Al Ittihad star Mahamadou Doumbia ruled out for at least nine months

Mali national team and Al Ittihad midfielder Mahamadou Doumbia will be out for the remainder of the 2025-26 season after suffering a serious knee injury in Al Ittihad’s semifinal defeat to Al Kholood in Saudi Arabia’s King’s Cup.

لحظة اصابة محمدو دومبيا 💔💔💔

تعرض للإصابة دون اي تدخل 🥲🥲#الاتحاد_الخلود pic.twitter.com/w81rmtbYau

— ITTI MANIA – اتي مانيا (@IttiMania) March 18, 2026

After going down without any contact inside the opening ten minutes, Doumbia was taken off the pitch with clear signs that it was a serious injury. Al Ittihad’s medical staff has since confirmed that the promising midfielder has suffered torn cruciate ligaments in his knee.

A premature end to promising debut season with Al Ittihad

It is a devastating blow for the 21-year-old, who arrived for a large transfer fee from Belgian club Royal Antwerp during the ongoing season. A promising debut season at one of Saudi Arabia’s top clubs saw Doumbia produce 2 goals and 7 assists in 24 matches from all competitions.

🎥 الهدف الأول لـ @ittihad ⚽️
⏰ ’20 محمدو دومبيا #الاتحاد_الشباب 1 – 1
#أغلى_الكؤوس 🏆

pic.twitter.com/nur1OYluCP

— كأس خادم الحرمين الشريفين (@KingCupSA) November 29, 2025

His strong performances with Ittihad and Royal Antwerp inspired Doumbia’s call to the Mali national team, with whom he appeared in all five matches at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations. He was instrumental during Ittihad’s AFC Champions League campaign, helping the club advance from the group stage to the knockout stages.

But the injury is another low moment for the defending Saudi Pro League champions, who will not successfully defend their title this season. They are 25 points back of league leaders Al Nassr with eight rounds remaining in 6th place.