Wessam Abou Ali
{{Short description|Footballer (born 1999)}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=March 2023}}
{{Infobox football biography
| name = Wessam Abou Ali
| image =
| caption =
| full_name = Wessam Haitham Mohammed Abou Ali{{GSA player|wessam-abou-ali/122052|access-date=14 April 2025}}
| birth_date = {{birth date and age|1999|01|04|df=yes}}
| birth_place = Aalborg, Denmark
| height = 1.86 m
| position = Forward
| currentclub = Al Ahly
| clubnumber = 9
| youthyears1 = 2003–2009
| youthclubs1 = {{ill|B52/Aalborg Fodbold Club|da|lt=B52/AFC}}
| youthyears2 = 2009–2018
| youthclubs2 = AaB
| years1 = 2018–2020
| clubs1 = AaB
| caps1 = 30
| goals1 = 2
| years2 = 2019–2020
| clubs2 = → Vendsyssel (loan)
| caps2 = 22
| goals2 = 11
| years3 = 2020–2021
| clubs3 = Silkeborg
| caps3 = 13
| goals3 = 3
| years4 = 2021–2023
| clubs4 = Vendsyssel
| caps4 = 41
| goals4 = 14
| years5 = 2023–2024
| clubs5 = IK Sirius
| caps5 = 16
| goals5 = 10
| years6 = 2024–
| clubs6 = Al Ahly
| caps6 = 28
| goals6 = 20
| nationalyears1 = 2016
| nationalteam1 = Denmark U17
| nationalcaps1 = 3
| nationalgoals1 = 0
| nationalyears2 = 2016–2017
| nationalteam2 = Denmark U18
| nationalcaps2 = 4
| nationalgoals2 = 0
| nationalyears3 = 2018
| nationalteam3 = Denmark U19
| nationalcaps3 = 1
| nationalgoals3 = 1
| nationalyears4 = 2019
| nationalteam4 = Denmark U20
| nationalcaps4 = 1
| nationalgoals4 = 0
| nationalyears5 = 2024–
| nationalteam5 = Palestine
| nationalcaps5 = 8
| nationalgoals5 = 3
| club-update = 27 December 2024
| nationalteam-update = 25 March 2025
}}
Wessam Haitham Mohammed Abou Ali ({{Langx|ar|وسام هيثم محمد أبو علي}}; born 4 January 1999) is a professional footballer who plays as a forward for Egyptian Premier League club Al Ahly. Born in Denmark, he plays for the Palestine national team.
Club career
= AaB =
Starting out in local Aalborg club {{ill|B52/Aalborg Fodbold Club|da|lt=B52/AFC}} at age four,{{cite web |last1=Winther Groth |first1=Alfred |title=Fokus på: Wessam Abou Ali - Stenhård arbejde venter i U/19-ligaen |url=https://www.tipsbladet.dk/nyhed/talent/fokus-paa-wessam-abou-ali-stenhaard-arbejde-venter-i-u19-ligaen |publisher=Tipsbladet |accessdate=28 August 2020 |date=6 August 2016 |archive-date=4 August 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160804001944/http://www.tipsbladet.dk/nyhed/talent/fokus-paa-wessam-abou-ali-stenhaard-arbejde-venter-i-u19-ligaen |url-status=live }} Abou Ali moved to the largest club in the region, AaB, six years later.{{cite web |title=Wessam Abou Ali – AaB |url=https://aabsport.dk/holdet/spillertruppen/?spiller=Wessam-Abou-Ali |website=AaB Sport |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180513153425/https://aabsport.dk/holdet/spillertruppen/?spiller=Wessam-Abou-Ali |archive-date=13 May 2018 |language=da |url-status=dead}}
He made his senior Danish Superliga debut on 15 March 2018 against AC Horsens.{{cite web |title=Superligakamp AaB-AC Horsens, 05.03.2018 |url=https://www.superstats.dk/kampe/5307 |website=SuperStats |access-date=5 March 2023 |archive-date=5 April 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180405090511/https://www.superstats.dk/kampe/5307 |url-status=live }} He scored his first senior goal on 22 April 2018 against FC Midtjylland.{{cite web |title=Superligakamp AaB-FC Midtjylland, 22.04.2018 |url=https://www.superstats.dk/kampe/5359 |website=SuperStats |access-date=5 March 2023 |archive-date=25 April 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180425120133/https://www.superstats.dk/kampe/5359 |url-status=live }}
On 23 August 2019, Abou Ali was loaned out to Danish 1st Division club Vendsyssel FF for the rest of 2019.{{cite web |title=Vendsyssel FF lejer Abou Ali i AaB |url=https://vendsysselff.dk/vendsysssel-ff-lejer-abou-ali-i-aab/ |website=Vendsyssel FF |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190825204623/https://www.vendsysselff.dk/vendsysssel-ff-lejer-abou-ali-i-aab/ |archive-date=25 August 2019 |language=da |date=23 August 2019 |url-status=dead}} On 5 January 2020 it was confirmed, that he would continue at Vendsyssel for the rest of the season.{{cite news |last1=Bjørn |first1=Anna Østergaard |title=Wessam Abou Ali fortsætter hos Vendsyssel F.F. i foråret |url=https://www.tv2nord.dk/nordjylland/wessam-abou-ali-fortsaetter-hos-vendsyssel-ff-i-foraaret |access-date=5 March 2023 |work=TV2 Nord |date=5 January 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200113201835/https://www.tv2nord.dk/nordjylland/wessam-abou-ali-fortsaetter-hos-vendsyssel-ff-i-foraaret |archive-date=13 January 2020 |language=da}}
