Fahad Al Muwallad (Al Ittihad, Saudi Arabia): The forward, 24, has represented Al Ittihad since making his professional debut aged 16. Enjoyed success in domestic cup competitions – 2013 and 2018 King’s Cup, the 2016/17 Crown Prince Cup – and last year spent time on loan in the Primera Liga with Levante. Scored the goal that took Saudi Arabia to the 2018 Fifa World Cup. However, has been reportedly suspended for one year after failing a drugs test. AFP
Mohamed Salah (Liverpool, Egypt): Undoubtedly the most recognisable Arab footballer at present, the Liverpool forward has been a revelation since moving from Roma to the Premier League in the summer of 2017 and that was emphasised by helping Liverpool win the Uefa Champions League on June 1. In his first season at Anfield, Salah scored 44 goals in 52 matches, notching 32 in the league to win the division’s Golden Boot and setting a record for a 38-game season. He landed a number of individual awards, too, including the league’s best player. Last season, Salah recovered from a loss of form to fuel Liverpool’s bid for a first top-flight title in 29 years, although they eventually finished second, a point behind Manchester City. Still, Salah scored 22 goals to share the Golden Boot. The former Basel, Chelsea and Fiorentina attacker has been Egypt’s leading light the past few years, guiding his country to the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations final. He was top scorer in African qualification for the 2018 Fifa World Cup, scoring the famous penalty that sent them to the tournament – Egypt’s first global finals since 1990. Aged 26, Salah has scored 39 goals in 62 matches for his country. Getty Images
Hakim Ziyech (Ajax, Morocco): What a season the Moroccan winger has had. One of the standouts in Ajax’s exciting young side, Ziyech excelled both domestically and on the continent as the Dutch club won the league-and-cup double. They also progressed to the semi-finals of the Uefa Champions League, where Ziyech contributed notable performances against Juventus and Real Madrid, the defending champions. In all last season, Ziyech scored 21 goals and registered 22 assists. Aged 26, the former Heerenveen and Twente attacking midfielder is this summer tipped for a mega-money move, with Manchester United, Manchester City and Bayern Munich mooted as possible destinations. Understandably, Ziyech has become integral to his national team following his decision in 2015 to switch allegiance from the Netherlands. He was selected for the Morocco national team for the 2018 Fifa World Cup, starting all three group matches. Ziyech has 12 goals in 23 appearances thus far, and headlines his country's squad for the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations. Getty Images
Riyad Mahrez (Manchester City, Algeria): Considered one of the most accomplished Arab footballers since making his mark in England with Leicester City, Mahrez is supremely talented. Joined the club from French side Le Havre in early 2014, immediately helping gain promotion to the Premier League as winners of the Championship. Two seasons later, Mahrez played a crucial role in one of footballer’s greatest upsets, when Leicester were crowned English champions for the first time in their history. The Algerian winger was arguably their most influential player, forming a superb attacking threat alongside Jamie Vardy. He concluded the campaign with 17 goals and 11 assists. Mahrez was deservedly voted the league’s player of the year. Now 28, he became Manchester City’s record signing last summer - £60 million (Dh278.7m) – but started only 14 league matches as the champions retained their title. Made his international debut in 2014, featuring in his country’s opening group match at the 2014 Fifa World Cup. To date, Mahrez has 43 caps, scoring 10 goals. Getty Images
Achraf Hakimi (Real Madrid, Morocco): The right-back, 20, made his Madrid debut aged 17 and went on to prove a useful member of the squad who won 2017/18 Uefa Champions League. However, signed a two-year loan deal with Borussia Dortmund last summer, helping the German club push Bayern Munich in the Bundesliga before eventually finishing runners-up. Part of the Morocco team to qualify for 2018 Fifa World Cup, starting all three group games. Getty Images
Omar Al Somah (Al Ahli Jeddah, Syria): The striker, 30, is widely regarded one of the best strikers in Asia having scored 141 goals in 147 appearances for Al Ahli since signing from Kuwait's Al Qadsia in 2014. Fired the club to league and King’s Cup glory in 2016. For Syria, came agonisingly close to sending his country to 2018 Fifa World Cup. Ultimately, they lost narrowly in the play-off to Australia. AFP
