Saad is the younger brother of former international strikers Khamis and Bakhit Saad. His younger brother Jawhar played for a short period for Al Shabab. Salem was born to a football family in 1978 in Dubai. His father, late Saad Mubarak, was one of the best footballers in the country during the 1950s and 60s.

Saad started his career with Al Shabab Club in the training school and promoted to the senior squad in 1996-1997 season. He scored his first goal against Al Khaleej in the sixth round of the National League when he was 18 years old. Thereafter, Saad reserved his place as a key player. Renowned for his speed as a right winger, Saad joined the U-19 national team where he was tried as the team’s spearhead.

By that time, Al Shabab was hit by many crisis, but Salem Saad played a major role in restoring the glory days of the Slashers.

Saad made his senior national team debut in 2004 against Thailand and took part in the AFC Asian Cup in China in the same year. Two years ago, he made his last appearance with the national team against Togo. He made 39 international appearances and scored two goals.

In the 2006-2007 season, Saad won with Al Shabab the third national league silverware, the last title in the amateurs’ competition before the UAE football turned professional.

Last summer, Saad was transferred to Al Nasr under the supervision of German coach Frank Pagelsdorf.


hisham@khaleejtimes.com