Omar Abdulrahman facts for kids
![]() Abdulrahman with Al Ain in 2016
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Personal information | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Date of birth | 20 September 1991 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Place of birth | Riyadh, Saudi Arabia | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Height | 1.73 m | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Playing position | Attacking midfielder, winger | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Youth career | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
2000–2005 | Al Hilal | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
2006–2008 | Al Ain | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Senior career* | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Years | Team | Apps† | (Gls)† | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
2008–2019 | Al Ain | 142 | (38) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
2018–2019 | → Al Hilal (loan) | 5 | (1) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
2019–2021 | Al Jazira | 21 | (3) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
2021–2022 | Shabab Al-Ahli | 5 | (1) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
2023–2024 | Al Wasl | 2 | (0) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
National team‡ | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
2007–2010 | United Arab Emirates U20 | 4 | (1) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
2010–2012 | United Arab Emirates U23 | 15 | (1) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
2011–2019 | United Arab Emirates | 72 | (11) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Honours
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† Appearances (Goals). |
Omar Abdulrahman Ahmed Al Raaki Al Amoudi (Arabic: عُمَر عَبْد الرَّحْمٰن أَحْمَد الرَّاقِي الْعَمُودِيّ; born on September 20, 1991) is a famous Emirati footballer. He plays as an attacking midfielder or a winger. He is well-known for his amazing skills on the field.
Omar Abdulrahman started his senior career with Al Ain in the 2008–09 season. In his first year, he helped his team win several important cups. Even after getting serious knee injuries, he became a key player for Al Ain. He was even named the most promising player of the year. He also had a trial with the famous English club Manchester City.
Contents
Early Life and Big Dreams
Omar Abdulrahman grew up in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. His father, Abdulrahman Ahmed, used to be a football player too. Omar has two older sisters and three older brothers. His brothers, Khaled and Mohammed, also became footballers.
Omar loved playing football in his neighborhood. A scout named Abdulrahman Eissa noticed his talent by chance. Omar wasn't playing for any club and didn't have Saudi nationality.
Joining Al Ain Club
In 2000, Omar had a trial with Al Hilal. They wanted to sign him, but only offered Saudi nationality to him, not his whole family. So, his father said no.
Later, a friend of Abdulrahman Eissa told Nasser bin Thaloub, an important member of Al Ain, about Omar. Al Ain was looking for young, talented players. Al Ain offered to give citizenship to Omar's whole family. They all moved to the United Arab Emirates. Omar and two of his brothers joined Al Ain's youth academy.
Club Career Highlights
Omar Abdulrahman joined the Al Ain Academy in 2008. He played for different youth teams before joining the first team. His first official game for the senior team was on January 24, 2009, when he was just 17 years old.
First Seasons with Al Ain
In his first season (2008–09), Omar helped Al Ain win the Etisalat Cup and the President's Cup. He scored his first league goal on May 11, 2009, becoming the youngest player to score that season.
The next season (2009–10) was tough. Omar suffered a serious knee injury that kept him out for over six months. He slowly returned to play for the youth and reserve teams.
In the 2010–11 season, Omar became a regular player for the first team. He even got the number 10 jersey. He scored 11 goals and made 8 assists in 29 games. He was named the Pro-League's most promising player of the year for the second time.
Overcoming Injuries and Big Wins
Omar faced another knee injury in the 2011–12 season, which kept him out for six months again. But he came back strong. His team, Al Ain, won the league title that season.
Trying Out for Manchester City
In August 2012, Omar had a two-week trial with the famous English club Manchester City. He trained with them and played in friendly matches. Manchester City was impressed and offered him a four-year deal. However, the deal didn't happen because of work permit rules and national team ranking issues.
Becoming a Star Player
After returning to Al Ain, Omar became a very important player in the 2012–13 season. He helped Al Ain win the 2012 Super Cup and another league title. He was named Emirati Player of the Year.
