The world of football is mourning the tragic loss of Suleiman al-Obeid, the Palestinian football legend often referred to as the ‘Palestinian Pelé.’ Aged 41, al-Obeid was killed on Wednesday, August 6, 2025, during an Israeli attack in southern Gaza, as confirmed by the Palestine Football Association (PFA). The incident occurred as civilians were waiting for humanitarian aid, highlighting the ongoing devastation in the region. His death has brought attention to the broader toll of violence on Palestinian athletes and the sports community.
A Football Icon: The Legacy of Suleiman al-Obeid
Born on March 24, 597, in Gaza, Suleiman al-Obeid’s journey to football stardom began at the Khadamat al-Shati club. His skill and determination quickly elevated him to play for prominent clubs like Gaza Sport and Markaz Shabab al-Am’ari in the West Bank. Al-Obeid made his international debut in 2007 and went on to earn 24 caps for the Palestinian national team, scoring two memorable goals. One of his career highlights came during the 2010 West Asian Football Federation Championship when he delivered a breathtaking scissor-kick goal against Yemen, a moment etched in the memories of Palestinian football fans.
Known for his agility and creative playmaking, al-Obeid’s talent earned him the nickname ‘Palestinian Pelé,’ a tribute to the legendary Brazilian footballer. Over his illustrious career, he scored more than 100 goals, becoming a beacon of hope and pride for Palestinians living under challenging circumstances. Beyond the pitch, he was a devoted family man, survived by his wife and five children.
The Tragic Circumstances of His Death
According to the PFA, al-Obeid was among the civilians targeted in southern Gaza while waiting for humanitarian aid. The attack, part of a series of escalations in the region, underscores the perilous conditions faced by Gaza’s residents. The PFA revealed that his death adds to a grim tally of at least 421 footballers, including 103 children, who have been killed in the Gaza conflict since it began. Additionally, over 1,300 Palestinians have reportedly lost their lives near aid distribution points since late May 2025, according to the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation.
The conflict has also left its mark on Palestinian sports infrastructure. The PFA reported that 288 sports facilities across Gaza and the West Bank have been damaged or destroyed, including stadiums, training grounds, and even the PFA’s own headquarters in Gaza. These losses are not just material; they represent a significant blow to the morale and aspirations of young athletes in the region.
Mohamed Salah’s Call for Accountability
The tribute to Suleiman al-Obeid by UEFA, posted on social media on Friday, August 8, 2025, sparked widespread criticism. The post, which described al-Obeid as “a talent who gave hope to countless children, even in the darkest of times,” omitted any mention of the circumstances of his death. This omission led to an outcry, with many accusing UEFA of sanitizing the realities of the conflict.
Liverpool forward and Egyptian football star Mohamed Salah added his voice to the criticism. Quoting UEFA’s post on the platform X (formerly Twitter), Salah wrote, “Can you tell us how he died, where, and why?” His direct question highlighted the need for transparency and accountability from global organizations. Salah has been a vocal advocate for the people of Gaza, previously donating to relief efforts and calling for an end to the violence. In a recent video message, he urged world leaders to “come together to prevent further slaughter of innocent souls.”
Former footballer and commentator Gary Lineker also joined the conversation, amplifying Salah’s critique with the statement, “We can’t hear you UEFA.” The European football governing body has yet to respond to the backlash.
The Broader Impact on Palestinian Athletes
Al-Obeid’s death is emblematic of the broader challenges faced by Palestinian athletes. The PFA has long highlighted the difficulties imposed by the Israeli occupation, including travel restrictions and the destruction of sports facilities. In 2010, al-Obeid himself was among six players from Gaza denied passage to the West Bank for an international friendly match, a decision justified by Israeli authorities on “security grounds.”
These barriers have not deterred Palestinian athletes from pursuing their dreams, but the ongoing violence and instability pose significant hurdles. The loss of icons like Suleiman al-Obeid is a stark reminder of the human cost of the conflict, cutting short lives filled with potential and depriving communities of their role models.
Suleiman al-Obeid’s legacy as a footballer and a symbol of resilience will endure, but his untimely death is a somber reminder of the urgent need for peace and justice in the region.