Omar Abdulrahman (Al Hilal, UAE): The playmaker, 27, is one of Asian football’s standout players after spending a decade in Al Ain’s senior side. Easily identifiable, he helped the club win four UAE league titles and three President’s Cup crowns. Was a beaten finalist in the 2016 Asian Champions League, but was later named Asian player of year. The national team’s prize asset, he spent the majority of last season at Al Hilal out injured. Getty Images
Younes Belhanda (Galatasaray, Morocco): The attacking midfielder, 29, made his name in the 2011/12 season by helping Montpellier win Ligue 1 for the first time. Has since played for Dinamo Kiev, winning two Ukrainian titles, then Schalke and Nice, before moving to Turkey in 2017. Part of the Galatasaray side that have captured successive top-flight crowns. Started all three of Morocco’s matches at the 2018 Fifa World Cup. Getty Images
Noussair Mazraoui (Ajax, Morocco): The versatile full-back, 21, has enjoyed a fine breakout season for Ajax, primarily on the right. Can, though, also operate in midfield. Played a significant part in the club’s league and cup success, and in their run to the last four of the Uefa Champions League. His performances have resonated with Morocco manager Herve Renard, so much so that he has been included in the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations squad. Reuters
Abderrazak Hamdallah (Al Nassr, Morocco): The striker, 28, enjoyed an incredible debut season at Al Nassr, scoring 34 goals in 26 matches to set a record for the division and fire the club to the Saudi Pro League title. Grabbed the two goals in the final match to seal the trophy. Had previously been largely prolific in both China and Qatar. First played for Morocco in 2012, although has made only 14 appearances to date. Getty Images
Faouzi Ghoulam (Napoli, Algeria): The left-back, 28, has been a mainstay of the resurgent Napoli side since signing from Saint Etienne in 2014, helping the club in the past two seasons to finish runners-up to a typically dominant Juventus. Featured for Algeria at the 2014 Fifa World Cup as the North Africans reached the last 16. Voted his country’s player of year in 2017 – the first defender to take the honour in seven years. Getty Images
Mehdi Benatia (Duhail, Morocco): The experienced centre-back, 32, has represented some of Europe’s top clubs, including Roma, Bayern Munich and Juventus. Excelled in Turin, though, winning the Scudetto and Coppa Italia double in consecutive seasons from 2016/17. Was a beaten finalist in that campaign's Uefa Champions League. Twice Bundesliga champion with Bayern, too, he moved to Qatar’s Al Duhail in January. Integral to his country at the 2018 Fifa World Cup. Getty Images
Omar Khribin (Al Hilal, Syria): The forward, 25, signed for Al Hilal from Al Dhafra in 2017, initially on loan. Soon helped the club win successive league titles, and also the King’s Cup in 2017. Was top scorer in the 2017 Asian Champions League with 10 goals as Hilal finished runner-up, and later named Asian player of year. Loaned to Egyptian side Pyramids in January. Key to Syria’s 2018 Fifa World Cup play-off run. AFP
Sofiane Feghouli (Algeria, Galatasaray): The midfielder, 29, spent six years in Spain at Valencia before moving to the Premier League with West Ham United. Joined Galatasaray in 2017, helping the club to successive league titles and last season’s Turkish Cup. Made his Algeria debut in 2012 having switched allegiance from France, the same year he was voted Algeria's footballer of the year. Scored in the team’s opening match at the 2014 Fifa World Cup. AFP
Baghdad Bounedjah (Al Sadd, Algeria): The striker, 27, has been a huge success at Al Sadd, especially this season when he carried the club to the Qatar Stars League title. Scored 39 goals en route to the trophy – a league record – including six hat-tricks. Made his debut for the Algeria senior team in 2013, and has scored nine goals in 20 appearances. Algerian player of year last year, and the 2018 Asian Champions League top scorer, with 13 goals. AFP
Akram Afif (Villarreal, Qatar): The exciting winger, 22, is one of his country’s most promising players, and for that reason became the first Qatari to join a Primera Liga club, when he joined Villarreal in 2016. However, has spent the majority of that time on loan: at Sporting Gijon, Belgium’s Eupen and, currently, back home at Al Sadd. Starred at the 2019 Asian Cup, registering a lead 10 assists as Qatar won the trophy for first time. Getty Images
Nabil Bentaleb (Schalke, Algeria): The midfielder, 24, made the move to Germany in 2017 following a successful loan spell when on books at Tottenham Hotspur. Had spent three years with London club, becoming a first-team regular when under Tim Sherwood's tutelage. Now serves as that with Schalke, providing a number of standout displays in last season's Uefa Champions League. Represented Algeria at the 2014 Fifa World Cup. Getty Images
