Qatar Celebrates Football Legends at U-17 World Cup
In a move that beautifully intertwines the past with the future, Qatar is set to honor its rich footballing legacy during the upcoming U-17 World Cup. The stadiums hosting the matches will bear the names of iconic Qatari football legends. This initiative is designed to pay tribute to their remarkable careers and inspire a new generation of budding stars.
The Honorees: A Glimpse into Qatari Football History
Eight stadiums will host the matches of the U-17 World Cup Qatar 2025. Each stadium is named after a Qatari football legend. Let’s explore the distinguished careers of these footballing icons:
Mohamed Ghanem Stadium
Mohamed Ghanem, a name synonymous with talent, was one of the most gifted players in Qatari football history. He shone brightly in the 1970s, earning the title of best player in the third Gulf Cup held in Kuwait in 1974. At the club level, he captained Al Ahli, leading them to victory in the Amir Cup in 1972.
Ibrahim Khalfan Stadium
Ibrahim Khalfan, known for his artistry both on and off the field, represented Qatar at various age levels. He led the national team to second place in the 1981 FIFA World Youth Championship. Playing for Al Arabi, he orchestrated the midfield, guiding his club to three consecutive Amir Cup titles between 1977 and 1979.
Bader Bilal Stadium
Bader Bilal, a key member of the Qatar team that achieved second place in the 1981 FIFA World Youth Championship, also played a crucial role in Al-Sadd’s triumph in the 1989 AFC Champions League, scoring several goals during the tournament.
Khalid Salman Stadium
Khalid Salman is celebrated as one of Qatar’s most prominent footballers. He scored a memorable hat-trick against Brazil in the 1981 FIFA World Youth Championship, securing Qatar’s place in the final. He also participated in the 1984 Summer Olympics, scoring twice against France. Furthermore, he led Al-Sadd to their first AFC Champions League title in 1989.
Khalid Balan Stadium
The late Khalid Balan made a notable debut with the Qatar national team in the 1970 Gulf Cup held in Bahrain, where he was named the best player. He spent his entire club career with Qatar Sports Club (formerly known as Al-Istiqlal), winning the Qatar League several times.
Mansour Muftah Stadium
Mansour Muftah is recognized as one of the greatest goalscorers in the history of the Qatar and Gulf football. He was the first player to win the Arab Golden Boot twice, in the 1981-1982 and 1985-1986 seasons. He is also the all-time top scorer in the Amir Cup and Sheikh Jassim Cup. Due to his speed and unique skills, he was nicknamed “The Fox”. In recognition of his outstanding contribution to Qatari football, the Qatar Stars League top scorer award has been renamed the Mansour Muftah Award.
Mahmoud Soufi Stadium
The late Mahmoud Soufi is considered the top Qatari scorer in World Cup qualifying matches, with 12 goals in 20 matches. He played a pivotal role in leading the Qatar national team to their first Gulf Cup title in 1992. Soufi played for several Qatari clubs and earned the top scorer title in various seasons.
Adel Malallah Stadium
Adel Malallah, one of the most prominent defenders in Qatari football, represented the national team in many major tournaments during the 1980s, including the Gulf Cup, the Summer Olympics, and the Asian Cup. He played for Al Ahli throughout his career and contributed to the club’s numerous Amir Cup titles.
Qatar: A Stage for Future Football Stars
Qatar will host the U-17 World Cup from November 3 to 27, 2025. The 104 matches will be played across these eight stadiums. The final match will be held at the iconic Khalifa International Stadium in Aspire Zone.
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