39 Facts About Hassan Maatouk

Hassan Maatouk began his senior career at age 17 in 2004 with Ahed in Lebanon, winning 12 trophies, including three league titles and three FA Cups in seven years.

Hassan Maatouk returned to Lebanon in 2017, joining Nejmeh where he won two Lebanese Elite Cups and was named Best Player of the league in both seasons.

In 2019, Hassan Maatouk joined cross-city rivals Ansar on a free transfer, leading them to their first league title in 14 years in 2021 as top scorer.

Hassan Maatouk made his international debut for Lebanon in 2006 at age 19 against Saudi Arabia.

Hassan Maatouk became captain in 2016, succeeding Roda Antar, and led Lebanon to their first Asian Cup qualification in 2019.

Hassan Maatouk was included in the Team of the Year in those seasons.

Hassan Maatouk won the Lebanese Premier League Golden Boot twice, in 2011 and 2021.

Hassan Maatouk's talent caught the attention of scouts from the German team Schalke.

Hassan Maatouk cited his experience in Europe as essential to his development as a player.

Hassan Maatouk mentioned that Sagesse gave him equipment, including clothes and shoes, as a form of temptation to sign with them, but he never committed despite accepting the equipment.

At 15, Hassan Maatouk was noticed by Jamal Al Haj, a supervisor for Ahed's youth sector, while playing in a local tournament.

Hassan Maatouk scored a total of eight goals in the league, improving on his previous tally of three.

Thanks to four other goals scored throughout the season, Hassan Maatouk helped Ahed win their first-ever Lebanese League title.

Hassan Maatouk was the top goalscorer of the 2008 Lebanese Elite Cup with three goals, on a par with his teammate Salih Sadir.

Hassan Maatouk scored in both of the 2009 AFC Cup group stage games against Busaiteen, but his team failed to qualify to the next round.

Hassan Maatouk was awarded the Lebanese Premier League Best Player award.

Hassan Maatouk won a domestic quadruple with his team, winning the league, the FA Cup, the Elite Cup, and the Super Cup.

Hassan Maatouk played his final games for Ahed at the 2011 Elite Cup in September 2011.

In 2013 Hassan Maatouk moved to UAE First Division side Fujairah on a one-year loan.

Hassan Maatouk's loan was renewed a further year in July 2015.

Hassan Maatouk scored one League Cup goal in two matches.

Hassan Maatouk said that the appointment of Diego Maradona as coach was not tempting enough for him to remain, and he would rather depart from the Division One side.

Hassan Maatouk returned to Lebanon in July 2017, signing for Nejmeh on a reported salary of $365,000 for one season, subject to renewal.

Hassan Maatouk won the Lebanese Premier League Best Player award for the third time, and was included in the Lebanese Premier League Team of the Season for his performances.

Hassan Maatouk made seven assists in the league, making him the player with the second most assists in the season.

Hassan Maatouk made three assists in four FA Cup games.

Hassan Maatouk scored one goal in five appearances in the second round, helping Lebanon finish second in their group and qualify to the third round.

Between 2009 and 2010, Hassan Maatouk participated in the 2011 AFC Asian Cup qualifiers; he played five of Lebanon's six games.

Hassan Maatouk participated in the 2015 Asian Cup qualifiers between 2013 and 2014, playing all six group stage games.

Hassan Maatouk scored after dribbling past the goalkeeper, but the goal was incorrectly ruled offside.

Hassan Maatouk was fundamental to his team's success during the 2019 Asian Cup qualifications, played between 2017 and 2018: he scored five goals in six matches in the third round, thus qualifying Lebanon to their first ever Asian Cup through qualification.

In December 2018, Hassan Maatouk was called up for the 2019 Asian Cup as Lebanon's captain.

In December 2023, Hassan Maatouk was included in the Lebanese squad for the 2023 Asian Cup as team captain.

Hassan Maatouk retired from the national team as Lebanon's top scorer and most-capped player, with 123 caps and 26 goals.

Hassan Maatouk is known for his great vision and ability on the ball to create scoring opportunities for his teammates.

Hassan Maatouk cites his brother Hussein as a major influence in his football career, saying he "believed in me, cared about my talent, and supported me throughout my journey".

Hassan Maatouk's routine involved waking up at six in the morning for work and then heading to training in the afternoon.

Hassan Maatouk considers Brazilian player Ronaldo the best of all time, and Spanish club Barcelona is his favorite club.

Hassan Maatouk, representing Lebanon, starred in the first season alongside Thiago Silva, Luka Modric, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, Andre Blake, and Brian Kaltak.