Ex-international footballer dubbed ‘Pele of Palestine’ dies in Israeli Gaza raid

BEIRUT: A Palestinian former footballer, who was once nicknamed ‘Pele of Palestine,’ died on Wednesday in an Israeli airstrike at a Gaza aid distribution center while queuing for food for his five children.

The Palestinian Football Association mourned the death of Suleiman Al-Obaid, who played for the national team, Khadamat Al-Shati Club and other local clubs, on their X handle.

The former Palestine national team player, Suleiman Al-Obaid, was killed in an Israeli strike targeting civilians waiting for humanitarian aid in the southern Gaza Strip.https://t.co/BWTmJThzeC pic.twitter.com/3qrIMksO2H

— Palestine Football Association (@Palestine_fa) August 6, 2025

“The former Palestine national team player Al-Obaid was killed in an Israeli strike targeting civilians waiting for humanitarian aid in the southern Gaza Strip,” wrote the PFA.

It said in a media statement that 41-year-old Al-Obaid was regarded as one of the most talented attacking midfielders to play in the Gaza Strip League and was nicknamed “Pele of Palestine.”

French former player Eric Cantona condemned the killing of Al-Obaid on Instagram.

A post shared by Eric Cantona (@ericcantona)

“He was named « The Pelé of Palestine » HOW MUCH LONGER ARE WE GOING TO LET THEM COMMIT THIS GENOCIDE??? FREE PALESTINE,” the former Manchester United forward wrote.

Palestinian former national football star Jamal Al-Khatib mourned Al-Obaid’s “saddening death” and paid tribute to his family, former clubmates and PFA.

“Gazans have been suffering a lot because of Israel’s unstoppable atrocities. Thousands have martyred, including many footballers. Al-Obaid’s death is a tragic loss for the Palestinian football community,” Al-Khatib told Arab News on Thursday.

The former