Salem Al Dawsari (Al Hilal, Saudi Arabia): The winger, 27, has spent his entire career at Al Hilal, except for a loan spell last year with Primera Liga side Villarreal. Has helped the Saudi club to a league title, two King’s Cup crowns and three Crown Prince Cup trophies, while finishing runner-up in the Asian Champions League in 2014 and 2017. Memorably, he scored Saudi Arabia’s winner against Egypt at the 2018 Fifa World Cup. Getty Images
Ali Mabkhout (Al Jazira, UAE): The striker, 28, has spent his entire club career at Al Jazira, making his debut in 2008. Has won the UAE league twice and the President’s Cup three times, most notably spearheading Jazira’s march to the title in 2016/17. Scored 33 goals that campaign to post a new professional era record. One of the UAE national team's "Big Three", he was top scorer at 2015 Asian Cup, with five goals. Scored another four at this year’s tournament. Getty Images
Almoez Ali (Al Duhail, Qatar): The striker, 22, has attracted headlines primarily since joining Al Duhail in 2016, helping the club win the Qatar Stars League in successive seasons while also firing them to multiple success in domestic cup competitions. Played a vital role in Qatar winning the 2019 Asian Cup earlier this year, when he scored nine goals - a tournament record - including the opener in the final. Getty Images
Mahmoud “Trezeguet” Hassan (Kasimpasa, Egypt): The midfielder, 24, burst onto the scene when helping Egyptian powerhouses Al Ahly claim the African Champions League in 2012 and 2013. Joined Belgian side Anderlecht in 2016, but struggled to make an impact. Has since rediscovered his form in Turkey at Kasimpasa. Runner-up with Egypt at the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations, he played in all three matches at the 2018 Fifa World Cup. AGP
Yacine Brahimi (Porto, Algeria): The attacking midfielder, 29, has been a mainstay at Porto for much of the past five years, often showcasing his pace and dribbling ability. Helped the Portuguese giants win the 2017/18 league title and was subsequently named the club’s player of year. Switched allegiance from France to Algeria in 2013, then featuring for the North Africans at the 2014 Fifa World Cup. AFP
Fahad Al Muwallad (Al Ittihad, Saudi Arabia): The forward, 24, has represented Al Ittihad since making his professional debut aged 16. Enjoyed success in domestic cup competitions – 2013 and 2018 King’s Cup, the 2016/17 Crown Prince Cup – and last year spent time on loan in the Primera Liga with Levante. Scored the goal that took Saudi Arabia to the 2018 Fifa World Cup. However, has been reportedly suspended for one year after failing a drugs test. AFP
Mohamed Salah (Liverpool, Egypt): Undoubtedly the most recognisable Arab footballer at present, the Liverpool forward has been a revelation since moving from Roma to the Premier League in the summer of 2017 and that was emphasised by helping Liverpool win the Uefa Champions League on June 1. In his first season at Anfield, Salah scored 44 goals in 52 matches, notching 32 in the league to win the division’s Golden Boot and setting a record for a 38-game season. He landed a number of individual awards, too, including the league’s best player. Last season, Salah recovered from a loss of form to fuel Liverpool’s bid for a first top-flight title in 29 years, although they eventually finished second, a point behind Manchester City. Still, Salah scored 22 goals to share the Golden Boot. The former Basel, Chelsea and Fiorentina attacker has been Egypt’s leading light the past few years, guiding his country to the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations final. He was top scorer in African qualification for the 2018 Fifa World Cup, scoring the famous penalty that sent them to the tournament – Egypt’s first global finals since 1990. Aged 26, Salah has scored 39 goals in 62 matches for his country. Getty Images
Hakim Ziyech (Ajax, Morocco): What a season the Moroccan winger has had. One of the standouts in Ajax’s exciting young side, Ziyech excelled both domestically and on the continent as the Dutch club won the league-and-cup double. They also progressed to the semi-finals of the Uefa Champions League, where Ziyech contributed notable performances against Juventus and Real Madrid, the defending champions. In all last season, Ziyech scored 21 goals and registered 22 assists. Aged 26, the former Heerenveen and Twente attacking midfielder is this summer tipped for a mega-money move, with Manchester United, Manchester City and Bayern Munich mooted as possible destinations. Understandably, Ziyech has become integral to his national team following his decision in 2015 to switch allegiance from the Netherlands. He was selected for the Morocco national team for the 2018 Fifa World Cup, starting all three group matches. Ziyech has 12 goals in 23 appearances thus far, and headlines his country's squad for the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations. Getty Images
