Ibrahim Al-Hulwa
Former Saudi Football Player (Goalkeeper)
- Name: Ibrahim Al-Hulwa
Ibrahim Al-Hulwa
Former Saudi Football Player (Goalkeeper)
π€ Personal Information
Full name: Ibrahim Suleiman Al-Hulwa
Date of birth: 18 August 1972 (age 53)
Place of birth: Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
Nationality: πΈπ¦ Saudi
Position: 𧀠Goalkeeper
Height: 1.79 m (5 ft 10 in)
ποΈ Club Career
1989–1997: Al-Riyadh
1997–1999: Al-Shabab
π National Team
Years: 1992–1995
Team: Saudi Arabia πΈπ¦
Tournaments: 1994 FIFA World Cup – 1995 Gulf Cup
π Biography
Ibrahim bin Suleiman Al-Hulwa, born in Riyadh in 1972 (1391 AH), is a former goalkeeper who played for Al-Riyadh, Al-Shabab, and the Saudi national team.
He comes from a sporting family, as his brother Mansour Al-Hulwa was also a goalkeeper for Al-Hilal and Al-Shoalah.
Al-Hulwa’s professional career lasted around 13 years, during which he won several titles with his clubs and the national team. He retired in 1999 (1419 AH) and devoted his life to Islamic preaching and washing the dead free of charge, after being deeply affected by the death of his uncle.
β½ Career Highlights
Rose as one of the most famous street goalkeepers in Riyadh during the mid-1980s.
Had a trial with Al-Hilal in 1986 under coach ProstiΔ but did not sign due to financial disputes.
Signed with Al-Riyadh in 1987 for 20,000 SAR at the age of 17.
Became the main goalkeeper for Al-Riyadh’s golden generation, achieving several domestic and regional titles.
Represented Saudi Arabia at the 1994 FIFA World Cup and the 1995 Gulf Cup.
Transferred to Al-Shabab in 1997, winning the Crown Prince Cup in 1999 before retirement.
π Famous Incident
One of the most memorable moments in his career occurred in 1996, during an Arab tournament in Jordan.
A police dog invaded the pitch and chased Ibrahim Al-Hulwa in a funny scene caught on camera. πβ½
The incident spread widely and was even broadcast on CNN as one of the funniest sports moments.
π Retirement & Religious Path
Announced a shocking retirement in 1999 (1419 AH) after his uncle’s death.
Devoted himself to washing the dead without charge, as a form of religious duty.
In 2013 (1434 AH), he washed and shrouded his late teammate Fahd Al-Hamdan (former Al-Riyadh captain), weeping while recalling their football memories.
π Achievements
π’ With Al-Riyadh
π Crown Prince Cup: 1994 (1414 AH)
π₯ Saudi League runner-up: 1994 (1414 AH)
π Saudi Federation Cup: 1995 (1415 AH)
π₯ Crown Prince Cup runner-up: 1995 (1415 AH)
π₯ Arab Elite Cup runner-up: 1996 (1416 AH)
π AFC Cup Winners’ Cup semifinalist: 1996 (1416 AH)
β« With Al-Shabab
π Crown Prince Cup: 1999 (1419 AH)
π₯ Saudi League runner-up: 1998 (1418 AH)
πΈπ¦ With Saudi Arabia
π FIFA World Cup participation: 1994 (USA)
π Gulf Cup champion: 1995 (first title in Saudi history)
