Who is Akram Afif, the star of Qatar's football team and the MVP of the AFC Asian Cup
Born in Doha in 1996, Akram Afif embodies Qatar's burgeoning aspirations in global football. From his formative years at the Aspire Academy to his current prominence with Al Sadd and the Qatar national team, Afif's journey epitomizes dedication, skill, and a profound passion for the sport.
His standout performances during the Asian Cup underscore his prowess. In the final against Jordan, Afif not only secured Qatar's 1-0 lead but also enchanted spectators with his celebratory display.
The forward netted his sixth goal of the tournament from the penalty spot at Lusail Stadium, courtesy of a foul by Abdallah Nasib in the first half.
Afif's stellar contributions have positioned him alongside Iraq's Aymen Hussein as the tournament's top scorer.
As the host and defending champion, Qatar aimed to clinch consecutive titles, following their victory in 2019.
Afif was honored with the Golden Boot Most Valuable Player award for his remarkable achievement of scoring eight goals during the 2023 AFC Asian Cup. His exceptional contributions were pivotal in securing a thrilling victory for the host nation against Jordan.
With three penalties converted in the crucial match, Afif solidified his legacy. His outstanding performance propelled Qatar to a historic title defense, marking them as the first team since Japan in 2004 to achieve consecutive Asian Cup victories.
Akram Afif, born on November 18, 1996, in Doha, Qatar, comes from a rich footballing background inherited from his father, Hassan. Hassan, originally from Yemen but born in Tanzania, made his mark as a player for Horseed FC in Somalia and represented the Somali national team before settling in Qatar. There, he continued his football journey with clubs like Al Ittihad (later Al Gharafa) and transitioned into management, guiding teams like Al-Gharafa and Al-Markhiya.
Afif, following in his father's footsteps, developed his passion for football at the Aspire Academy, where he honed his skills, showcasing his speed, dribbling ability, and clinical finishing. Loan spells at Eupen in Belgium and Villarreal in Spain exposed Afif to different playing styles and competitions, further enriching his experience.
Returning to Al Sadd in 2018 marked a turning point for Afif. Back in familiar surroundings, he thrived, leading his team to Qatari Stars League titles in 2021 and 2023.
Afif's impact extends beyond club football. He played a pivotal role in Qatar's historic 2019 AFC Asian Cup victory, earning him the prestigious Asian Footballer of the Year award. His leadership and skill were evident once again in the 2023 FIFA Arab Cup, where he scored the winning goal in the final, solidifying his status as a national hero. Additionally, he was a crucial part of his team's performance in the FIFA World Cup hosted in Doha.
Beyond his home country, Afif serves as an inspiration to young Arab footballers, demonstrating that talent and dedication can transcend cultural barriers and achieve success on the global stage. While European clubs have shown interest in him, Afif remains committed to leading Qatar to even greater achievements.
Comments
Post a Comment