Aspire Zone Pitches Named for Qatari Football Legends Ahead of 2025 World Cup

In a significant tribute to Qatar’s rich football heritage, the pitches at Aspire Zone will be named after legendary Qatari footballers in anticipation of the FIFA U-17 World Cup Qatar 2025. This initiative aims to honor the achievements of these athletes while inspiring young players as they prepare for the tournament, which will take place from November 3-27, 2025.

Recognizing Qatari Football Icons

The decision to name the pitches after these celebrated figures highlights Qatar’s commitment to nurturing future talent. The honorees include players who made significant contributions to both national and club football, reflecting the nation’s sporting legacy.

Pitch 1 has been named after Mohammed Ghanim, a pivotal figure in Qatari football history. Ghanim gained prominence in the 1970s and was named Most Valuable Player during the 1974 Gulf Cup. As captain of Al-Ahli, he led his team to victory in the Amir Cup in 1972, marking a historic win against Al Rayyan.

Pitch 2 honors Ibrahim Khalfan, known for his creativity on the field. Khalfan was instrumental in Qatar’s second-place finish at the 1981 FIFA World Youth Championship and earned acclaim as a midfielder during his time at Al-Arabi, contributing to three consecutive Amir Cup titles from 1977-1979.

Pitch 3 is dedicated to Bader Bilal, who also played a key role during the 1981 FIFA World Youth Championship. Bilal was a vital member of Al Sadd, helping the team secure the Asian Club Championship title in 1989.

Pitch 4 is named after Khaled Salman, a celebrated player who scored a memorable hat-trick against Brazil in the 1981 World Youth Championship. Salman also represented Qatar at the 1984 Summer Olympics and led Al Sadd to their first Asian Club Championship title in 1989.

Pitch 5 commemorates the late Khaled Ballan, who made a remarkable debut in the 1970 Gulf Cup and was named Player of the Tournament. Throughout the 1970s, Ballan played for Qatar Sports Club, achieving multiple league titles.

Pitch 6 recognizes Mansour Muftah, a prolific goal scorer who earned the Arabian Golden Boot twice. With a record of 317 goals in 324 matches, his legacy is honored through the renaming of the top goalscorer award in the Qatar Stars League to the “Mansour Muftah Award.”

Pitch 7 is dedicated to the late Mahmoud Soufi, Qatar’s all-time top scorer in FIFA World Cup qualifiers, with 12 goals in 20 matches. Soufi played a vital role in Qatar’s first Arabian Gulf Cup title in 1992.

Pitch 8 honors Adel Mallala, a stalwart defender who represented Qatar in various international competitions during the 1980s, including the Arabian Gulf Cup and the Summer Olympics.

A Total of 104 Matches Scheduled

During the FIFA U-17 World Cup Qatar 2025, a total of 104 matches will be played across the eight pitches at Aspire Zone. This event not only showcases the nation’s sporting capabilities but also aims to inspire a new generation of football enthusiasts in Qatar.

The naming of the pitches serves as a reminder of the rich history of Qatari football and the potential for future stars to emerge from the same soil that nurtured these legends.