Polish Star Pawel Dawidowicz Abandons Lucrative Saudi Stint Over Family and Societal Concerns

By ArchySports Expert Journalist | November 24, 2025

In a move that underscores that the allure of astronomical salaries isn’t always enough to keep players in the burgeoning Saudi Pro League, Polish international Pawel Dawidowicz has made the surprising decision to cut short his adventure in Saudi arabia. After just three months with Saudi club Al Hazem, the defender has returned to Poland, prioritizing his family’s well-being and personal values over a possibly life-changing payday.

Dawidowicz, who has previously played for clubs like Hellas Verona, Palermo, and Bochum, initially joined Al Hazem this past summer.while the financial incentives of playing in Saudi Arabia are well-documented, Dawidowicz’s experience quickly revealed that the realities on the ground presented critically important challenges, particularly for his family.

Family First: A Difficult Adjustment

The Polish defender’s initial foray into saudi Arabia was a solo training camp, but his family soon joined him. With a young child and a pregnant wife, the decision to leave became increasingly clear as the difficulties mounted. Dawidowicz candidly shared his reasons in an interview, highlighting that the experience proved “really too difficult to stay there for several reasons.”

One of the primary hurdles was the language barrier. Dawidowicz noted that English speakers were scarce, a situation that became particularly concerning when he needed to accompany his wife to the hospital. This practical challenge,while seemingly minor,can create significant stress and isolation in a foreign environment.

however, the most impactful factor in Dawidowicz’s decision appears to be the societal restrictions, particularly those affecting women. He pointed out the stringent rules that govern daily life:

“Women cannot go out without a man and they must remain covered, except for their eyes.”
Pawel Dawidowicz

These restrictions, coupled with a perceived lack of improvement in the situation, led Dawidowicz to a pivotal realization. He stated, at some point I had enough and decided there were more important things than football, like my family. This sentiment