BAFETIMBI GOMIS

A Beloved Lion Roaring in the Fields of Asia

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When Bafetimbi Gomis departed Saudi Arabia in 2022, he left behind a legacy as one of the greatest foreign players ever to play in Asia.

AFC Champion

The Frenchman never faltered on or off the field for Al-Hilal, helping the Riyadh giants clinch two AFC Champions League titles and three Saudi Pro League championships.

Al-Hilal signed Gomis aged 33 in 2018 after he had an extensive career in European football with clubs like Saint-Etienne, Olympique Lyonnais, Marseille and Swansea City when they played in the English Premier League. The French goalscorer returned to Europe when he left the Saudi top flight, returning to Galatasaray to win more silverware in Turkey.

Gomis gained immense popularity within Saudi Arabia and the Asian football arenas, where he played numerous matches with his club in the AFC Champions League. His iconic lion goal celebration became a symbol for Al-Hilal fans. Fans of rival teams dreaded witnessing it.

Gomis didn’t only make a significant impact on the pitch, he also made a profound societal impact at the Saudi, Asian, and global levels, earning a well-deserved spot in our Champions of Progress edition of TREND 11, presented by NEOM, the global partner of the Asian Football Confederation.

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The Middle Eastern Adventure: Star of Saudi Football

Soccer player in blue jersey celebrating with arms raised, wearing a medal.

Expectations weren't sky-high when Gomis arrived at Al-Hilal. He didn’t arrive with the same A-list prestige as Neymar in 2023. Instead, he defied all odds, shining brightly with the team. Gomis scored 111 goals across his four seasons in the blue jersey in 148 competitive matches.

Gomis had a special flair in AFC competitions - he played 28 matches in the AFC Champions League, leading Al-Hilal to the title in both 2019 and 2021.

The first AFC title win in 2019 was particularly memorable for Al-Hilal and Gomis, as it marked the team's return to the Asian champions' podium since 2000. For the former France international, it was a personal triumph as he was awarded the tournament's best player and top scorer with 11 goals.

Gomis was spectacular in the round of 16, becoming a fan-favourite by scoring a hat-trick in a thrilling match against Al-Ahli, which Al-Hilal won 4-2 at the Jeddah home of their national rivals.

Gomis was also critical in Al-Hilal winning the Saudi Pro League title three consecutive times in the 2019-20, 2020-21, and 2021-22. He was the top scorer in the 2020-21 season with 24 goals.

Gomis’s journey with Al-Hilal reached its conclusion as the then-36-year-old’s role in the attack started to wane after the club signed Malian striker Moussa Marega, but not before making memories to last a lifetime in the Saudi capital.

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Soccer player wearing blue and black jersey with number 16.

Soccer player in blue jersey raising fist in celebration during a match.

Community Influence

Fan Champion

Gomis’s incredible bond with Saudi fans is another reason for being a representation of what our TREND 11 icons celebrated in our Champions of Progress edition stand for. Gomis embraced the local lifestyle, often donning traditional Saudi attire, drinking Arabic coffee, and enjoyed camping and barbecues in the Riyadh desert.

He has a vast fan base in the kingdom following him from his time with the team to the present, even two years after his departure. Gomis’ social media is filled with funny interactions with his fans on social media.

He boasts over 2.2 million followers on Instagram, many of whom are Saudis, and more than 1.5 million followers on X, consistently engaging with Saudi fans and regularly wishing the country well on its national day, often tweeting in Arabic.

Gomis's community involvement has always been impactful within the kingdom, with numerous instances showcasing his dedication. Notably, he once welcomed an elderly fan to Al-Hilal's training session, sharing a photo with him on his X account and tweeting in Arabic: "All respect to this person... His support greatly helps me succeed with Al-Hilal. Meeting him today was one of the happiest moments of my day. I hope to bring joy to Al-Hilal and always make you happy, God willing."

Gomis also interacted with a video of a young student celebrating goals in his signature style at school. He shared the video and sent a message: "We'll exchange tips; I'll teach him how to perfect the lion celebration, and he’ll show me how to score more goals."

He also posted on Instagram a picture with a visually impaired Al-Hilal fan, writing: "I'm proud to meet extraordinary fans. Visual impairment isn't a barrier to loving football. I want to thank this fan for giving me so much love and emotion. These moments remind us all to support and include people with disabilities in society... God bless you."

Person wearing a red and white checked headscarf, holding the Saudi Arabian flag.

Soccer player in blue uniform celebrating during a match.

Soccer player celebrating, wearing a blue Al Hilal jersey with number 18.

"I'm proud to meet extraordinary fans. Visual impairment isn't a barrier to loving football. I want to thank this fan for giving me so much love and emotion. These moments remind us all to support and include people with disabilities in society... God bless you."

Bafetimbi Gomis

Humanitarian Gesture and Charitable Contributions

Charity Champion

The famous lion celebration is the most associated memory of Gomis, yet behind this celebration lies a remarkable humanitarian gesture.

During a classic match against Al-Ittihad, Gomis celebrated this way after scoring, only to frighten a young ball boy at the pitch who ran away in fear. Gomis didn't rest until he approached the boy after the match, giving him his jersey as a conciliatory gesture.

A man and a boy sitting on a beige sofa with a baby wrapped in a white blanket. The setting includes a decorated wall with floral art, flower arrangements, and a table with pastries, fruit, a water bottle, and a white pitcher.

Gomis is one of elite football's most charitable players, supporting various causes. He has repeatedly provided aid to the Children with Cerebral Palsy Association in Turkey, visiting the charity multiple times during his stint with Galatasaray, urging others to support these children consistently.

Moreover, Gomis contributed to supporting families in impoverished regions within African countries. He provides wheelchairs for disabled children, and actively participates in combating hunger and providing healthcare to children across the African continent.