Mourning: the 'Pelé' of Palestine killed in Gaza

World 07 August 2025 at 05:42

Aliou Toundé

News Editor

Sorrow and outrage sweep through the Palestinian football community. Suleiman Al-Obeid, a legendary former player for the national team, has been killed in an Israeli attack in Gaza. He was 41 years old.

According to the Palestinian Football Association, he was in southern Gaza, waiting for humanitarian aid, when he was killed. A father of five, he was nicknamed the "Palestinian Pelé" for his extraordinary talent.

Suleiman Al-Obeid played for several clubs: Khadamat Al-Shati, Al-Amari in the West Bank, and then Gaza Sports Club. He scored more than 100 goals during his career. This is an immense loss for Palestinian football. The Federation notes that 321 football-related individuals—players, coaches, referees, and officials—have lost their lives since the start of the conflict.