ALI AL-HABSI

An Omani Legend Who Inspired The World

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His is a name that cannot be forgotten in the world of Asian football, especially when it comes to the achievements he made outside his country.

AFC Champion

He began his humble journey from the heart of the Gulf and reached the pinnacle of success in the English Premier League.

His journey was not only a sporting success but also represented an inspiring story for every Arab youth who dreams of succeeding in international sports. His impact extended beyond the pitch.

He is the legend of the Sultanate of Oman, Ali Al-Habsi, who was chosen for our Champions of Progress edition of TREND 11, presented by NEOM, the global partner of the Asian Football Confederation.

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An Asian Icon

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Al-Habsi's journey in the world of football began with Al-Mudhaibi Club in Oman, but his exceptional talent as a goalkeeper quickly attracted attention and took him to European stadiums. His talent remained present through his participation with the Omani national team and his impressive club career.

With the Omani national team, Al-Habsi achieved great successes, winning the Gulf Cup twice in 2009 and 2017, and winning the title of best goalkeeper in both tournaments. The AFC Asian Cup tournaments were among his most important international moments, as he participated in the 2004, 2007, and 2015 tournaments.

The 2004 tournament was the most prominent for Al-Habsi with Oman. Despite being drawn in a difficult group with Japan and Iran, he delivered three impressive performances.

In 2007, Al-Habsi played in four matches in Group 4, with Australia, Iraq, and Thailand, and Oman qualified for the quarter-finals before losing to Japan on penalties after a goalless draw in regular and extra-time.

In the 2015 tournament, Al-Habsi played in three matches in Group 1 with Australia, South Korea, and Kuwait. Injury prevented him from participating in the 2019 tournament, after which he decided to retire from international football in January 2019, but he continued to play for the English club West Bromwich Albion until 2020, when he announced his retirement from football.

At the end of his football journey, Al-Habsi returned from Europe to the Arab region with Al-Hilal. He joined in 2017 and quickly became a key player in the team. During that period, he contributed to winning domestic and regional titles, which increased his fame in Asian sports circles and confirmed his status as one of the best goalkeepers in the history of the continent.

Between the beginning and end of Al-Habsi's career, his European and Asian highlights were balanced. In 2003, he joined the Norwegian club Lyn Oslo and won the award for the best goalkeeper in Norway that year, which opened the doors for him to move to the English Premier League.

In 2006, Al-Habsi signed with Bolton Wanderers, becoming the first Omani player to play in the English Premier League. With Wigan Athletic, Al-Habsi reached the pinnacle of his football glory when he helped the team win the FA Cup in the 2012-2013 season, a historic achievement for both him and the club.

That season, Al-Habsi won the award for the best player in Wigan, making him one of the most prominent goalkeepers in the history of the English club.

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A Beloved Figure

Fan Champion

Al-Habsi's relationship with fans has been a story of love and loyalty that is difficult to replicate, whether in Oman or England. It was not easy for an Arab player to gain such immense popularity among English fans, but this was the case for him, especially in Wigan, where he became a fan favourite due to his exceptional performances and great humility.

Al-Habsi's humanitarian stances with many fans were the key to his popularity. One notable example was his support for a young Wigan fan who was suffering from a serious illness. Al-Habsi visited him in the hospital and provided him with significant moral support, deeply endearing him to the club's fans.

This was reflected in Al-Habsi's popularity on social media platforms. He actively uses both X and Instagram, where he has over 1.5 million followers combined.

Al-Habsi shares his humanitarian stances and charitable initiatives with his audience through these accounts, which has increased his popularity not only in Asia but worldwide.

In Oman, Al-Habsi is considered a national hero, and the local media has always described his success abroad as a national achievement. He has become a role model for every Omani youth who dreams of achieving global recognition.

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Charity Champion

A River of Giving

In addition to his amazing sporting career, Al-Habsi is known for his generosity and giving. He began contributing to charitable work early on, believing that his sporting success could translate into a positive impact on his community.

In 2018, Al-Habsi founded the Ali Al-Habsi Football Academy in Muscat, which aims to develop the talents of Omani youth and provide them with the necessary training to become professional players.

The academy is based on the values of commitment and discipline, in addition to developing technical skills, and seeks to support domestic clubs and teams with new talents, and raising the level of Omani football.

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Al-Habsi has participated in many charitable initiatives to support the underprivileged in Oman and Asia through his cooperation with charities. He’s tirelessly worked to improve the sports infrastructure in his homeland and provide opportunities for deprived youth to access education and sports.

He has also contributed to children's education programs, especially in rural areas inside and outside Oman, making him a symbol of giving and contributing to society.

Ali Al-Habsi was not merely an exceptional player in the history of the Sultanate of Oman and Asia, but he also presented a model of humanity and giving. Through his distinguished sporting career, he succeeded in winning the love of the fans, both in Oman and England, and built bridges of trust and respect between himself and his admirers.

He also left an unforgettable mark through his charitable initiatives that contributed to improving the lives of many. His journey will remain a source of inspiration for all those who seek to combine personal success with social contribution.