Salem had an impressive season with Al-Hilal last year, participating in 51 matches and contributing 45 goals. He topped the 2025 AFC Champions League Elite scorers list with 10 goals, and also led the assists list last season in the Roshn Saudi League with 15 assists. He also scored a goal against Pachuca in the FIFA Club World Cup 2025, in addition to his contribution with Saudi national team in the qualification for FIFA World Cup 2026.

Salem's achievement as the AFC Player of the Year completes a remarkable run of achievements by Al-Hilal’s Asian giants: Nawaf Al-Temyat 2000, Yasser Al-Qahtani 2007, Nasser Al-Shamrani 2014, Omar Kharbin 2017, and Salem Al-Dawsari 2022.