Andrew Kameel Sawaya (Arabic: أندرو كميل صوايا; born 30 April 2000) is a Lebanese footballer who plays as a right-back for Lebanese Premier League club Safa.

Club career

Born in Dhour El Choueir, Lebanon, Sawaya moved to the United Arab Emirates aged five, where he lived for seven years. During this time, he played for the academy of Al Ain. In 2012, he moved back to Lebanon, playing for the Athletico football academy for five years.

In July 2017, Sawaya joined Nejmeh, initially playing for both the youth and senior teams. He made one appearance in the 2017–18 Lebanese Premier League, on 15 April 2018, as a starter in a 3–1 defeat to Ahed. Sawaya scored against cross-city rivals Ansar in the 2021–22 league season, to help Nejmeh win 1–0.

On 13 June 2022, Sawaya moved to Ahed on a free contract. After one season, Sawaya moved to Safa on 13 May 2023, also based in Beirut.

International career

Sawaya represented Lebanon internationally at youth level, and was called up to the senior team's training camp ahead of the 2022 FIFA World Cup qualifiers. He made his senior debut on 30 December 2022, in a 1–0 friendly defeat to the United Arab Emirates.

Style of play

Sawaya initially started out as a forward and winger during his youth career; he later developed into a right-back. He has been likened to former Lebanese international Ali Hamam. Sawaya stated that he drew inspiration from former German international Philipp Lahm.

Career statistics

International

As of match played 30 December 2022

Appearances and goals by national team and year
National teamYearAppsGoals
Lebanon202210
Total10

Honours

Nejmeh

Ahed

External links

  • at National-Football-Teams.com
  • at Soccerway
  • at Kooora.com (in Arabic) (archived )