The Palestinian Football Association announced on Wednesday the death of Suleiman Al-Obeid, nicknamed the "Palestinian Pele." The 41-year-old died in an Israeli strike in Gaza.

Suleiman Al-Obeid, nicknamed the "Palestinian Pele," has died. The Palestinian Football Association announced Wednesday the death of one of its most prominent players. According to the association, the 41-year-old lost his life in Israeli airstrikes in the southern Gaza Strip.

More than 100 goals scored in his career

Like others, Suleiman Al-Obeid was awaiting humanitarian aid, according to the Palestinian Football Association's announcement. A father of five, he had played 24 international matches for Palestine. During his career, he scored more than 100 goals, including a famous scissor kick against Yemen in 2010.

The former Palestine national team player, Suleiman Al-Obaid, was killed in an Israeli strike targeting civilians waiting for humanitarian aid in the southern Gaza Strip. https://t.co/BWTmJThzeC pic.twitter.com/3qrIMksO2H

— Palestine Football Association (@Palestine_fa) August 6, 2025

After starting out at Services Beach Club, Suleiman Al-Obeid joined the Al-Amari Youth Center in the West Bank. With this club, he won the Palestinian league. In 2015-2016 and 2016-2017, Al-Obeid finished as the top scorer in the local league.

According to the Federation, Suleiman Al-Obeid is the 662nd Palestinian sports casualty since October 7, 2023, and the 321st related to football. Former Palestinian internationals Mouyin Al-Maghribi and Mohammed Barakat also died in the conflict.