9 Local Slang Words All Football Enthusiasts In Saudi Should Know

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The enthusiasm for football is so great that it arguably can be compared to that of South American countries. From alleyways of small villages to the big stadiums in metropolitan cities, Football is played everywhere in Saudi.

It is played with so much fervor that the locals have kind of have developed their our own words just to show you the zeal they have for it. So if you are a football enthusiast in Saudi, then you’ve definitely got to know these words. Some of these words are used in other Arab countries as well.

Mabroom

You know the famous Roberto Carlos goal in which he swings the ball past the defenders and heads into the goal – well that’s called mabroom here.

Kulu Harris

Used in street football, this basically means that anyone from the last line of defense can become a goalkeeper. At times it is also called “Akhir Wahid.”

Sagatti

It means to chip the ball.

Rafa

When a player yells “rafa” to his teammate it signals that he wants a header cross.

via GIPHY

Dafarri

Dafarri means a power shot. This is one shot that goalkeepers would probably not want to face.

Double

Yes, it actually sounds like the English word double. When used in local football it means a scissor kick.

Kubri

The word literally translates into English as “bridge”. This is normally said when a ball passes through one’s feet. (It is kind of shameful when it happens.)

Dagaten

When one doesn’t have a coin to toss while playing street football this is the time-tested method that is resorted to. In dagaten, the ball is thrown in the center of the court and it has to bounce twice before any side can start playing.

Anani

This is the best of the lot. The word is actually used in reference to Dutch footballer Arjen Robben. It is said to a player when he plays selfishly. 

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