Top 5 Best Midfielders in Al Nassr: Icons Who Shaped the Club
Al Nassr FC, one of Saudi Arabia’s biggest and most successful football clubs, has always been known for its star power and dominance in the Saudi Pro League. From global icons like Cristiano Ronaldo to local heroes who built the foundation of the club, Al Nassr’s midfield has been the engine behind every major triumph.
In this article, we’ll explore the Top 5 best midfielders in Al Nassr, including a look at the top 10 and top 20 midfielders of all time, plus insights into Al-Nassr’s best players ever, their top scorers, and key rivalries that have defined Saudi football history.
1. Anderson Talisca – The Brazilian Maestro
Anderson Talisca is often called Al-Nassr’s best player in recent years after Cristiano Ronaldo. His creativity, long-range shooting, and ability to score from anywhere on the pitch make him one of the best attacking midfielders in Al Nassr history.
Since joining the club, Talisca has been a consistent performer — combining flair, power, and precision. He has not only scored crucial goals but also played a vital role in connecting midfield and attack.
- Position: Attacking Midfielder
- Jersey Number: 94
- Contribution: Double-digit goals every season since joining
- Playing Style: Quick transitions, powerful shots, and set-piece expertise
Talisca’s chemistry with Cristiano Ronaldo has been one of the most talked-about partnerships in Saudi football. Many fans even debate whether Talisca or Ronaldo has been the most important player for Al-Nassr this season.
2. Abdulrahman Al-Dosari – The Local Powerhouse
Every successful team needs a hard-working, homegrown midfielder — and Abdulrahman Al-Dosari fits that description perfectly. Known for his tireless work rate and defensive intelligence, Al-Dosari has been an anchor in the midfield.
He’s not the flashiest player, but his ability to break up opposition play and distribute the ball effectively has been crucial to Al-Nassr’s system. His consistency has earned him a place among the Top 10 best midfielders in Al Nassr all time.
- Position: Defensive Midfielder
- Strengths: Tackling, interceptions, and composure under pressure
- Legacy: A symbol of local talent thriving alongside global stars
Al-Dosari’s performances in the 2022–2024 seasons solidified his reputation as one of the most reliable Saudi midfielders in the Pro League.
3. Petros Matheus – The Brazilian Workhorse
Before Talisca, another Brazilian midfielder made waves at Al-Nassr — Petros Matheus. Known for his leadership and fighting spirit, Petros was the heart of Al-Nassr’s midfield for several seasons.
His ability to control the tempo of the game and motivate teammates made him a fan favorite. Petros often wore the captain’s armband and guided Al-Nassr through intense matches, including their biggest rivalry against Al Hilal, known as the Riyadh Derby.
- Position: Central Midfielder
- Contribution: Over 100 appearances for Al-Nassr
- Notable Rivalry: Al-Nassr vs. Al Hilal battles
- Why He’s Special: Balance of defense and attack
Petros may not have been a flashy dribbler, but his intelligence and tactical discipline make him one of Al-Nassr’s best midfielders of all time.
4. Sultan Al-Ghannam – The Versatile Engine
While many fans know Sultan Al-Ghannam as a right-back, his versatility allows him to dominate the midfield when needed. His overlapping runs, accurate crosses, and non-stop energy make him one of the most complete players in the squad.
He’s often mentioned in fan debates about the best right mid player in Al-Nassr, thanks to his attacking contribution and work ethic.
- Position: Right Midfielder / Right Wing-Back
- Specialty: Crosses, pace, and stamina
- Fun Fact: Among the few Saudi players who consistently start in big matches with Ronaldo
Al-Ghannam represents the new generation of Saudi footballers who can compete at an international level. His performances have placed him among the Top 20 best midfielders in Al Nassr all time.
5. Pity Martínez – The Creative Spark
Argentinian star Pity Martínez, formerly of River Plate, brought flair and creativity to Al-Nassr’s attack. Although his time was interrupted by injuries, his moments of brilliance still stand out.