=Silkeborg=
On 9 September 2020, Abou Ali joined newly relegated Danish 1st Division club Silkeborg IF on a four-and-a-half-year contract until the end of 2024.{{cite press release |title=SIF henter angriber i AaB |url=https://www.silkeborgif.com/sif-henter-angriber-i-aab/ |website=Silkeborg IF |access-date=5 March 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230305112713/https://www.silkeborgif.com/sif-henter-angriber-i-aab/ |archive-date=5 March 2023 |language=da-DK |date=7 September 2020}}
=Return to Vendsyssel=
In the search for more playing time, Abou Ali returned to Vendsyssel FF on 1 September 2021, signing a deal until June 2025.{{cite web |title=Wessam Abou Ali solgt til Vendsyssel FF |url=https://www.silkeborgif.com/wessam-abou-ali-solgt-til-vendsyssel-ff/ |website=Silkeborg IF |access-date=5 March 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230206105545/https://www.silkeborgif.com/wessam-abou-ali-solgt-til-vendsyssel-ff/ |archive-date=6 February 2023 |language=da-DK |date=31 August 2021}} During his debut against Lyngby Boldklub on 12 September, Abou Ali suddenly collapsed on the pitch and was brought to the hospital.{{cite news |last1=Jensen |first1=Jimmi Willemoes |title=Uhyggelige scener: Spiller kollapset |url=https://ekstrabladet.dk/sport/fodbold/dansk_fodbold/1division/uhyggelige-scener-spiller-kollapset/8846888 |access-date=5 March 2023 |work=Ekstra Bladet |date=11 September 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220925022423/https://ekstrabladet.dk/sport/fodbold/dansk_fodbold/1division/uhyggelige-scener-spiller-kollapset/8846888 |archive-date=25 September 2022 |language=da}} Abou Ali came on from the bench in the half time, before collapsing in the 59th minute. Two days later, he was discharged from the hospital and began rehabilitation.{{cite news |last1=Jensen |first1=John |title=Wessam Abou Ali tilbage: Kollapsede under kamp lørdag, men besøgte træningsbanen igen tirsdag |url=https://www.tv2nord.dk/hjoerring/wessam-abou-ali-tilbage-kollapsede-under-kamp-loerdag-men-besoegte-traeningsbanen-igen-tirsdag |work=TV2 Nord |date=14 September 2021 |language=da |access-date=31 January 2022 |archive-date=31 January 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220131184541/https://www.tv2nord.dk/hjoerring/wessam-abou-ali-tilbage-kollapsede-under-kamp-loerdag-men-besoegte-traeningsbanen-igen-tirsdag |url-status=live }}
On 15 February 2022 in a friendly game against Dynamo Moscow, Abou Ali had to be taken from the field on a stretcher and driven to the hospital after suffering a punctured lung.{{cite news |last1=Ydesen |first1=Simon |title=Wessam Abou Ali på operationsbordet i Tyrkiet efter grimt uheld |url=https://nordjyske.dk/nyheder/sport/wessam-abou-ali-ser-frem-til-kage-bonanza-i-tyrkiet/3937dd70-5b57-41ee-93c3-8d7d6424f63e |access-date=5 March 2023 |work=Nordjyske |date=18 February 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221208132905/https://nordjyske.dk/nyheder/sport/wessam-abou-ali-ser-frem-til-kage-bonanza-i-tyrkiet/3937dd70-5b57-41ee-93c3-8d7d6424f63e |archive-date=8 December 2022 |language=da}}
=IK Sirius=
On 13 July 2023, it was confirmed that Abou Ali had joined Swedish Allsvenskan club IK Sirius on a deal until the end of 2027.[https://www.siriusfotboll.se/nyheter/wessam-abou-ali-klar-for-sirius-fotboll/ Wessam Abou Ali klar för Sirius Fotboll] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230928082153/https://www.siriusfotboll.se/nyheter/wessam-abou-ali-klar-for-sirius-fotboll/ |date=28 September 2023 }}, siriusfotboll.se, 13 July 2023
=Al Ahly=
