For Omar Faraj, the 2025 Eid Al-Fitr will forever be unforgettable.
On Sunday, the 23-year-old Swedish-born Palestinian forward delivered a performance for the ages, scoring five goals in a single match for newly-promoted Degerfors IF.
His heroics powered Degerfors to a stunning 5-0 victory over Halmstads BK at Örjans Vall stadium, tying the Allsvenskan record for most goals by a single player in a match. It was a statement performance that not only secured a rare 10/10 rating from multiple scoring platforms but also reignited conversations about his potential.
From Stockholm to Palestine: The Journey of Omar Faraj
Born in Stockholm to Palestinian parents, Faraj began his football journey with Vasalunds IF before joining AIK's youth academy in 2013. He later moved to IF Brommapojkarna, where he made his senior debut in 2020, scoring five goals in his first season. By 2021, he had further showcased his potential, netting nine goals in 13 games.
His performances caught the attention of scouts beyond Sweden, leading to a move to Spanish football. In August 2021, Faraj signed a five-year contract with La Liga side Levante UD. Initially assigned to the reserve team, he quickly emerged as their top scorer with seven goals and made his La Liga debut in May 2022.
At the international level, Faraj represented Sweden's U21 side, earning five caps and scoring four goals. In January 2023, he made his senior debut for Sweden in two friendly matches.
Return to Sweden and the Switch to Palestine
Seeking more first-team experience, Faraj returned to Sweden in July 2022, joining Degerfors IF on loan. He played a key role in their survival, scoring four goals in 16 appearances. His performances earned him a permanent move to his boyhood club, AIK, in January 2023. However, his two-season stint there was less prolific, with just four goals in 36 appearances.
During this period, Faraj made a pivotal decision regarding his international career. In May 2024, he completed his nationality switch to represent Palestine. A month later, he made his debut for the Palestinian national team in World Cup qualifiers against Lebanon and Australia.
A New Chapter in Egypt and a Triumphant Return
In September 2024, Faraj took on a new challenge, signing a contract with Egyptian giants Zamalek SC until June 2027. However, his time in Cairo failed to live up to expectations, prompting a return to Sweden. In January 2025, he rejoined Degerfors IF on loan for the remainder of the season.
Although he was not called up for Palestine's squad in the March 2025 international window, Faraj wasted no time making an impact in Sweden. His five-goal explosion against Halmstads not only announced his return but also reinforced his potential as one of the most exciting talents in Swedish football.
Faraj’s Career Stats at a Glance
2020 Season: 5 goals in 21 appearances (Brommapojkarna, Ettan Norra)
2021 Season: 9 goals in 13 appearances (Brommapojkarna, Ettan Norra)
2022 Season: 4 goals in 16 appearances (Degerfors IF, Allsvenskan)
2023 Season: 3 goals in 24 appearances (AIK, Allsvenskan)
2024 Season: 1 goal in 13 appearances (AIK, Allsvenskan)
2025 Season: 5 goals in 1 appearance (Degerfors IF, Allsvenskan)
Faraj’s five-goal masterpiece not only cements his name in Allsvenskan history but also serves as a reminder of his immense talent. As he continues his journey, both Degerfors and the Palestinian national team may have a star striker on their hands—one who, on his day, can be truly unstoppable.
Palestine’s Omar Faraj tied an Allsvenskan record with five goals for Degerfors, earning a rare 10/10 rating across multiple score apps. Here's all you need to know about the Swedish-Palestinian sensation.