Oday Dabbagh

1.1. Birth and Childhood

Oday Dabbagh was born on December 3, 1998, in the Old City of Jerusalem. From a young age, Dabbagh showed a keen interest in football, and he particularly admired the Dutch striker Robin van Persie, whose style of play likely influenced his own attacking mindset. His early life in Jerusalem provided the environment for his initial football development before he embarked on his professional journey.

2.1. Middle East Clubs

Dabbagh commenced his professional career in the Palestinian Premier League and subsequently moved to various clubs in Kuwait, where he garnered numerous team honors and individual accolades.

2.2. European Career

Oday Dabbagh's move to European football marked a significant step in his career, allowing him to compete in some of the continent's top leagues and further develop his game.

3.1. Youth National Team

Dabbagh represented the Palestine U-23 national team at the 2017 Islamic Solidarity Games in Azerbaijan. Despite scoring 3 goals, which made him the tournament's top goalscorer, Palestine finished last in their group (Group B) with one draw and two losses, failing to advance beyond the group stage. The following year, at the 2018 Asian Games in Indonesia, he scored the opening goal in the second group stage match against Indonesia, contributing to Palestine's second consecutive qualification for the Round of 16 at the Asian Games.

3.2. Senior National Team

Oday Dabbagh made his Palestine senior national team debut on March 27, 2018, in a 2019 AFC Asian Cup qualification match against Oman, after Palestine had already secured qualification for the tournament. He scored his first senior international goal on September 6, 2018, in a 1-1 friendly draw against Kyrgyzstan.

A month later, he participated in the 2018 Bangabandhu Cup, which Palestine won, marking their first international tournament victory since the 2014 AFC Challenge Cup. At the age of 20, Dabbagh was called up for the 2019 AFC Asian Cup, where he appeared in matches against Australia and Jordan, contributing to Palestine's first-ever point in the Asian Cup. In the same year, he scored a brace against Syria in the final group stage match of the 2019 WAFF Championship, helping Palestine secure a third-place finish in the tournament.

Dabbagh was also named in the Palestinian squad for the 2023 AFC Asian Cup in Qatar, 3 years and 5 months after the previous edition. On January 23, 2024, he scored a crucial brace in a 3-0 victory over Hong Kong in the final group stage match. This historic win not only marked Palestine's first-ever victory in a major tournament but also secured their qualification for the knockout phase for the first time as one of the best third-placed teams. He continued his impressive performance by scoring the opening goal in the Round of 16 match against host nation and defending champion Qatar, ultimately scoring 3 goals in the tournament.

On March 21, 2024, Dabbagh scored his first international hat-trick during the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification match against Bangladesh, leading Palestine to a dominant 5-0 victory. His consistent scoring has made him the all-time top scorer for the Palestine national team, a testament to his impact and importance. His contributions have been instrumental in Palestine's footballing achievements, including their first-ever progression to the third round of the FIFA World Cup AFC qualifiers and their fourth consecutive qualification for the AFC Asian Cup finals.

4.1. Club Honours

• Hilal Al-Quds
  • West Bank Premier League: 2016-17, 2017-18, 2018-19
  • Palestine Cup: 2017-18
  • West Bank Cup: 2017-18
• Qadsia SC
  • Kuwait Super Cup: 2019
• Al-Arabi SC
  • Kuwaiti Premier League: 2020-21

4.2. International Honours

• Palestine
  • Bangabandhu Cup: 2018

4.3. Individual Honours

• Islamic Solidarity Games top goalscorer: 2017
• Kuwaiti Premier League top goalscorer: 2020-21
• West Bank Premier League Golden Boot: 2018-19

5.1. Club Statistics

5.2. International Statistics

Scores and results list Palestine's goal tally first, score column indicates score after each Dabbagh goal.

6.1. Impact on Palestinian Football

Oday Dabbagh's professional journey, from the local West Bank leagues to prominent European divisions, has had a profound impact on Palestinian football. As a Palestinian footballer reaching elite European leagues, he serves as a powerful inspiration for aspiring young players in Palestine. His success demonstrates that it is possible to overcome the challenges and limitations faced by athletes from the region to compete on a global stage. Dabbagh's consistent performance and goal-scoring abilities have elevated the profile of Palestinian football internationally, contributing to its development and recognition. His role as the all-time top scorer for the Palestine national team further cements his legacy as a central figure in the history of the sport in Palestine. His achievements reflect positively on Palestinian national identity and pride, showcasing resilience and talent to the world.

6.2. Public and Media Reception

Oday Dabbagh is widely regarded as a significant and revered figure by Palestinian fans and media. His transition to European football, particularly his successful stints in Portugal and Belgium, has been met with immense pride and widespread attention. He is often highlighted as a trailblazer, breaking barriers and opening doors for other Palestinian athletes. The media frequently emphasizes his journey as a narrative of triumph and perseverance, especially within the context of the challenges faced by Palestinians. His performances for the national team, especially his record-breaking goals and his contributions to Palestine's historic qualifications and wins in major tournaments, are celebrated enthusiastically, solidifying his status as a national hero and a symbol of hope and aspiration for the Palestinian people.