What should have been a night of celebration quickly turned into a disciplinary nightmare. Salman Al-Faraj, NEOM FC’s captain and one of Saudi football’s most decorated names, found himself at the center of a storm after an unexpected reaction during his team’s match against Al-Riyadh in Round 21 of the Roshn Saudi League.
Everything seemed normal until the 74th minute. NEOM was leading 1-0 thanks to a goal from French striker Alexandre Lacazette, and the team was cruising toward three valuable points. But what happened next? That’s where the real story begins.
A Tactical Decision Gone Wrong
French manager Christophe Galtier decided to make a substitution, and Salman Al-Faraj was the name called off. The reason? Galtier felt his captain’s midfield performance wasn’t up to par, and he needed fresher legs to protect the lead.
Was this assessment harsh? Perhaps. But it’s a tactical call — the kind managers make hundreds of times each season. The difference this time? The player being substituted didn’t take it well. Not well at all.
The Early Exit
Al-Faraj didn’t simply show his frustration on the bench. He took things to another level entirely: the captain left the stadium before the match ended, driving away in his own car while his teammates were still on the pitch.
This didn’t go unnoticed. Club sources described it as a “clear violation of internal regulations” — regardless of the player’s name or storied history.
A 60,000-Riyal Fine
NEOM’s management moved quickly, slapping a 60,000-riyal fine on their captain and hinting that additional sanctions are being considered. The message couldn’t be clearer: discipline is a red line that no one crosses, not even the team’s leader.
A Difficult Season
Here’s the thing — this crisis comes at the worst possible time for Al-Faraj. He returned this season from a lengthy injury and has only featured in 10 matches so far. The numbers aren’t flattering: zero goals, zero assists, and performances that haven’t convinced many observers.
The criticism is mounting, and questions are growing louder about his current role in NEOM’s ambitious project.
A Moment of Anger or the Start of Something Bigger?
The question everyone’s asking now: Was this just a fleeting moment of frustration that can be moved past? Or is it the beginning of a new chapter of tension between the player and his club?
Salman Al-Faraj is a giant of Saudi football. He captained Al-Hilal for years and lifted countless trophies. But even the biggest names aren’t above the rules of the game. The coming days will tell us whether the captain will regain his composure and refocus on the pitch — or whether his relationship with NEOM is heading into a dark tunnel with no clear exit in sight.