On 11 January 2024, Abou Ali joined Egyptian club Al Ahly by signing a four-and-a-half-year contract,{{cite web |url=https://www.alahlyegypt.com/en/news/article/39821 |title=Wessam Abou Ali joins Al Ahly |publisher=Al Ahly SC |date=11 January 2024 }} for a reported fee of €2 million.{{cite web |url=https://www.kingfut.com/2024/01/08/al-ahly-sign-wessam-abou-ali-2/ |title=OFFICIAL: Al Ahly confirm signing of Wessam Abou Ali |publisher=Kingfut |date=8 January 2024 }} On 23 February, he made his debut in a 1–0 away win over Medeama in the CAF Champions League.{{cite web |url=https://africanfootball.com/news/813636/Palestinian-star-Abou-Ali-reacts-to-CCL-debut |title=Palestinian star Abou Ali reacts to CCL debut |publisher=africanfootball.com |date=24 February 2024 }} Four days later, he scored his first goals by netting a brace in a 5–1 victory over Baladiyat El Mahalla.{{cite web |url=https://english.ahram.org.eg/NewsContent/6/51/518512/Sports/Egyptian-Football/Newsigning-Abou-Ali-shines-as-Ahly-rout-Baladeyet-.aspx |title=New-signing Abou Ali shines as Ahly rout Baladeyet El-Mahalla 5-1 |publisher=ahram.org |date=27 February 2024 }} On 26 April, he scored his first CAF Champions League goal in a 3–0 victory over TP Mazembe in the semi-finals second leg.{{cite web |url=https://www.cafonline.com/caf-champions-league/news/al-ahly-stage-late-rally-to-defeat-mazembe-and-reach-final/ |title=Al Ahly stage late rally to defeat Mazembe and reach final |publisher=CAF |date=26 April 2024 }}
He achieved his first trophy with the club by winning the 2024 CAF Champions League final, defeating Espérance 1–0 on aggregate.{{cite web |url=https://www.beinsports.com/en-mena/football/caf-champions-league/articles-video/al-ahly-1-0-esperance-highlights-2024-05-26 |title=Al Ahly 1 - 0 Esperance - Highlights |publisher=beIN SPORTS |date=26 May 2024 }} He later secured the Egyptian Premier League title and finished as the top scorer with 18 goals.{{cite web |url=https://www.fifa.com/en/tournaments/mens/worldcup/canadamexicousa2026/articles/palestine-forward-wessam-abou-ali-interview |title=Abou Ali: I always believed in Palestine |publisher=FIFA |date=5 September 2024 }}
International career
Born in Denmark, Abou Ali is of Palestinian descent.{{cite press release |title=AaB sælger Abou Ali til Silkeborg I.F. |url=https://aabsport.dk/nyheder/2020/september/aab-saelger-abou-ali-til-silkeborg-if/ |website=AaB Sport |access-date=5 March 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230305113426/https://aabsport.dk/nyheder/2020/september/aab-saelger-abou-ali-til-silkeborg-if/ |archive-date=5 March 2023 |language=da |date=8 September 2020}} He is a former youth international for Denmark.{{cite web |title=Palestine-Eligible Players |url=https://footballpalestine.com/palestine-eligible-players/ |website=Football Palestina |access-date=5 March 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211116114411/https://footballpalestine.com/palestine-eligible-players/ |archive-date=16 November 2021 |date=9 July 2020}} On 27 March 2024, the Palestinian Football Association announced FIFA’s approval of his change of allegiance, paving the way for him to play with the Palestinian national team.{{cite web |url=https://www.youm7.com/story/2024/3/27/وسام-أبو-على-فخور-ويشرفني-أن-أكون-قادرًا-على-تمثيل/6526371|script-title=ar:وسام أبو على: فخور ويشرفني أن أكون قادرًا على تمثيل فلسطين|publisher=youm7.com|language=ar|date=27 March 2024}}
He made his debut on 6 June 2024 in a World Cup qualifier against Lebanon at the Jassim bin Hamad Stadium in Qatar. He started the game and was substituted in added time, as the game ended in a scoreless draw.{{cite web|publisher=ESPN|url=https://www.espn.com/soccer/match/_/gameId/687486/|title=Palestine v Lebanon game report|date=6 June 2024}} Later that year, on 10 September, he scored his first international goal in a 3–1 defeat against Jordan during the World Cup qualifier third round.{{cite web |url=https://www.the-afc.com/en/national/asian_qualifiers/news/group_b_palestine_v_jordan_1.html |title=Asian Qualifiers - Group B: Palestine 1-3 Jordan |publisher=AFC |date=10 September 2024 }}
Career statistics
=Club=
{{updated|match played 25 March 2025}}{{Soccerway|wessam-abou-ali/444219}}
| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|+ Appearances and goals by club, season and competition | ||||||||||
