Abodi’s Journey: From Jeddah to the World Stage
Abdulelah Nassief, affectionately known as Abodi, has always been passionate about football. His journey began in the bustling cities of Jeddah and Dubai, where he actively participated in football activities during and after school. However, the real turning point in his football career came in the summer of 2019 when his family relocated to Manchester.
A New Beginning in Manchester
In Manchester, Abodi was accepted into St. Bede’s School, a prestigious institution known for nurturing young football talents, including Manchester City players. This environment provided him with the opportunity to be positively influenced by young professionals, such as Phil Foden, who also graduated from there. To further hone his skills, Abodi joined the Manchester Futsal Academy, initially playing as a striker. However, he soon discovered his true calling as a goalkeeper and embraced the position with enthusiasm.
Recognizing the need for specialized training, Abodi’s father Ghassan Nassief enlisted the help of Danny Webber, a football agent and former Manchester United player, to get him into Oldham Athletic Academy. To bridge the skill gap between him and other goalkeepers, Abodi trained under the guidance of Ian McCaldon, a Scottish goalkeeper coach at Everton. This training transformed him into a brave and skilful goalkeeper.
Building a Support Network
Through his father’s football network, Abodi was introduced to Jim Cassell, the retired ex-director of Manchester City Academy. This connection led to the idea of finding a family host for Abodi, ensuring he had a supportive environment. Emma, the mother of Lakyle Samuel (Abodi’s best friend and captain of the Man City under-16 and England team), welcomed him into her home, treating him like family. This experience was invaluable, as living with a dedicated young player like Lakyle instilled in Abodi the discipline and passion needed to succeed in football.
A Versatile Talent
One memorable incident at Oldham Athletic Academy showcased Abodi’s versatility. During a team reshuffle, he was asked to play as a striker and impressively scored a hat-trick, including a backflip double kick. Despite the coach’s enthusiasm to sign him as a striker, Abodi remained committed to his goalkeeping career and eventually joined Altrincham.
Holistic Development
Abodi’s development was not limited to physical training. He received one-on-one training from his half-Saudi, half-Italian cousin, a professional personal trainer in London, to improve his stamina. Additionally, he worked with a professional sports psychologist, believing that sports are 70% mental and 30% physical. This holistic approach ensured that Abodi was well-prepared both physically and mentally.
Rising Through the Ranks
In the summer of 2022, Abodi was identified as a talented goalkeeper by the Saudi Falcons Youth Program and referred to the Saudi National Team (Under-16). Within three months, he was invited to train with the national team in preparation for the Asian Youth Cup. His talent was further recognized with a trial at Newcastle Club, where he trained for two weeks in January 2023. This experience bolstered his confidence and solidified his belief in his potential.
Professional Milestones
After graduating from high school in May 2023, Abodi took a gap year to pursue a professional career with Al Ahli Club in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. A year later, he explored opportunities with other clubs through his new football agent, Mohammed Al Roshoody, aiming to gain more playing time. In January 2025, he signed his first professional contract with Al Faisaly Club, under the supervision of Brazilian coaches who valued his talent, physique, and discipline.
Future Aspirations
Abodi’s ultimate goal is to become the first Saudi national to play professionally in the top European leagues and to captain the Saudi National Team in the 2034 World Cup in Saudi Arabia. With his unwavering dedication, holistic development, and the support of his family and mentors, Abodi is well on his way to achieving his dreams.
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