• Bader Al-Mutawa has scored 55 goals for Kuwait and led his country to victory in the 2010 Gulf Cup

• The striker participated in three AFC Asian Cups in 2004, 2011, and 2015

• Al-Mutawa was twice nominated for the Asian Player of the Year award in 2006 and 2010

Shilarze Saha Roy In the vast footballing landscape of the Arabian Gulf, the Middle East, and Asia, one name shines brighter than the rest. Bader Al-Mutawa, a true legend and a beacon of hope for Kuwaiti football, has etched his name in the annals of sporting greatness. His incredible journey has been defined by passion, perseverance, and an unwavering commitment to his beloved national team. Born on January 10, 1985, in Kuwait City, Al-Mutawa’s story began amidst the golden era of Kuwaiti club Qadsia and the Kuwait national team. It was in 1994 that he first donned the goalkeeper’s gloves for Qadsia’s youth ranks. However, destiny had other plans for him, as he transformed himself into a formidable striker and went on to become the most capped player in international matches for Kuwait. Having played in 196 matches, he stands tall as the second-most-capped international player in the world, only surpassed by the iconic Cristiano Ronaldo.

Bader Al-Mutawa’s rise to prominence was accompanied by remarkable achievements on the field. He scored an impressive 55 goals during his international career and the Gulf Cup, a prestigious tournament that showcases the Middle East region’s finest talent, witnessed Al-Mutawa’s prowess and tenacity on multiple occasions. It was in the 2004 edition of Gulf Cup, held in Qatar, that Bader Al-Mutawa left an indelible mark. Displaying his impeccable skills as a striker, he netted two goals against the Saudi Arabia team and another against Yemen, reaffirming his status as a special talent. The 2007 Gulf Cup in the Emirates saw him excel once again, scoring against Yemen and the Emirati Al-Abyad. However, it was the 20th iteration of the Gulf Cup in 2010 that would forever hold a special place in Bader Al-Mutawa’s career. Leading his country to the title, Al-Mutawa’s heroics included two goals against Yemen in a group match and a crucial strike against Iraq in the semi-finals, propelling his nation to the final match. In the final against Saudi Arabia, Kuwait won 1-0 thanks to a goal from Waleed Ali.

Al-Mutawa’s international journey wasn’t limited to the Gulf Cup. He represented Kuwait in the AFC Asian Cup, participating in the 2004, 2011, and 2015 editions. Although the team failed to progress beyond the group stage on each occasion, Al-Mutawa’s commitment and skill were evident. He continued to showcase his talent in the FIFA World Cup qualifiers, featuring in the campaigns for Germany 2006, South Africa 2010, Brazil 2014, and Russia 2018. But participating in the FIFA World Cup would remain elusive. In fact, when Kuwait failed to qualify for the 2022 FIFA World Cup, a devastated Bader Al-Mutawa couldn’t hold back the tears that flowed as the final whistle blew after their qualifier match against China Taipei. However, amidst the disappointment, there was solace as the Kuwaiti Federation honoured him for his monumental achievements. Beyond his international exploits, Al-Mutawa made a significant impact at the club level. Starting his career with Qadsia in 2002, he showcased his skills in the 2003-2004 Emir Cup final, helping his team emerge victorious and earning the top scorer award in the tournament. He also had stints with Saudi club Al-Nasr and Qatar SC, leaving an indelible impression wherever he went, but his best days were certainly with Qadsia. He played more than 250 matches and scored over 150 goals.

Al-Mutawa’s exceptional performances on the field did not go unnoticed, as he was nominated twice in a row for the prestigious Asian Player of the Year award. Although he ranked second in the first instance, narrowly missing out to Qatari superstar Khalfan Ibrahim in 2006, Bader Al-Mutawa was unfortunately excluded from the final list of seven players in the second nomination in 2010. Now, as he stands at the twilight of his career, the unyielding hero Bader Al-Mutawa will forever be remembered for his extraordinary achievements, his unwavering commitment, and his ability to inspire a generation of aspiring footballers.