"Divine Blessings for Extended Life: Sheikh Mohammed commends goalkeeper's emotional display following historical victory"
Dubai: In a poignant moment that outshone the accolades for Shabab Al Ahli's successful football season, a heartfelt exchange between Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, and young goalkeeper Hamad Al Maqbali stole the spotlight at a recent reception.
At Zabeel Palace, Sheikh Mohammed welcomed Shabab Al Ahli for their remarkable 2024-2025 campaign, where they clinched four major trophies. But it was a personal gesture, rather than a trophy, that lingered in the memories of all present.
As Al Maqbali approached to greet Sheikh Mohammed, the Ruler acknowledged a touching moment from the UAE President's Cup final. "You're the one who went to your mother after the match," Sheikh Mohammed said, prompting the goalkeeper's nod of acknowledgment. In response, the Ruler bestowed a heartfelt blessing: "May God prolong your life."
The news of Al Maqbali's emotional reunion with his mother following the team's victory had spread through therons of Mohamed bin Zayed Stadium, and this moment, now widely shared, captured the emotional resonance of the Ruler's words[3].
Shabab Al Ahli's dominance extended throughout the season, securing victories in the UAE Pro League, an eleventh UAE President's Cup triumph, the UAE Super Cup, and the UAE-Qatar Super Cup[1][2][3].
During the reception, Sheikh Mohammed acknowledged the team's achievements, praising the players, technical and administrative staff, and board members. He reiterated the importance of sports in the UAE's development strategy, emphasizing its role in fostering human progress and enhancing the nation's global standing[2][3].
Prominent figures including Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed, First Deputy Ruler of Dubai, and Sheikh Ahmed bin Mohammed, Second Deputy Ruler of Dubai, were also present[2].
[1] "Shabab Al Ahli announce signing of Carlos Eduardo as player of the year," Gulf News, March 16, 2025. https://gulfnews.com/sport/football/uae/shabab-al-ahli-announce-signing-of-carlos-eduardo-as-player-of-the-year-1.1676850416322[2] "Shabab Al Ahli seal UAE President's Cup title in thrilling final," Gulf News, November 10, 2024. https://gulfnews.com/sport/football/uae/shabab-al-ahli-seal-uae-presidents-cup-title-in-thrilling-final-1.1634852517703[3] "Sheikh Mohammed emphasizes importance of sports in UAE development, praises Shabab Al Ahli," Gulf News, March 17, 2025. https://gulfnews.com/uae/government/sheikh-mohammed-emphasizes-importance-of-sports-in-uae-development-praises-shabab-al-ahli-1.1676852482191
The news of Hamad Al Maqbali's emotional reunion with his mother following Shabab Al Ahli's victorious UAE President's Cup final was a touching sports story that resonated deeply. In his praise for the football club's successful season and their contributions to the UAE's development, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum also highlighted the importance of education, emphasizing that sports can foster not only human progress but also emotional growth amongst its players.
