Retegui’s Shock Saudi Move: Top Serie A Scorer Joins Al Qadsiah Ahead of 2026 World Cup
Jakarta – In a move that has raised eyebrows across the football world, Mateo Retegui, the reigning top scorer of Italy’s Serie A, has opted to continue his career in the Saudi Arabian League, joining Al Qadsiah. the transfer, confirmed on Tuesday, July 22, 2025, comes just one year before the 2026 World Cup, a tournament for which Italy has failed to qualify in the last two editions.
Al qadsiah reportedly paid a notable fee of 65 million euros to secure Retegui’s services from Atalanta. Retegui concluded the 2024/2025 Serie A season with an notable 25 goals, outscoring fellow Italian striker Moise Kean, who netted 19 times.
Retegui expressed his gratitude to Atalanta fans via his personal Instagram account, stating, “Thank you from my deepest heart for all the affection that you have showed me during this remarkable year.”
the decision to leave European football for Saudi Arabia at this critical juncture for international competition has sparked debate. Retegui’s recent performances for the Italian national team in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers have been limited,with the striker playing 72 minutes in a 0-3 loss to Norway and 71 minutes in a 2-0 victory against Moldova,without finding the back of the net in either match.
Retegui’s career choice contrasts with that of other prominent players who have recently sought to return to Europe to bolster their international prospects. Spanish defender Aymeric Laporte, 31, departed Al Nassr to find a club in Europe, aiming to secure a place in his national team for the 2026 World Cup. similarly, Federico Bernardeschi terminated his contract with Toronto FC early to rejoin bologna in Italy, prioritizing his World Cup aspirations.
Furthermore, Jordan Henderson has publicly expressed regret over his move to the Saudi Arabian League with Al Ettifaq, a decision that ultimately led to his exclusion from England’s squad for the 2024 European Championship. These precedents highlight the potential risks associated with playing in leagues perceived as less competitive when aiming for top-tier international depiction.
(RAN/MRP)