Saudi Defender‘s Mature Appearance Sparks Age Debate at U-20 World Cup
Buenos Aires, Argentina – A surprising subplot emerged from Saudi Arabia’s 1-0 defeat to Colombia in their opening match of the FIFA U-20 World Cup: the appearance of 20-year-old defender Nawaf al-Gulaymish. The Al-Shabab right-back quickly became a talking point not for his performance, but for looking substantially older than his peers, prompting questions about his eligibility on social media.
Al-Gulaymish,born in 2005,impressed observers wiht his defensive solidity and composure against the Colombian attack. Standing at 1.78 meters with a strong build, he displayed a maturity in his play that belied his age, appearing more like a seasoned professional than a typical U-20 player.
However, his mature features – including a mustache – and overall physical presence led many Colombian fans to publicly question whether he genuinely met the age requirements for the tournament. The debate quickly spread across social media platforms.
FIFA records confirm al-Gulaymish’s reported age of 20, but the discrepancy between his appearance and that of other players in the competition fueled speculation. Despite the online discussion, al-Gulaymish’s participation appears to be legitimate, as he has previously represented Saudi Arabia at the U-18 and U-19 levels.
While currently lacking consistent playing time with Al-Shabab, al-Gulaymish is considered a promising talent within Saudi Arabian youth football.His performance against Colombia, and the attention it garnered, may provide a platform for further growth and recognition.