Suleiman al-Obeid, the former Palestinian footballer affectionately known as ‘Palestinian Pelé,’ was killed in an Israeli airstrike while awaiting humanitarian assistance in Gaza. The Palestinian Football Association announced his death. News of his death was reported by sources including French newspaper l’Équipe and TRT World.
The Palestinian football community is mourning the loss of al-Obeid, a former national team midfielder. He earned the nickname ‘Palestinian Pelé’ due to his playing style, likened to Brazilian football legend Pelé.
The Palestinian Football Association confirmed that the 41-year-old was killed by Israeli airstrikes in southern Gaza while waiting for humanitarian aid. Al-Obeid played professionally for several clubs from 2007 to 2013, including Khadamat al-Shati and Markaz Shabab al-Am’ari.
Transfermarkt data indicates that al-Obeid scored two goals in 18 matches for the national team. He is the latest Palestinian athlete to die since the conflict began in the Middle East. As of a report published by the Palestinian Football Association, 807 Palestinian athletes and scouts have been killed over 670 days.
