Shabab Al Ahli star Yahya Al Ghassani: Everything is achievable if you work hard

Back at, not quite where it all began, but certainly an important juncture in his burgeoning football journey, Yahya Al Ghassani is provided with an opportunity, finally, to take stock.

It has been a whirlwind few weeks since Al Ghassani struck the goal that sealed a first UAE top-flight title in seven years for Shabab Al Ahli, the club he supported as a boy.

The celebrations have been understandably prolonged, the Dubai side commemorating their Adnoc Pro League success alongside dignitaries, club sponsors and supporters.

There was even an audience with Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai.

As Al Ghassani sits here now, in a classroom at his old Dubai Carmel School following an afternoon meeting his former principal, teachers and staff – the visit included a kickabout and Q&A with the class of 2023 – it hits home just how far he’s come.

“It’s an incredible journey,” Al Ghassani tells The National. “And still the beginning. But let’s talk from now, it’s incredible. Because as a kid you always dream to make it, to win titles, to be the best player. But seeing this achieved and feeling it, how it feels to be one of the champions, and one of the main reasons of the team to win the league, it feels really different.

“And to come to the school where I used to play, and where I won some trophies; I know how priceless this feeling is right now. I can’t even explain to people how I feel from inside … because even when I talk, the words would not be the right ones to say.”

A post shared by Yahya AlGhassani (@ya10)

Al Ghassani, engaging and erudite, doesn’t need to find the words while he watches back in silence the goal that last month brought him to where he is now.

He has viewed the championship winner