MOHAMMED GHANIM AL-RUMAIHI
– Interview by Fai Al-Naimi
Dear readers,
This letter tells the story of a former football star from Qatar, Mohammed Ghanim, who was regarded as one of the most talented players of the 1970s Gulf football golden age. As a former dean of Qatari clubs and legendary captain of Al-Ahli club, he made history as the first person to lift the Emir Cup, the nation's most prestigious tournament. He scored three goals in a historic 6-1 victory over Al-Rayyan, leaving a lasting impression with his style of play. Mohammed Ghanim also earned the Most Valuable Player award during the Gulf Cup Championships in Kuwait and was widely considered the best leader to grace the football stadiums of the Arab world. Dubbed the "Maestro," Mohammed Ghanim had a unique talent for controlling the game's tempo, akin to a conductor leading an orchestra. His vision and accuracy allowed his teammates to move in unison with him, creating a sense of harmony on the field. Today, Mohammed Ghanim is regarded as a prominent symbol of Qatari football, having left a permanent mark on the region's sports history. Now retired, he enjoys a fulfilling life surrounded by his grandchildren and takes opportunities to travel at his leisure.
Could you take us back to your childhood in Qatar? Describe what life was like during that time.
I was born in 1951 into a very simple family, as the first son of my father. My father worked at the Dukhan Field, while my mother was a housewife. She bore 11 children: 4 girls and 7 boys. We lived in a traditional one-story house that consisted of two rooms, a kitchen, and a courtyard. Back then, air conditioning was not easily accessible and was often installed in just one room where everyone would sleep. Most Qatari households also had no television access and relied on the radio for news and music. We also had no refrigerators to preserve our food. Instead, we made weekly trips to the open souqs to buy imported produce and protein sources to meet our needs.
To pass time, we often engaged in traditional games like Al-Teelah and Al-Laqfa, which were widespread among young children. My siblings and I walked to our nearby school located in our neighborhood, as we had no car to take us. The Ministry of Education provided funding for all schools to ensure that students received adequate meals, especially during the harsh winter months. I remember it used to be very cold, and since we did not have proper clothing, we layered two thobes for added warmth.
Despite these circumstances, the government was extremely generous to its people. Education was always encouraged to help students reach their full potential, make their parents proud, and ensure that a new generation of well-educated nationals would take the country forward. Parents were greatly encouraged to enroll their children in school. That is how we managed our early days. As I reflect now, our days were short yet extremely beautiful. Life was simple, and we were all together, hand in hand.
How did you start to play football?
Like many football players, my journey with football began in my neighborhood. During my upbringing, I lived in Fereej Abdel Aziz bin Abdulrahman, located in the heart of the Doha district. The area consisted of a few traditional houses, while the rest was open land. In 1957, when I was around six years old, I started playing football with a few neighborhood friends. Back in the day, we had great connections within the local neighborhood. At the time, there weren’t many sports as accessible as football; you didn't need much to play a game. We often formed teams after school at around three o’clock in the afternoon, all thanks to our close-knit community. We cleared the ground of rocks to create a pitch that measured about 40 by 60 meters. We placed two pillars on each side to form our goal and pooled together a few riyals to buy a ball. Essentially, we managed everything ourselves. What began as a game became a way to spend our free time.
My parents were hardly interested in football. All that mattered was that a boy must learn and acquire a proper education. Like many old folks, they feared that I would not be able to do so. My late father did not want me to play in the streets under any circumstances. He was adamant that I excelled in school and completed my prayers. Frankly speaking, he did not allow me or my brother to play any football. He was a nice guy, but tough on us, his sons. I still remember him saying no football for you. Back then, that was devastating for little me to hear because I was a kid who was deeply attached to football, so it was difficult for me to leave our pitch, at least not yet. We would sometimes seek an opportunity here or there to play without his knowledge. During the summer, he was a bit more relaxed since studies were suspended for a few months. We would also sneak in opportunities during the holy month of Ramadan when Ramadan matches took place.
As the years went by, we formed a team within our neighborhood. We called it Al-Shula. I still remember some of my teammates from that time, including Ubaid Jumma, Rashid Al-Misnad, Abdulla Ahmed, my brother Ahmed, and many other young Qatari folks who were great at the game. Together, we would visit other neighborhoods to play against their teams in a friendly match. There was immense excitement. Despite our young age, we would take the game seriously, and therefore, we had a good performance amongst the teams.
In the beginning, who helped and encouraged you to pursue football?
