The Palestinian football community mourns the loss of one of its brightest stars. Suleiman Obeid, the 41-year-old former national team captain known affectionately as the “Palestinian Pelé,” was killed on August 6, 2025, while waiting for humanitarian aid in southern Gaza. This devastating loss represents far more than the death of a talented athlete—it symbolizes the broader humanitarian crisis engulfing the region and the countless civilians caught in its wake.
Table of Contents
The Life and Legacy of Suleiman Obeid
Early Career and Rise to Prominence
Born on March 24, 1984, in Gaza City, Suleiman Ahmed Zaid Obeid rose from the crowded streets of the besieged enclave to become one of the brightest stars in Palestinian football. His journey began with local club Khadamat al-Shati in Gaza, where his exceptional talent quickly became apparent to scouts and fans alike.
Over his decorated career, Obeid played for multiple clubs including Khadamat al-Shati, Markaz Shabab al-Am’ari in the West Bank, and Gaza Sport, accumulating more than 100 goals—a feat few Palestinian players have ever achieved. This remarkable scoring record earned him the nickname that would define his legacy: the Palestinian Pelé.
International Career Highlights
Obeid wore the national colors from 2007 to 2013, earning 19 official caps—or 24 including non-FIFA matches—and scoring two international goals. His international career was marked by memorable moments that Palestinian football fans will never forget.
His first international goal came as a spectacular scissors-kick against Yemen in the 2010 West Asian Football Federation Championship, a moment that remains etched in Palestinian football memory. This goal exemplified the technical skill and creativity that made Obeid such a beloved figure in Palestinian sports.
Career Statistics Table
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Suleiman Ahmed Zaid Obeid |
| Birth Date | March 24, 1984 |
| Death Date | August 6, 2025 |
| Position | Forward/Winger |
| International Caps | 24 matches |
| International Goals | 2 goals |
| Career Goals | 100+ goals |
| Active Years | 2007-2013 (International) |
| Notable Clubs | Khadamat al-Shati, Markaz Shabab al-Am’ari, Gaza Sport |
The Tragic Circumstances
A Quest for Basic Necessities
The Palestinian Football Association (PFA) reported that Obeid was killed when Israeli forces “targeted people waiting for humanitarian aid in the southern Gaza Strip.” The tragedy occurred as Gaza continues to face a severe humanitarian crisis, with civilians risking their lives for basic necessities.
According to the UN rights office, Israeli forces had killed more than 1,300 Palestinians trying to get food aid in the territory since late May. Obeid’s death adds to this staggering toll of civilians seeking humanitarian assistance.
Family Left Behind
Obeid is survived by his wife and five children, a family now left to grieve not only a beloved father and husband but also a man who represented hope and pride for an entire community. His death serves as a stark reminder of the human cost of the ongoing conflict.
Impact on Palestinian Sports
A Community in Crisis
According to the PFA, al-Obeid is one of at least 808 Palestinian athletes killed since the start of Israel’s war on Gaza. Of those, 421 were footballers, nearly half of them children. These numbers reveal the devastating impact on Gaza’s sporting community.
Palestinian officials report that 662 athletes and their family members have been killed, with the wider sports community devastated by bombardment, displacement, and famine. The destruction extends beyond human lives to infrastructure as well.
Infrastructure Destruction
The PFA reports that 288 sports facilities have been damaged or destroyed across Gaza and the West Bank, including stadiums, gyms, and football clubs. Of those, 268 were in Gaza and 20 in the West Bank, half of which directly served Palestinian football. This widespread destruction has effectively dismantled the sporting infrastructure that took decades to build.
Impact on Palestinian Football
| Statistic | Number |
|---|---|
| Palestinian Athletes Killed | 808+ |
| Footballers Killed | 421 |
| Children Footballers Killed | ~210 |
| Sports Facilities Destroyed | 288 |
| Gaza Sports Facilities Destroyed | 268 |
| Total Sports Community Deaths | 662 |
Obeid’s Technical Legacy
Playing Style and Achievements
Obeid was renowned for his versatility as both a forward and winger, possessing the technical skills that earned him comparison to football’s greatest players. His ability to score spectacular goals, combined with his leadership qualities, made him a natural choice for the national team captaincy.
His career statistics speak to his consistent excellence: over 100 career goals across domestic competitions, 24 international appearances, and two international goals that included moments of genuine brilliance. These achievements came despite the challenging circumstances facing Palestinian football, including restricted movement, limited resources, and ongoing conflict.
Symbol of Resilience
Beyond statistics, Obeid represented something more profound for Palestinian football fans. In a region where joy is often overshadowed by conflict, his performances provided moments of celebration and unity. His nickname, the “Palestinian Pelé,” reflected not just his skill but his importance as a symbol of Palestinian identity and resistance through sport.
Broader Context
Humanitarian Crisis in Gaza
Obeid’s death while seeking humanitarian aid highlights the broader crisis facing Gaza’s civilian population. More than 1,300 Palestinians have been killed near aid distribution sites since aid operations began in late May, according to reports. This statistic underscores the dangerous conditions civilians face when attempting to access basic necessities.
The fact that a celebrated athlete like Obeid was reduced to waiting in line for humanitarian aid illustrates the severity of the humanitarian situation in Gaza, where even prominent figures struggle to meet basic needs for their families.
Sports as a Casualty of Conflict
The loss of Obeid and hundreds of other Palestinian athletes represents more than individual tragedies—it signifies the destruction of an entire sporting culture. Football clubs that served as community centers, stadiums that hosted celebrations, and the dreams of young players have all become casualties of the ongoing conflict.
Remembering a Legend
Suleiman Obeid’s legacy extends far beyond football statistics. He represented hope, talent, and resilience in the face of extraordinary challenges. His journey from the streets of Gaza to the Palestinian national team inspired countless young players who saw in him proof that excellence was possible even in the most difficult circumstances.
His death while seeking humanitarian aid serves as a tragic reminder of the human cost of conflict and the vulnerability of civilians caught in its path. For Palestinian football, the loss of their “Pelé” marks the end of an era and the silencing of a voice that spoke through the beautiful game.
As the Palestinian football community mourns this irreplaceable loss, Obeid’s memory will undoubtedly continue to inspire future generations of players who will carry forward his legacy of excellence, determination, and unwavering commitment to representing Palestinian football with dignity and pride.
FAQs
Who was Suleiman Obeid and why was he called the “Palestinian Pelé”?
Suleiman Obeid was a Palestinian footballer who earned the nickname “Palestinian Pelé” due to his exceptional skill and goal-scoring ability. He scored over 100 career goals and was known for spectacular plays, including his famous scissors-kick goal against Yemen in 2010.
How many international matches did Suleiman Obeid play for Palestine?
Obeid played 24 international matches for the Palestinian national team between 2007 and 2013, scoring 2 goals during his international career.
What were the circumstances of Suleiman Obeid’s death?
Obeid was killed on August 6, 2025, by Israeli forces while waiting for humanitarian aid in southern Gaza. He was seeking assistance to feed his family during the ongoing humanitarian crisis.
How many Palestinian athletes have been killed in the current conflict?
According to the Palestinian Football Association, over 808 Palestinian athletes have been killed since the conflict began, including 421 footballers, nearly half of whom were children.
What clubs did Suleiman Obeid play for during his career?
Obeid played for several clubs including Khadamat al-Shati in Gaza, Markaz Shabab al-Am’ari in the West Bank, and Gaza Sport, accumulating over 100 goals throughout his domestic career.