Riyad Mahrez (Manchester City, Algeria): Considered one of the most accomplished Arab footballers since making his mark in England with Leicester City, Mahrez is supremely talented. Joined the club from French side Le Havre in early 2014, immediately helping gain promotion to the Premier League as winners of the Championship. Two seasons later, Mahrez played a crucial role in one of footballer’s greatest upsets, when Leicester were crowned English champions for the first time in their history. The Algerian winger was arguably their most influential player, forming a superb attacking threat alongside Jamie Vardy. He concluded the campaign with 17 goals and 11 assists. Mahrez was deservedly voted the league’s player of the year. Now 28, he became Manchester City’s record signing last summer - £60 million (Dh278.7m) – but started only 14 league matches as the champions retained their title. Made his international debut in 2014, featuring in his country’s opening group match at the 2014 Fifa World Cup. To date, Mahrez has 43 caps, scoring 10 goals. Getty Images
Achraf Hakimi (Real Madrid, Morocco): The right-back, 20, made his Madrid debut aged 17 and went on to prove a useful member of the squad who won 2017/18 Uefa Champions League. However, signed a two-year loan deal with Borussia Dortmund last summer, helping the German club push Bayern Munich in the Bundesliga before eventually finishing runners-up. Part of the Morocco team to qualify for 2018 Fifa World Cup, starting all three group games. Getty Images
Omar Al Somah (Al Ahli Jeddah, Syria): The striker, 30, is widely regarded one of the best strikers in Asia having scored 141 goals in 147 appearances for Al Ahli since signing from Kuwait's Al Qadsia in 2014. Fired the club to league and King’s Cup glory in 2016. For Syria, came agonisingly close to sending his country to 2018 Fifa World Cup. Ultimately, they lost narrowly in the play-off to Australia. AFP
Omar Abdulrahman (Al Hilal, UAE): The playmaker, 27, is one of Asian football’s standout players after spending a decade in Al Ain’s senior side. Easily identifiable, he helped the club win four UAE league titles and three President’s Cup crowns. Was a beaten finalist in the 2016 Asian Champions League, but was later named Asian player of year. The national team’s prize asset, he spent the majority of last season at Al Hilal out injured. Getty Images
Younes Belhanda (Galatasaray, Morocco): The attacking midfielder, 29, made his name in the 2011/12 season by helping Montpellier win Ligue 1 for the first time. Has since played for Dinamo Kiev, winning two Ukrainian titles, then Schalke and Nice, before moving to Turkey in 2017. Part of the Galatasaray side that have captured successive top-flight crowns. Started all three of Morocco’s matches at the 2018 Fifa World Cup. Getty Images
Noussair Mazraoui (Ajax, Morocco): The versatile full-back, 21, has enjoyed a fine breakout season for Ajax, primarily on the right. Can, though, also operate in midfield. Played a significant part in the club’s league and cup success, and in their run to the last four of the Uefa Champions League. His performances have resonated with Morocco manager Herve Renard, so much so that he has been included in the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations squad. Reuters
Abderrazak Hamdallah (Al Nassr, Morocco): The striker, 28, enjoyed an incredible debut season at Al Nassr, scoring 34 goals in 26 matches to set a record for the division and fire the club to the Saudi Pro League title. Grabbed the two goals in the final match to seal the trophy. Had previously been largely prolific in both China and Qatar. First played for Morocco in 2012, although has made only 14 appearances to date. Getty Images
Faouzi Ghoulam (Napoli, Algeria): The left-back, 28, has been a mainstay of the resurgent Napoli side since signing from Saint Etienne in 2014, helping the club in the past two seasons to finish runners-up to a typically dominant Juventus. Featured for Algeria at the 2014 Fifa World Cup as the North Africans reached the last 16. Voted his country’s player of year in 2017 – the first defender to take the honour in seven years. Getty Images
Mehdi Benatia (Duhail, Morocco): The experienced centre-back, 32, has represented some of Europe’s top clubs, including Roma, Bayern Munich and Juventus. Excelled in Turin, though, winning the Scudetto and Coppa Italia double in consecutive seasons from 2016/17. Was a beaten finalist in that campaign's Uefa Champions League. Twice Bundesliga champion with Bayern, too, he moved to Qatar’s Al Duhail in January. Integral to his country at the 2018 Fifa World Cup. Getty Images
