed venue in Kuwait City was another incredible experience, even though Kuwait came back in the last three minutes to win the trophy. And, of course, playing in Sorocaba, Brazil, against the Brazilian national team was an extraordinary experience as well—a true highlight of our journey so far.

How can fans and stakeholders support the development of futsal in Saudi Arabia?

The more fans we have, the better it is for the growth of futsal. We need the support of our fans. Even better is having younger fans in the stands. We want Saudi children to come and watch futsal matches, cheer for the national team, and dream of one day representing the Green Falcons themselves. With the right attitude, discipline, and effort, that dream could become a reality for them.

If I’m honest, there are times when we play with the national team and don’t feel much support. Having fans in the halls is crucial—not only for our players but also for the future of the programme. Their presence creates an inspiring atmosphere, fuels the players’ motivation, and strengthens the connection between the team and the community. We need their support, and our players need them.

Organ Donation

Futsal Focus is a supporter of Dáithí Mac Gabhann and his family’s campaign to raise awareness of Organ Donation. We encourage our readers to learn more about Organ Donation: https://www.organdonation.nhs.uk/

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