On Wednesday, Suleiman al-Obeid, another long-time stalwart of Palestinian football, was killed during an Israeli military incursion in southern Gaza. The photos stopped showing the children. He was 41 years old and had earned the nickname “Palestinian Pelé.” His killing came as civilians stood in line to pick up life-saving humanitarian relief, underscoring the dire need for this violence and chaos to end.
The Palestine Football Association (PFA) has confirmed the tragic death of al-Obeid. We grieve the loss of one of football’s brightest stars in Palestinian history.
Personal life
Al-Obeid made his debut for the Palestinian national team in 2007. In his limited international career, he was capped on 24 occasions and scored 2 goals. His crowning achievement on the pitch was a beautiful scissor-kick goal against Yemen in the 2010 West Asian Football Federation championship.
In his international career, he scored more than the century mark, becoming an indispensable member of the national team. Al-Obeid was a relentless figure on the pitch. Two years ago, he was especially generous, donating to the Egyptian Red Cross, providing infrastructural relief along with his continental efforts easing tensions.
His tragic death raises the tally of athletes killed in Gaza this week. This has been increasing steadily since the outbreak of war in late March 2023. News reports show that at least 662 athletes and their family members have died. Out of all of them, al-Obeid represents one of the greater intellectual losses for this community, if not the most.
In recognition of Suleiman al-Obeid’s influence and legacy, UEFA paid tribute to him. Their tribute was a declaration, “Rest In Peace Suleiman al-Obeid, the ‘Palestinian Pelé.’” That sentiment struck a chord with many fans and former athletes who adored his killer instinct, natural ability and commitment to the game.
The Egyptian football superstar called for justice and accountability in the wake of tragedy, sharing his sadness about the massacre in Egypt on pitch. He asked, “Explain to us how he died, where he died and why.”