| rowspan="2"|Club
!rowspan="2"|Season !colspan="3"|League !colspan="2"|National cup{{Efn|Includes Danish Cup, Svenska Cupen, Egypt Cup}} !colspan="2"|Continental !colspan="2"|Other !colspan="2"|Total | ||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Division | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals |
| rowspan="4"|AaB
|6 | 1 | colspan="2"|— | colspan="2"|— | colspan="2"|— | 6 | 1 | ||||
| 2018–19
|Danish Superliga |22 | 1 | 1 | 2 | colspan="2"|— | colspan="2"|— | 23 | 3 | |||
| 2019–20
|Danish Superliga |2 | 0 | colspan="2"|— | colspan="2"|— | colspan="2"|— | 2 | 0 | ||||
| colspan="2"|Total
!30 | 2 | 1 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 31 | 4 | |
| Vendsyssel FF (loan)
|22 | 11 | 1 | 2 | colspan="2"|— | colspan="2"|— | 23 | 13 | |||
| rowspan="3"|Silkeborg IF
|Danish 1st Division |10 | 3 | colspan="2"|— | colspan="2"|— | colspan="2"|— | 10 | 3 | ||||
| 2021–22
|Danish Superliga |3 | 0 | colspan="2"|— | colspan="2"|— | colspan="2"|— | 3 | 0 | ||||
| colspan="2"|Total
!13 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 13 | 3 | |
| rowspan="3"|Vendsyssel FF
|Danish 1st Division |2 | 0 | colspan="2"|— | colspan="2"|— | colspan="2"|— | 2 | 0 | ||||
| 2022–23
|Danish 1st Division |31 | 14 | 3 | 2 | colspan="2"|— | colspan="2"|— | 34 | 16 | |||
| colspan="2"|Total
!33 | 14 | 3 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 36 | 16 | |
| IK Sirius
|2023 |16 | 10 | 1 | 1 | colspan="2"|— | colspan="2"|— | 17 | 11 | |||
| rowspan="2"|Al Ahly
|19 | 18 | 0 | 0 | 6{{Efn|Appearances in CAF Champions League|name=CCL}} | 1 | colspan="2"|— | 25 | 19 | ||
| 2024–25
|Egyptian Premier League |9 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 7{{Efn|name=CCL}} | 4 | 5{{Efn|Includes FIFA Intercontinental Cup, Egyptian Super Cup, CAF Super Cup, Egyptian League Cup and FIFA Club World Cup.}} | 2 | 21 | 8 | |
| colspan="3"|Total
!140 | 58 | 6 | 7 | 13 | 5 | 5 | 2 | 163 | 70 |
{{notelist}}
=International=
{{Updated|25 March 2025}}
| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|+ Appearances and goals by national team and year | |||
| National team | Year | Apps | Goals |
|---|---|---|---|
| rowspan="2"|Palestine
|2024 | 6 | 2 | |
| 2025 | 2 | 1 | |
| colspan="2"|Total||8||3 |
:Scores and results list Palestine's goal tally first, score column indicates score after each Abou Ali goal.
| class="wikitable sortable"
|+ List of international goals scored by Wessam Abou Ali | ||||||
| scope="col" | No.
! scope="col" | Date ! scope="col" | Venue ! scope="col" | Opponent ! scope="col" | Score ! scope="col" | Result ! scope="col" | Competition | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | 10 September 2024 | Kuala Lumpur Stadium, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia | {{fb|JOR}} | align=center|1–1 | align=center| 1–3 | rowspan=3|2026 FIFA World Cup qualification |
| 2. | 15 October 2024 | Jassim bin Hamad Stadium, Al Rayyan, Qatar | {{fb|KUW}} | align=center| 1–1 | align=center | 2–2 | |
| 3. | 25 March 2025 | Amman International Stadium, Amman, Jordan | {{fb|IRQ}} | align=center| 1–1 | align=center | 2–1 |
Honours
References
{{reflist}}
External links
- {{DBU player}}
- {{UEFA player}}
{{Al Ahly SC squad}}
{{Egyptian Premier League top scorers}}
{{2023–24 Egyptian Premier League Team of the Season}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Abou Ali, Wessam}}
Category:Footballers from Aalborg
Category:Danish people of Palestinian descent
Category:Danish men's footballers
Category:Palestinian men's footballers
Category:Men's association football forwards
Category:Vendsyssel FF players
Category:IK Sirius Fotboll players
Category:Danish Superliga players
Category:Danish 1st Division players
Category:Egyptian Premier League players
Category:Denmark men's youth international footballers
Category:Palestine men's international footballers
Category:Danish expatriate men's footballers
Category:Expatriate men's footballers in Sweden
Category:Danish expatriate sportspeople in Sweden
Category:Expatriate men's footballers in Egypt
Category:Danish expatriate sportspeople in Egypt