Omar Khribin (Al Hilal, Syria): The forward, 25, signed for Al Hilal from Al Dhafra in 2017, initially on loan. Soon helped the club win successive league titles, and also the King’s Cup in 2017. Was top scorer in the 2017 Asian Champions League with 10 goals as Hilal finished runner-up, and later named Asian player of year. Loaned to Egyptian side Pyramids in January. Key to Syria’s 2018 Fifa World Cup play-off run. AFP
Sofiane Feghouli (Algeria, Galatasaray): The midfielder, 29, spent six years in Spain at Valencia before moving to the Premier League with West Ham United. Joined Galatasaray in 2017, helping the club to successive league titles and last season’s Turkish Cup. Made his Algeria debut in 2012 having switched allegiance from France, the same year he was voted Algeria's footballer of the year. Scored in the team’s opening match at the 2014 Fifa World Cup. AFP
Baghdad Bounedjah (Al Sadd, Algeria): The striker, 27, has been a huge success at Al Sadd, especially this season when he carried the club to the Qatar Stars League title. Scored 39 goals en route to the trophy – a league record – including six hat-tricks. Made his debut for the Algeria senior team in 2013, and has scored nine goals in 20 appearances. Algerian player of year last year, and the 2018 Asian Champions League top scorer, with 13 goals. AFP
Akram Afif (Villarreal, Qatar): The exciting winger, 22, is one of his country’s most promising players, and for that reason became the first Qatari to join a Primera Liga club, when he joined Villarreal in 2016. However, has spent the majority of that time on loan: at Sporting Gijon, Belgium’s Eupen and, currently, back home at Al Sadd. Starred at the 2019 Asian Cup, registering a lead 10 assists as Qatar won the trophy for first time. Getty Images
Nabil Bentaleb (Schalke, Algeria): The midfielder, 24, made the move to Germany in 2017 following a successful loan spell when on books at Tottenham Hotspur. Had spent three years with London club, becoming a first-team regular when under Tim Sherwood's tutelage. Now serves as that with Schalke, providing a number of standout displays in last season's Uefa Champions League. Represented Algeria at the 2014 Fifa World Cup. Getty Images
Salem Al Dawsari (Al Hilal, Saudi Arabia): The winger, 27, has spent his entire career at Al Hilal, except for a loan spell last year with Primera Liga side Villarreal. Has helped the Saudi club to a league title, two King’s Cup crowns and three Crown Prince Cup trophies, while finishing runner-up in the Asian Champions League in 2014 and 2017. Memorably, he scored Saudi Arabia’s winner against Egypt at the 2018 Fifa World Cup. Getty Images
Ali Mabkhout (Al Jazira, UAE): The striker, 28, has spent his entire club career at Al Jazira, making his debut in 2008. Has won the UAE league twice and the President’s Cup three times, most notably spearheading Jazira’s march to the title in 2016/17. Scored 33 goals that campaign to post a new professional era record. One of the UAE national team's "Big Three", he was top scorer at 2015 Asian Cup, with five goals. Scored another four at this year’s tournament. Getty Images
Almoez Ali (Al Duhail, Qatar): The striker, 22, has attracted headlines primarily since joining Al Duhail in 2016, helping the club win the Qatar Stars League in successive seasons while also firing them to multiple success in domestic cup competitions. Played a vital role in Qatar winning the 2019 Asian Cup earlier this year, when he scored nine goals - a tournament record - including the opener in the final. Getty Images
Mahmoud “Trezeguet” Hassan (Kasimpasa, Egypt): The midfielder, 24, burst onto the scene when helping Egyptian powerhouses Al Ahly claim the African Champions League in 2012 and 2013. Joined Belgian side Anderlecht in 2016, but struggled to make an impact. Has since rediscovered his form in Turkey at Kasimpasa. Runner-up with Egypt at the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations, he played in all three matches at the 2018 Fifa World Cup. AGP
Yacine Brahimi (Porto, Algeria): The attacking midfielder, 29, has been a mainstay at Porto for much of the past five years, often showcasing his pace and dribbling ability. Helped the Portuguese giants win the 2017/18 league title and was subsequently named the club’s player of year. Switched allegiance from France to Algeria in 2013, then featuring for the North Africans at the 2014 Fifa World Cup. AFP
Fahad Al Muwallad (Al Ittihad, Saudi Arabia): The forward, 24, has represented Al Ittihad since making his professional debut aged 16. Enjoyed success in domestic cup competitions – 2013 and 2018 King’s Cup, the 2016/17 Crown Prince Cup – and last year spent time on loan in the Primera Liga with Levante. Scored the goal that took Saudi Arabia to the 2018 Fifa World Cup. However, has been reportedly suspended for one year after failing a drugs test. AFP
