Veteran forward Yassin Al-Bakhit scored a hat-trick to lead Al-Jazeera to a 5-1 victory over Al-Dooqra on Friday at Petra Stadium, though a tournament organizer prevented him from keeping the match ball. The lopsided win during the fifth week of the Jordanian Pro League lifted Al-Jazeera to eight points and second place in the standings, while Al-Dooqra remained stuck on four points in eighth place.
Al-Bakhit Claims Top Scorer Spot Before Ball Dispute
The three goals pushed Al-Bakhit’s tally for the season to four, making the 37-year-old the early leader in the Jordanian Pro League scoring race. Born in Amman on March 24, 1989, Al-Bakhit has earned 69 international caps for the Jordan national team, scoring six goals along the way.
Yet the post-match discussion quickly turned to the missing match ball. In professional football leagues worldwide, players who score three or more goals in a single match are traditionally allowed to take the ball home as a personal keepsake. Al-Bakhit carried the ball toward the dressing rooms before an organizer intervened and confiscated it, prompting widespread debate and video coverage from sports journalist Mohanad Joulis.
Journeyman Striker Returns to Domestic League
Al-Bakhit began his senior career at Al-Yarmouk in 2006 before embarking on a extensive career abroad. His travels included stints in Saudi Arabia with Al-Taawoun, Al-Faisaly, Al-Ettifaq, and Al-Shoulla. He later returned to Jordan for a brief spell with Al-Faisaly before moving through a series of clubs in the United Arab Emirates—including Hatta, Fujairah, Ittihad Kalba, Al-Dhafra, and Emirates Club—followed by Qatari sides Umm Salal and Al-Messaeir.
After finishing his long spell overseas, Al-Bakhit returned to Jordan in 2024 for another brief period with Al-Faisaly before signing with Al-Jazeera in 2025. Al-Jazeera supporters expect the veteran striker to maintain his scoring form as the club aims to challenge for major domestic silverware this season.
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