Wael Arakji has established himself as one of the best basketball players in modern Lebanese history, thanks to his immense talent and ability to lead in critical games.
In just a few years, he has become the leading star of the Lebanese national team, achieving remarkable success both locally and on a continental level. He has also had professional stints in several Arab and Asian countries.
Who is Wael Arakji?
Wael Arakji is a Lebanese basketball player born on September 4, 1994, in the capital city of Beirut. Playing as a point guard, he is well known for his speed and playmaking as well as scoring skills. He is regarded as one of Asia's top basketball stars in recent years.
10 Facts About Wael Arakji:
1. Born in Beirut in 1994
Wael Arakji was born in Beirut, Lebanon, and began playing basketball at a young age, quickly drawing attention for his talent in the youth categories.
2. Started His Professional Career with Al Riyadi
His professional career began in 2012 with the Al Riyadi Beirut club, where he played a crucial role in winning several Lebanese league titles, becoming one of the team's top stars.
3. Excelled with the Lebanese National Team
He has participated in numerous continental and international tournaments with the Lebanese national team and was a key player in Lebanon's reach to the final of the Asia Cup 2022.
4. Best Player at the 2022 Asia Cup
Arakji was awarded the Best Player at the 2022 FIBA Asia Cup following an exceptional performance, topping the scoring rankings with an average of 26 points per game.
5. Led Lebanon to Win the Arab Championship
He was one of the key players in the Lebanese national team that won the 2022 Arab Basketball Championship, also earning the Best Player award in the tournament.
6. Played Professionally in Various Leagues
Arakji has had professional experiences in China, Qatar, Tunisia, Kuwait, UAE, and Saudi Arabia, gaining substantial experience in regional and continental competitions.
7. Participated in the NBA Summer League
In 2019, he joined the Dallas Mavericks for the NBA Summer League, making him one of the few Lebanese players to have this experience.
8. Achieved Continental Titles with Clubs
He helped Al Riyadi Beirut clinch the FIBA Asia Champions Cup, earning the Best Player award in the 2024 tournament, and also won the MVP title in the West Asia Super League (WASL) in 2025.
9. Nicknamed "The Scary"
Basketball fans refer to Wael Arakji as "The Scary" due to his individual skills and ability to decide crucial matches in high-pressure moments.
10. Ranked Among Asia's Best
Thanks to his individual and team achievements, Wael Arakji is considered one of the top basketball players in Asia. He continues to shape Lebanese sports history with his consistent records and titles.
Key Achievements of Wael Arakji
Arakji has accomplished numerous achievements, including:
- Best Player in the 2022 FIBA Asia Cup.
- Best Player in the 2022 Arab Championship.
- Best Player in the 2024 FIBA Asia Champions Cup.
- Best Player in the West Asia Basketball League (WASL) for 2025.
- Winning multiple Lebanese league championships.
- Securing continental titles with Al Riyadi Beirut.
See Also:Famous 10 Basketball Players in Lebanon