ESPN FC even ranked him as the best Asian player in 2012. FIFA also listed him as one of the most promising future stars in Asia in 2013.
Later Club Moves
Omar continued to play for Al Ain for several more seasons, winning more titles and making many assists. He was known for his amazing passes and goals.
In August 2018, Omar joined Al-Hilal in Saudi Arabia on a loan. He was the first Emirati player to play abroad.
In August 2019, he joined Al Jazira on a three-year contract. He played 19 games and scored three goals before the season was stopped. He later left Al Jazira due to injuries.
In February 2021, he signed with Shabab Al-Ahli.
International Career
Omar Abdulrahman has also had a great career playing for the UAE national team.
Youth and Olympic Success
In 2010, Omar helped the UAE U-23 team win the 2010 GCC U-23 Championship. He also won a silver medal at the Asian Games in China.
He made his first international appearance for the senior team on January 3, 2011, when he was 19.
At the 2012 Summer Olympics in London, Omar played for the UAE. Even though his team lost, he impressed many famous players like Luis Suarez, Micah Richards, and Ryan Giggs. They praised his skills and potential.
Winning the Gulf Cup
In January 2013, Omar was a key player in the 21st Arabian Gulf Cup in Bahrain. He scored important goals and made assists. He helped the UAE win the Gulf Cup by beating Iraq 2–1 in the final. He was named the Player of the Tournament.
AFC Asian Cup and World Cup Qualifiers
Omar played a big role in the 2015 AFC Asian Cup. He made 4 assists, tying for the most in the tournament. The UAE reached the knockout stage for the first time since 1996.
In 2015, he provided 6 assists in a huge 10–0 win against Malaysia during the World Cup qualifiers.
How Omar Plays Football
Omar Abdulrahman is known for being a very creative player. He can play as a winger or an attacking midfielder. People admire his:
- Passing accuracy: He can make very precise passes.
- Dribbling: He's great at moving the ball past defenders.
- Setting up goals: He often creates chances for his teammates to score.
- Ball control and balance: He has excellent control over the ball.
He is also a set-piece specialist. This means he's good at taking corners, penalties, and free kicks.
Life Outside Football
Family and Influence
Omar Abdulrahman's family is very important to him. His two older brothers, Khaled Abdulrahman and Mohamed Abdulrahman, are also professional footballers.
Media and Sponsorships
Omar is a well-known figure. In 2016, Arabian Business magazine listed him as one of the 100 most powerful Arabs under 40.
He has signed deals with big companies like Nike and Etisalat. He was also featured on the cover of the Middle East edition of the video game Pro Evolution Soccer 2016 alongside Barcelona's Neymar.
In 2013, Omar was chosen as an official ambassador for the 2013 FIFA U-17 World Cup, which was held in the UAE.
Honours and Awards
Omar Abdulrahman has won many awards and titles throughout his career:
With Al Ain
- UAE Pro-League: 2011–12, 2012–13, 2014–15, 2017–18
- UAE League Cup: 2008–09
- UAE Super Cup: 2009, 2012, 2015
- UAE President's Cup: 2008–09, 2013–14, 2017–18
With Al Hilal
- Saudi Super Cup: 2018
With Al Wasl
- UAE Pro-League: 2023–24
With UAE Youth Teams
- GCC U-23 Championship: 2010
With UAE National Team
- Arabian Gulf Cup: 2013
Individual Awards
- Young Player of the Year: 2009, 2011
- Arabian Gulf Cup MVP: 2013
- AGL Fans’ Player of the Year: 2012–13
- Emirati Player of the Year: 2013
- AFC Champions League Dream Team: 2014
- Arabian Gulf League Top Assist Provider: 2013–14, 2015–16
- AFC Asian Cup Dream Team: 2015
- Asian Footballer of the Year: 2016
- AFC Champions League Most Valuable Player: 2016
Images for kids
See also
In Spanish: Omar Abdulrahman para niños