Palestinian Football Star “Gaza’s Pelé” Killed as Israel Kills 421 Footballers
Gaza (Quds News Network)- Former Palestinian national team player Suleiman al-Obeid, nicknamed “Gaza’s Pelé,” was killed in an Israeli attack on starved aid seekers in southern Gaza on Wednesday. He is among 421 footballers killed in Gaza since October 7, according to the Palestinian Football Association.
The association said al-Obeid, 41, was killed while waiting for humanitarian aid alongside other civilians. Israeli forces opened fire, killing him instantly.
Al-Obeid scored over 100 goals during his career, making him one of Palestine’s brightest football stars. He was born in Gaza on March 24, 1984. He began with Shabab al-Shati Club, later playing for Markaz Shabab al-Am’ari in the occupied West Bank and Gaza Sports Club.
He debuted for the national team in 2007 and earned 24 caps. He scored two goals, including a famous bicycle kick against Yemen in the 2010 West Asian Football Championship. His skill earned him the nickname “Gaza’s Pelé,” in tribute to the Brazilian legend.
The Union of European Football Associations (UEFA) mourned his death on Friday. “Farewell to Suleiman al-Obeid, the ‘Palestinian Pelé’,” UEFA posted on X. The organization praised him as a talent who gave hope to countless children “even in the darkest of times.”
The Palestinian FA said 421 footballers have been killed or died of hunger in Gaza since October 7, 2023, including 103 children. At least 662 Palestinian athletes and their relatives have been killed in the genocide.
Sports infrastructure has also been devastated. Since October, 288 sports facilities have been damaged or destroyed, including 268 in Gaza. The main headquarters of the Palestinian Football Association in Gaza was hit in an Israeli airstrike.
The Israeli assault has killed 61,258 Palestinians and injured 152,045 since October 7. 1,706 people have been killed while waiting for aid since May 27.
Al-Obeid leaves behind his wife and five children.
