Moroccan Abderrazak Hamdallah ends 2019 as world top scorer; Ashraf Hakimi declared best young Arab player

Moroccan and Saudi top tier side Al Nassr striker Abderrazak Hamdallah has wrapped up the year 2019 as the world most prolific scorer with 57 goals, surpassing therefore global stars including Barcelona legend Lionel Messi.

 

The announcement was made at the 11th edition of Globe Soccer Awards that took place at a ceremony on Sunday evening in Jumeirah in the Emirate of Dubai.

 

Another Moroccan footballer Ashraf Hakimi, member of the German side Borussia Dortmund, won the award for best young Arab player.

 

Hamdallah, 29, hit the mark Saturday after scoring three goals in his team’s 4-1 victory over Al Fayha in the Saudi Pro-League.

 

“I am very happy today that I achieved the top scorer of the world in 2019 with 57 goals,” Hamdallah said.

 

“This is an honor for me and for everyone. I thank my team, especially the players, for their help and I do not forget Al Nassr fans. I’m looking forward to another successful year,” he added.

Abderrazak Hamdallah was also elected Best Arab Player.

 

The Moroccan hitman played 38 matches altogether. He outclassed Bayern Munich’s Polish striker Robert Lewandowski who scored 54 goals during 59 appearances with both German side and the national team. Messi rates the world’s third with 50 goals.

 

Hamdallah is no longer playing for the national side. The Safi-born announced his international retirement in November after being left out for the Atlas Lions’ squad for the 2019 African Cup of Nations played in Egypt.

 

He last appeared with the national oufit during the team’s defeat 1-0 to The Gambia in a friendly.