In a notable football achievement adding to the record of Jordanian professionals in Asian leagues, the South Korean K League 1 officially named international star Yazan Al-Arab, center-back of FC Seoul, as one of the season’s giants by selecting him in the Ideal Team “Best XI” among defenders.

This prestigious honor crowns the journey of the player who joined the capital club mid-season and quickly became an indispensable pillar in the backline.

The selection of the “Nashama Rock” was no coincidence; it resulted from outstanding field statistics and a performance defined by solidity and consistency. Al-Arab imposed his authority through exceptional man-marking of the league’s most dangerous attackers and excelled in aerial duels, winning the majority of them. His contribution was not limited to defensive duties; he left a clear offensive mark over 34 matches this season, scoring once and providing one assist, proving himself as a complete modern defender.

Amid growing anticipation and concern among Seoul fans as Al-Arab’s contract nears its end by year’s close, the Jordanian star broke his long silence ahead of the awards ceremony, sending clear reassurance to supporters. Speaking candidly, he expressed his admiration for the level of competition: “I believe the K League is one of the best leagues in Asia, and the technical level here is very high.”

He added with ambition and loyalty: “I am a player who needs to grow and develop further, so I have a strong desire to continue playing in this highly professional environment.” He also revealed his future intentions: “Seoul is my home, and I have not yet achieved my big dream of winning the championship here. I want to stay, and I hope renewal negotiations proceed positively.”

This mutual desire to continue was shared by the club’s head coach, Kim Ki-Dong, who openly expressed his firm commitment to retaining his solid defender. Shortly after the Gimcheon Sangmu match, he stated confidently: “I am in constant communication with Yazan based on mutual trust, and I do not believe he is considering leaving,” indicating that the contract renewal is now a matter of time and detail agreement, barring any last-minute surprises.

While enjoying his individual achievement, the challenge of coordinating national duties with club commitments emerges. FC Seoul is preparing for a key AFC Champions League match against Melbourne City on December 10, coinciding with preparations for the Jordanian national team’s Arab Cup campaign, which falls outside official FIFA dates. This has prompted intensive negotiations between the Korean club and the Jordanian Football Association to find a solution allowing Al-Arab to participate with the “Nashama” without compromising his team’s interests in the Asian tournament.