Who is Wessam Abou Ali? Columbus Crew add Club World Cup star from Al Ahly

Major League Soccer side Columbus Crew have signed FIFA Club World Cup star Wessam Abou Ali from Egyptian club Al Ahly FC. Transfermarkt understands that the Crew will pay an initial $7.5 million (€6.4m) plus $2m (€1.7m) if Abou Ali scores 15 goals for his new club. The deal also includes a 15% sell-on clause. The initial fee alone makes Abou Ali the third most expensive signing in the Crew’s history. Abou Ali has signed a contract until 2027 with an option for 2028. Abou Ali becomes just the third Palestinian national team player in MLS history and the most expensive Palestinian in history. 

“Wessam is a special player whose journey speaks to his resilience, character, and tireless work ethic, which are qualities we value at our Club,” Columbus Crew general manager Issa Tell said in a club statement. “He is a proven goal-scorer who knows what it takes to help his team win. His clinical finishing, energy, and charisma will strengthen our squad, and we are confident that he will thrive within our system.”

Abou Ali’s journey is indeed extraordinary. Born in Aalborg, Denmark, Abou Ali played for Aalborg’s youth clubs from where he eventually moved on to Vendsyssel FF and then to Sweden, where he played for Sirius. Finally, in 2024, the Danish striker who represents Palestine internationally joined Egyptian powerhouse Al Ahly. There, he scored 38 goals and provided ten assists in 60 games across all competitions. The 26-year-old burst onto the world scene during the FIFA Club World Cup, where he scored a hattrick in the 4-4 draw against Porto.

Who is Abou Ali? Columbus Crew sign forward with great free kick ability

What sort of player is Abou Ali? “He is an advanced forward who usually plays in the spaces in opponents' back-line,” Egypt data scout at Transfermarkt, Osama Rakha, said. “For years, Al Ahly struggled with set pieces, but Abou Ali solved that with his excellent free kick abilities, scoring important goals in the CAF Champions League and Egyptian Premier League. There is no doubt that Wessam is a top star for Al Ahly, winning the Egyptian Premier League top scorer award within six months of joining the club, scoring 18 goals and providing six assists in just 19 games. Last year, he missed some time with an injury but came back in top form.”

With all that in mind, it isn’t surprising that Abou Ali has become a significant star both in Palestine and Egypt. Indeed, Al Ahly fought hard to keep the player, and it took a player strike on Abou Ali’s part to facilitate the transfer. Despite the dramatic ending, Al Ahly managed to capitalize on the situation. The €6.4m initially received will make Abou Ali the second most expensive departure in Al Ahly’s club history, and should he hit his bonuses, he could break a record set by Malick Evouna during the 2016/17 season (overview).