Saleh al-Nuaimah

Saleh Mohammed al-Nuaimah (born in 1960) is the former captain of al-Hilal SFC and the Saudi national team. He played in the defense position. He held many titles, including the "Captain of Arabs" title.

Saleh al-Nuaimah was born in Riyadh City. He started his sports career in 1976 after he was convinced by Abdulrahman Bin Saeed, the founder of al-Hilal SFC, to join the club. He remained a bench player for one year before playing his first game in 1977 against al-Qadsiah Club and scoring his first goal. In 1978, he was selected to join the national team as a main player during the Asian championship that was held in Bangkok.

Saleh al-Nuaimah led al-Hilal SFC and the Saudi national team in several championships. He held the Saudi Pro League five times (1977, 1985, 1986, 1987, and 1989). Under his leadership, al-Hilal SFC won the King's Cup in 1980, 1982, and 1989 and the Saudi Federation Cup in 1987 and 1990. He won the first foreign championship in al-Hilal SFC's history, which is the Gulf Cup, in 1986.

Upon joining al-Hilal SFC, Saleh al-Nuaimah was selected to join the first Saudi national team as a main player during the Asian Cup, held in the Thailandese capital, Bangkok. He participated in ninety-nine international games with the national team and scored two goals. In 1984 and 1988, he led the first Saudi national team to podiums, where the team was crowned champion of the eighth and ninth Asian championships, held in Singapore and Qatar respectively. He remained the team captain until his retirement.

Saleh al-Nuaimah officially announced his retirement from football on June 9, 1991, due to injury. His retirement event was held in Riyadh City, at Prince Faisal Bin Fahd Stadium. Notable Saudi, Arab, and international football figures attended it. The game was held between al-Hilal SFC and the football dream team. It ended with a tie with one goal for each team.