Introduction
Death of 'Palestinian Pelé' Suleiman al-Obeid Sparks Global Football Controversy The death of former Palestinian national football star, Suleiman al-Obeid, has triggered international attention and a dispute over the circumstances of his killing in the Gaza Strip. Al-Obeid, widely known by the nickname "the Palestinian Pelé," was killed on 6 August 2025 at the age of 41 while queuing for humanitarian aid in the southern Gaza Strip. His death has been confirmed by the Palestinian Football Association (PFA), which alleges he was targeted by Israeli forces. However, the Israeli military has stated it is unaware of any casualties resulting from its fire in the area on that day, contributing to conflicting narratives surrounding the incident. The PFA released a statement confirming the death of the former attacking midfielder and winger, who played for the national side and locally for clubs including Khadamat Al-Shati and Markaz Shabab Al-Am'ari. According to the PFA and reports from his family, Al-Obeid was killed while waiting in line to collect vital food supplies near a distribution centre in southern Gaza. His wife, Doaa al-Obeid, told reporters that her husband was killed by shrapnel from an Israeli tank shell.
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The incident occurred amidst a severe hunger crisis in the territory, where tens of thousands of civilians are dependent on dwindling humanitarian supplies and frequent clashes have been reported near aid delivery points. In response to the claims, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) issued a statement on Sunday, 10 August, indicating that following an "initial and thorough examination," no casualties were known to have resulted from IDF fire in the distribution centre areas on the date in question. The IDF has previously stated that while it denies firing at civilians waiting for aid, its forces have fired warning shots at individuals who approach military positions too closely. The Associated Press noted at the time that it was unable to independently verify the accounts provided by either side due to restrictions on reporting in the conflict zone. Al-Obeid was one of the most celebrated figures in Palestinian football, having been capped 24 times for the national team between 2007 and 2013, scoring two goals. His flamboyant style and goalscoring prowess earned him the moniker "the Palestinian Pelé," comparing him to the legendary Brazilian footballer. Even as the conflict intensified, his family confirmed he continued to pursue his passion.
His widow, Doaa, highlighted his dedication, saying he "used to go training every day and never stopped, not a single day. Even during the crisis of war, in the midst of rockets, shelling and mass killing, he would go play. " Al-Obeid is survived by his wife and five children, and the loss of the family’s possessions in an earlier bombardment meant that his number 10 club shorts were one of the few mementos left behind. The death drew condemnation from local sporting bodies and generated wider international controversy when the European governing body of football, UEFA, posted a tribute to Al-Obeid that failed to mention the cause of his death. This prompted an immediate and high-profile rebuke from Liverpool forward and Egyptian international, Mohamed Salah. Taking to social media, Salah questioned the organisation’s vagueness, writing: “Can you tell us how he died, where, and why?” An official from the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) weighed into the controversy, urging international sporting bodies to be more explicit. “It is unacceptable for UEFA—an international sports body that claims to promote human dignity and fairness—to issue a sanitised tribute that ignores the brutal reality,” a CAIR spokesperson commented.
Subsequently, the UEFA president, Aleksander Čeferin, issued a letter expressing deep sadness at the tragic death, describing Al-Obeid as “more than just a footballer” and a symbol of hope. The incident is the latest in a series of reported deaths impacting the sports community in the Gaza Strip. The Palestinian Football Association stated that Al-Obeid’s death brings the total number of athletes and sporting officials killed since the conflict escalated in October 2023 to 662. The PFA also claims that 288 sports facilities, including stadiums and training grounds, have been damaged or destroyed across Gaza and the West Bank. The broader toll on civilians waiting for essential aid has also been highlighted by international bodies; the UN rights office reported in July that approximately.
7 hours ago Jerusalem: Former Palestine national team player Suleiman al-Obeid, known as the "Palestinian Pele", has been killed by Israeli gunfire in the Gaza Strip, the sport's local.
1 day ago Suleiman Al-Obeid, known fondly as the Palestinian Pele, was killed in an attack by Israeli forces while waiting for humanitarian aid, the Palestinian Football Association (PFA) said.
2 hours ago Palestine soccer star Suleiman Al-Obeid dies at age 41: 'Palestinian Pele' killed in Israeli attack in Gaza Al-Obeid also played for the Palestinian national team, scoring a.
2 days ago Pemain Timnas Palestina, Suleiman al-Obeid yang dijuluki The Pele of Palestine meninggal ditembak tentara Israel pada Rabu (6/8/2025).
3 days ago Kabar duka menyelimuti Timnas Palestina. Mengenal lebih dekat sosok Suleiman Al-Obeid, sang pemain berbakat yang meninggal dunia. Simak profil lengkapnya dan kenang.
3 days ago The Palestinian Football Association (PFA) announced on Wednesday that former national team player Suleiman Al-Obeid was killed by Israeli forces in the southern Gaza Strip..
1 day ago Suleiman Al-Obeid, "Pele Palestina" membantu Palestina lolos ke Piala Asia 2015 dengan talenta dan dedikasinya di lapangan. Al-Obeid menjadi atlet nasional ketiga yang.
12 hours ago Al-Obeid dikenal sebagai ‘Pele sepak bola Palestina’ dan menjadi salah satu bintang paling cemerlang. Pemain tim nasional sepak bola Palestina Suleiman al-Obeid telah.
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