Saud Abdulhamid Aiming For History With RC Lens in France
Saud Abdulhamid is the trailblazer rewriting the script for Saudi Arabian football in Europe and he is a key figure in RC Lens’ charge for a domestic double in France this campaign.
In an exclusive interview with R.org, the 26-year-old right-back, who is on a season-long loan from AS Roma, spoke about Lens’ title challenge, his personal growth and his excitement ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
It has been a remarkable season for Abdulhamid at Lens with Pierre Sage’s team currently sitting second in the French Ligue 1 with 62 points from 29 games, just four behind table-toppers Paris Saint-Germain.
They also marched into the French Cup final after a dominating 4-1 victory over Toulouse on April 21, a game in which the Saudi player provided two assists to set up a final clash with OGC Nice on May 17.
According to Abdulhamid, Lens’ strides are not accidental, and he highlighted the crucial elements powering the Blood and Gold in their title quest.
“This season we have shown that we are united and focused to achieve as a team and to make our fans happy,” Abdulhamid told R.org.
“It is not coincidental because our target since August is to win a silverware this year, but at this point, we won’t mind lifting two titles.”
With 20 wins, two draws and seven losses in Ligue 1 this season, Lens have assembled their best title challenge in years.
In addition, they are on the cusp of making history by winning their maiden French Cup in May.
He added: “We have shown consistency when it mattered this season and will not give up.
“The coach has been there for everyone, especially me and I’m grateful for his support. Our performances have been a reflection of the hard work we put into training.”
With expectations for silverware now higher and the atmosphere around the Stade Bollaert-Delelis more electric than ever, the Saudi Arabian defender encouraged Lens fans to dream while assuring them that the team will not give up on their title challenge.
“At this stage, our fans can dream because the battle for the French Cup and Ligue 1 will go down to the wire until the final whistle,” he said.
Abdulhamid Is Not Distracted By Transfer Talks
Abdulhamid arrived at Lens on loan in August 2025, his second European club after leaving Saudi Arabia’s Al Hilal in 2024.
The move to northern France has proven to be a watershed moment in the 26-year-old’s career, from his cameo appearances at Roma to being a key contributor in Lens’ title charge.
He continued: “I feel at home in Lens because I am surrounded by amazing people who have contributed to my game.
“It was a bit tough upon my arrival in August but I can say my best is still yet to come.”
The defender’s loan at Lens is set to expire in June, but the French club holds the option to make it permanent, which is yet to be activated.
His contract at parent club Roma runs until June 2028, and his value is now firmly re-established in France.
Amid the growing speculations around his future, Abdulhamid has his sights set on the title chase, describing the transfer rumors as a distraction.
“I am Lens this month, and I’m focused on achieving the goals ahead of us,” he said. “I can say talks about my future are a distraction.”
2026 World Cup Aspirations With Saudi Arabia
After the title run-in in May, Abdulhamid’s eyes are also fixed on the biggest stage of all this summer, in the United States, Canada and Mexico.
Saudi Arabia is drawn in Group H of the 2026 World Cup alongside Spain, Uruguay, and Cape Verde, and they are aiming to make a statement in North America.
Barring any unforeseen circumstances, the upcoming tournament will be Abdulhamid’s second appearance at the World Cup, and he is optimistic about the quality of the Saudi national team.
“It will be a great feeling to play in my second World Cup in the United States and I believe in the quality of players in our national team,” he added.
“It will be a better outing for Saudi Arabia than Qatar 2022, we have grown and you notice there is a form of consistency in the team selection.
“We have grown as a family in the national team and we are improving game by game as a team.”
The Green Falcons’ best finish at the World Cup was a round of 16 exit at the USA 1994, which was their first outing on the global stage.
However, the country’s preparations for the tournament suffered a setback with the sacking of head coach Hervé Renard on April 17, just two months before the World Cup begins in the United States.
Renard’s dismissal was confirmed following a string of poor results with Saudi Arabia losing their two friendly matches in March against Egypt and Serbia.
Abdulhamid described the Frenchman as a “great” coach and also backed the Saudi Arabian Football Federation (SAFF) in steering the national team in the right direction.
“It was sad news to hear about the departure of a great man,” he said.
“Hervé Renard is a good coach who breaks down tactics in simple, clear terms. Everyone could see his efforts in the development of our national team.
“I believe the Saudi FA in making the best decision for our country’s football.”