10 Nov 2020
Doha. Long before Qatar National football team star striker, Almoez Ali stole the show at the 2019 AFC Asian Cup he was a student -athlete cutting his teeth at the world renowned Aspire Academy. The Aspire graduate shot into the hearts of the nation when Qatar won its maiden Asian Cup and named most valuable player as well as the top scorer of tournament. His 9 goals set a new tournament record surpassing the 8 goals scored by Iranian striker Ali Daei in 1996.
This week, Almoez improved his stock on the international stage even further with his unveiling as the latest of Aspire graduates to join the Red Bull team that manages and brings together Qatar’s star sportspersons under one of the world’s top brands. Almoez highlighted the vital role Aspire Academy played in his early football career when he was interviewed upon signing up with Red Bull. “My time Aspire Academy was a very important learning phase which was tough for me as a player at such a young age. The routine and schedule we had was high level, intense and demanding. Comprising of morning and evening drills day-in day-out, with players that were largely of a high standard, and played for major clubs, while I played for a minor team. There was a great gap in terms of training capacities, and I had to work twice as hard to come close to my Aspire team-mates. It was challenging but the level of the training and the coach’s guidance were very useful and sharpened me. The team helped me enhance my skills.”
Almoez now joins, High jump world champion Mutaz Essa Barshim, Qatar number 1-star squash player Abdullah Al Tamimi, as well as e-Sports FIFA champion Ahmad Al Meghessib, fellow Aspire graduates who are on the books of Red Bull. “I am so glad to be part of the Red Bull family, and happier still to know that a giant world-class company, known for its support for sports and athletes all over the world, has got my back. I am extremely proud to be in the same team alongside my brothers, namely my superhero and rally legend Nasser Al Attiyah, the high jump icon and world champion Mutaz Essa Barshim, Abdullah Al Tamimi, as well as Ahmad Al Meghessib. Barshim and Tamimi used to be my classmates at the Aspire Academy, and I’ve seen with my own eyes how Red Bull took and nurtured them under its wings.”
Talking about the unforgettable 2019 Asian Cup, Almoez said, “I was only 22 years old when I became the record scorer in Asian Cup. “I am now 24, and during these two years I’ve learned that psychological pressure is no myth though it can be relieved with concentration and continuous work. I will be focused on winning and seizing all the opportunities for that end. The title itself has caused me a lot of psychological pressure at first to be honest, but it was eased with time, and I can now play with much more tranquility and self-control. Competing in the World Cup has been my dream ever since I was a child. It is the most exciting event that every football player wishes and dreams to take part in. The best thing about this 2022 World Cup is that we will enjoy home advantage and we will be playing among our own football fans in Qatar. My dream is to show an excellent performance with the Qatar national team. To achieve that, my plan is to keep learning more and more every day, in order to present a special and honorable performance level for my team and my country at the World Cup”, said Almoez Ali.