Abdulmohsen Khalaf AlMuwallad is the oldest professional basketball player in the world, confirmed by Guinness World Records. Photo: Courtesy of Guinness World Records
Abdulmohsen Khalaf AlMuwallad is a name to remember. The Saudi Arabian basketball legend has earned a Guinness World Record title for the oldest professional basketball player in the world. Born in Al Madina of Saudi Arabia in 1963, AlMuwallad, also known as ‘Mohsen’, was recognized as the world’s oldest professional basketball player as he played his final professional match at the age of 51 years; 335-days-old before he retired in May 2015.
Abdulmohsen Khalaf AlMuwallad with his Guinness World Record. Photo: Courtesy of Guinness World Records
The award-winning sportsman’s record-breaking title was announced by Guinness World Records shortly after declaring Egyptian footballer Ezzeldin Bahader as the oldest active footballer player, who was 74-years and 125-days old at his latest match this year.
AlMuwallad first began his basketball career in 1979. He spent his entire professional career at Ohod Club. Beginning his career with the first Junior League held in Saudi Arabia in which his team came third, AlMuwallad quickly went on to achieve remarkable success. After being promoted to the first team, the sportsman saw continuous victories, winning 15 First League Championships, 14 Cups, 3 Alnokhbah Championships, and 4 Gulf Championships.
Abdulmohsen Khalaf AlMuwallad is the oldest professional basketball player in the world, confirmed by Guinness World Records. Photo: Courtesy of Guinness World Records
Aside from regional success, AlMuwallad was also part of the Saudi Basketball National Team, which he joined in 1986 at age 20 and retired from the international level in 2005. AlMuwallad has seen many achievements over his impressive 36-year career, including the Champion Top Scorer Cup, and the Most Triple Scorer, Best Saudi Player, and Best Player in the Final at the Alnokhbah Championship also referred to as The Elite Championship, held in 2004.
“Basketball was different when I started playing. Team play was more dominant back then, sports establishment is way different now, dedicated media and TV channels were not a thing in my early days. I am hoping younger generations make use of what they have nowadays,” said the six-time title winner of the Best Saudi Player, AlMuwallad. “To be recognized by Guinness World Records™ is a proud moment and an honor for me as a Saudi and as an Arab,” he said. “I am grateful for every moment, grateful for my country, my family, and most importantly thankful for having the health and will to carry on playing for such a long time.”
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