DUBAI: Saudi International defender Saud Abdulhamid has made history in the UEFA Champions League after being selected by coach Yannick Cahuzac for Tuesday night’s home fixture against Sporting CP. He becomes the first Saudi player to participate in Europe’s premier continental club competition.
Abdulhamid, a key contributor to Lens’s second‑place finish in Ligue 1 last season, marked a career milestone with this appearance. The right‑back’s debut signals a pivotal moment for his professional journey.
After missing nearly 48 days due to injury, Abdulhamid returned to Lens’s squad. He featured on the bench for the 2‑1 win over Lyon last Friday and then earned a start in the Champions League match.
The 27‑year‑old, who previously played for Al‑Ittihad, Al‑Hilal and Roma, suffered a thigh and knee hematoma while scoring against Auxerre on 22 August during Ligue 1 opening weekend. He underwent intensive treatment and missed subsequent matches against Strasbourg, Lorient, Le Mans and Monaco.
Abdulhamid joined Lens on loan from Roma in August 2025, with the French club activating a purchase option in June 2026, extending his contract until 2029. In total, he has featured in 33 matches across all competitions for Lens, scoring four goals and providing eight assists. He helped the team lift the French Cup by beating OGC Nice 3‑1 at the Stade de France, followed by a French Super Cup victory over Paris Saint‑Germain on 16 August.
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