Cantona wrote on his official social media account a touching message saying, “Israel just killed Palestinian national team star Suleiman Al-Abid while he was waiting for aid in Rafah. He was nicknamed ‘The Pele of Palestine.’ Free Palestine.” The Palestinian Association stated, “The former national team player and star of the Al-Shati Services team, Suleiman Al-Abid, was martyred in the southern Gaza Strip today, Wednesday.” The Association added, “During his long career, Al-Abid scored more than 100 goals, making him one of the brightest stars in Palestinian football.”
Al-Abid was born in Gaza on March 24, 1984, and began his football career with the Al-Shati Services Club. He later played with the Al-Amari Youth Center in the occupied West Bank and Gaza Sports Club. He was a constant element in the ranks of the Palestinian national team since his first appearance in 2007, where he played 24 international matches and scored two goals, most notably his famous bicycle kick goal against Yemen during the West Asian Championship in 2010.
He earned the title “The Palestinian Pele” in recognition of his great talent, referring to the legendary Brazilian footballer considered one of the greatest players in history. Al-Abid, who had lived in the sector since 2010, was among six national team players from Gaza who were turned back at the Jordanian border for “security reasons” on their way to a friendly match in Mauritania, according to Palestinian media.