When healthy, Pity controlled games with his dribbling, vision, and left-footed passing — often being the difference in key fixtures. His link-up play with Talisca and Aboubakar was a joy to watch.
- Position: Attacking Midfielder / Winger
- Skills: Dribbling, vision, and quick decision-making
- Legacy: Helped modernize Al-Nassr’s midfield transition play
Pity Martínez remains one of the most technically gifted players to ever wear the Al-Nassr shirt.
Honorable Mentions: Top 10 and Top 20 Best Midfielders in Al Nassr All Time
While the top five are standouts, several other midfielders have made lasting contributions to Al-Nassr’s success. Here’s a quick look at those who deserve recognition:
Top 10 Best Midfielders in Al Nassr All Time
- Anderson Talisca
- Petros Matheus
- Abdulrahman Al-Dosari
- Pity Martínez
- Sultan Al-Ghannam
- Giuliano de Paula
- Yahya Al-Shehri
- Anselmo Moraes
- Alvaro Gonzalez
- Mohammad Al-Fatil
Top 20 Best Midfielders in Al Nassr All Time
- Adding to the above list:
- Ahmed Musa
- Houssain Al-Mogahwi
- Fawaz Al-Sqoor
- Ali Lajami
- Sami Al-Najei
- Khalid Al-Ghannam
- Nawaf Al-Aqidi
- Abdulfattah Asir Omar Hawsawi (midfield role hybrid) Tarek Al-Taee
These players helped build Al-Nassr’s identity as one of the top teams in Asia, with a balance of international talent and Saudi excellence.
Al-Nassr’s Best Players of All Time
Beyond midfielders in Al Nassr all-time legends include:
- Majed Abdullah – The Al-Nassr top scorer of all-time, with over 260 league goals.
- Cristiano Ronaldo – The global superstar who continues to break records.
- Mohammed Al-Sahlawi – Among the Top 10 highest goal scorers in Al-Nassr history.
- Talisca – Currently among the Al Nassr top scorers this season.
These players show how Al-Nassr has blended experience, flair, and hard work across generations.
Al-Nassr’s Biggest Rivalry
Every great club has a rival, and for Al-Nassr, it’s Al Hilal.
The Al-Nassr vs Al-Hilal rivalry, also known as the Riyadh Derby, is the most anticipated match in Saudi football. It’s more than just a game — it’s a battle for pride, history, and bragging rights.
Whether it’s a league match or a cup final, the energy in the stadium is electric. Many of the players mentioned above have made their names in these high-stakes derbies.
Who Is Number 10 in Al-Nassr?
Traditionally, the number 10 jersey at Al-Nassr has been worn by creative midfielders. Recently, players like Pity Martínez and Talisca have represented that role — continuing the club’s legacy of iconic playmakers.
The number 10 at Al-Nassr isn’t just a shirt number; it’s a symbol of creativity and leadership on the pitch.
Conclusion: The Midfield Legacy of Al-Nassr
From Majed Abdullah’s golden era to the Ronaldo and Talisca partnership, Al-Nassr’s history is filled with midfield brilliance. The club has continuously produced and signed world-class talent capable of dominating both domestically and in the AFC Champions League.
The Top 5 best midfielders in Al Nassr showcase not only skill but also dedication, leadership, and consistency — the qualities that define champions.
As the club continues its rise on the global stage, one thing is clear: the heart of Al-Nassr will always beat in midfield.
FAQs
1. Who is Al-Nassr’s best player?
Currently, Cristiano Ronaldo is considered Al-Nassr’s best player due to his record-breaking performances, but Anderson Talisca is also a strong contender thanks to his influence in midfield.
2. Who is the best right mid player at Al-Nassr?
Sultan Al-Ghannam is widely regarded as the best right-sided midfielder, known for his stamina, overlapping runs, and consistent assists.
3. What is Al-Nassr’s biggest rivalry?
Al-Nassr’s biggest rivalry is with Al Hilal, known as the Riyadh Derby, one of the most passionate football rivalries in Asia.
