Coffee in Saudi culture is not just a drink, but rather an ancient symbol of generosity and courage. Its small “cup” carries the meaning of welcoming the guest and the status of the host. This deep symbolism even found its way to football stadiums, where it became part of the details of the Saudi Professional League, and was linked to French star Bafetimbi Gomez, the former Al Hilal striker.
Gomez, known for his famous lion-like celebration style, has immersed himself in Saudi culture with remarkable depth, becoming a familiar face of Saudi dress and coffee traditions. Not only did he love her, but he made her a part of his daily life. He serves it to his guests at his house next to the “dala”. As for his relationship with coffee, he says jokingly: It outweighs the effect of medicine on him when he falls ill.
What distinguishes Gomez most is his unique way of celebrating goals, as he goes to a place he knows well to carry a paper cup of coffee, and waves it proudly. In this way, she became a symbol celebrated by the masses, making his daily life a reflection of the love he carries in his heart for the kingdom in which he lived for three and a half years, from 2018 to 2022.
Gomez joined Al Hilal in August 2018 from Galatasaray in Turkey, beginning an unforgettable career. During that period, he scored 116 goals in 154 matches with Al Hilal, and won many championships. He led Al Hilal to achieve the league title three times, won the King’s Cup, and was the top scorer in the Saudi League in the 2019-2020 season with 24 goals.
But his biggest achievement is leading Al Hilal to achieve the AFC Champions League title in 2019 after years of attempts. Gomez scored the second goal in the final match against Urawa Red Diamonds of Japan, clinching the title for Al Hilal and ending the tournament as its top scorer. He also contributed to the next Asian title in 2021, writing his name twice in the record of Al Hilal’s Asian achievements.
Gomez’s influence was not limited to football, as he was present in difficult moments, such as the Covid-19 pandemic, where he called for adherence to preventive measures and participated in charitable initiatives to support those affected. These situations showed his personality that went beyond the field, becoming a symbol of giving and loyalty.
🗣 Hello guys, the lion is speaking.. I would like to share this message with you; To tell you, take good care of this virus, don’t forget to wash your hands well, take care of your families, and we are all together.. See you later, Glory to Blue#AlHilal#Snap_Al-Hilal pic.twitter.com/GhkWszIymW
– Al Hilal Saudi Club (@Alhilal_FC) March 14, 2020
Even after he left Al Hilal and returned to Galatasaray and then Japan, Saudi Arabia remained in Gomez’s heart. He continued to return to the Kingdom at any opportunity, and his relationship with Al Hilal still exists. His social media accounts, followed by millions, are full of memories of his time in Saudi Arabia.
In one of his recent posts, he expressed his great pride in being honored as a golden member of Al Hilal Club, saying: “I am honored and pleased to be a golden member of Al Hilal Club. This membership brings me tremendous happiness and pride.”
Gomez retired from football at the age of 39, but he remains remembered as a player with the heart of a lion and a spirit that loved the kingdom. Gomez was more than just a foreign player. Rather, he became a symbol that combined sporting brilliance with cultural connection, leaving an unforgettable impact on the history of Al Hilal and Saudi football.
Gomez! You can now enjoy your life after retiring from football 🦁
We will not forget you, Buffy, and we will not forget Glory is Blue 💙@BafGomis pic.twitter.com/yDWbE7zxbM
– Al Hilal Saudi Club (@Alhilal_FC) November 11, 2024
2024-11-14 21:32:00