'Palestinian Pelé' Suleiman al-Obeid killed by Israeli forces in Gaza

SHAH ALAM - Suleiman al-Obeid, widely known as the “Palestinian Pelé,” was killed in an Israeli airstrike in southern Gaza, according to the Palestine Football Association (PFA).

Obeid leaves behind his wife and five children. He was reportedly among a group of civilians waiting for humanitarian aid when the attack occurred.

The PFA described him as “one of the brightest stars of Palestinian football,” noting that he had scored over 100 goals during his career.

A native of Gaza, born on March 24, 1984, Obeid began his career with Khadamat al-Shati and later played for Gaza Sport and the West Bank club Markaz Shabab al-Am’ari.

His most iconic goal came in 2010 during a match against Yemen in the West Asian Football Federation Championship.

According to the British daily The Guardian, it was this goal that marked his rise and earned him the title 'the Palestinian Pelé,' in tribute to Brazil’s football icon.

The PFA said his death is one of many losses in the Palestinian sports community since the war began.

At least 662 athletes and their family members have been killed, including 421 footballers, with 103 of them being children.

Damage to sports infrastructure has also been severe.

The PFA reported that 288 sports facilities across Gaza and the West Bank have been destroyed or damaged.

This includes stadiums, gyms, clubhouses and even the PFA’s own headquarters in Gaza, which was hit in an airstrike.

Since the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation began operations in late May with US and Israeli backing, over 1,300 Palestinians have reportedly died near aid distribution points.