My physical education teacher at school was among the people who had a profound impact on me, especially at the start of my journey with football. At the time, I was a student at Salah ad-Din Al-Ayyubi Preparatory School for boys, located in Fereej Abdel Aziz bin Abdulrahman. Schools played a leading role in sports enthusiasm and awareness amongst the community. Thankfully, my school took up sports, particularly football was of great interest. This is where my actual practice for the sport took place, and the signs of me being a football talent began to appear. Undoubtedly, that caught the attention of my former education teacher, Mr. Omar ibn Khatib, one of the greatest sports enthusiasts at the time in Qatar. He believed that the “skinny” boy was not just an ordinary kid playing football; in fact, he showed extraordinary football talent that deserved care and support. Mr. Omar encouraged me immensely and supervised my talent, which at that moment became clear to the eye, marking just the beginning. I owe him credit for honing my talents and making me who I am.
As I grew older, I slowly began to have football idols from different parts of the world. At that time, the greatest player from the Arab world was Rifaat El-Fanagily, the Egyptian footballer who played as a midfielder for Al-Ahli and the Egypt national team. I was also fond of Hassan Shehata, the Master of Egyptian football. Among the world players, I looked up to “emperor” Franz Beckenbauer, the former captain of Bayern and the West German national team, and Bobby Moore, the former captain of England’s national team. The aforementioned greats not only inspired how I viewed football but also how I played it. It is safe to say that they had a profound impact on me.
Could you speak more about your time playing for the Al-Ahli club?
The next phase of my football journey was as a player for Al-Ahrar club, one of the first-category clubs at the time. I was part of the strong Al-Ahrar club for almost a year, up until a decision was reached to shut down the club, and the club members were sorted into other clubs. Sheikh Jassim bin Hamad, the Minister of Education, shortly opened a new club which was called Al-Ahli. Despite my young age, when I turned 17, I decided to join the Al-Ahli junior team, driven by my long-standing passion for football. I still recall people looking at me with pity due to my minuscule figure. They were worried that I would get hurt or injured amongst the older and physically stronger players.
Back then, you had total freedom as a player to choose the team you wanted to play for. I had offers from multiple clubs like Al-Sadd, the former Al-Istiqlal club, but I chose Al-Ahli. I remember my friends telling me, “If you won’t sign, we won’t either, we will go to another club,” to which I responded, “If we all leave the club, it will be ruined.” So, I signed, and they did as well. It is worth mentioning as well that the Al-Ahli club was also located in our area, Fereej Abdul Aziz. The administration office was built like a local house, and that was where I signed my first contract. We would host our meetings and hang out there after matches. Our training, on the other hand, took place in the preparatory school where I was a student. We would meet there all together, so I felt a sense of belonging.
Al-Ahli also had big ambitions. The players brought great talent, aspirations, and hard work to training. At the time, there was no club president, but we had a manager, Mr. Omar ibn Khatib, my former PE teacher, who was also involved in training. He convinced my father that I would join the team. Seen as I was the eldest among the players, I would also assist him. He was a great coach, he was ready when he got to the pitch at the hall in preparatory school, where they allowed us to utilize their open area as our training ground. I still recall members of the team, including Ahmed Ghambar, Abdulla Siddiqi, Mohammed Siddiqi, Yacgoub Al-Kaabi, Yousef Al-Obaidly, and Abdulrahman Morad. I was elected as the team captain. I would encourage my teammates and oftentimes get upset at them when things don’t go well, but at the end of the day, I cared for them deeply.
The governing body behind us was also excellent. They were experienced folks who saw our potential and constantly strived to lift us higher. A few members that call to mind include Abdullah Al-Gharir, Ali Al-Ali, Mohamed Faraj, and Ali Al-Gharir, amongst many others who were skilled in the field of managing athletes.
In 1968, you were selected to play for the Qatari national team at 17 years of age. What was that moment like for you?
I remember very well my first official international match against the Palestinian national team in 1968. I was only 17 years old. I considered this match as either the first or last match in my career, as there were two possible outcomes. It was either that I assert myself and prove people wrong, or that I fail miserably, and this would be the last match in my short-lived football career.
The match took place at Doha Stadium, which was the first football stadium in the country and the first of its kind in the region to feature natural turf. In 1968, people were eager for sports. The Sheikh was extremely supportive of football, and the local population would attend training sessions and games. Naturally, everything felt so big and real for me – the stadium, the crowd, the responsibility. I recall feeling so excited and incredibly honored to play for the former “Al-Annabi” at an arguably young age.
Looking back, my teammates and I were all so young, and the nerves were there, of course, but the moment I stepped on the pitch, all these doubts faded away. I just focused on the ball, the game, and giving it my absolute best. And one thing about me is that when I play, I go all out. During the game, I managed to score a goal, and many viewed it as my contribution to the game. That instantly boosted my confidence levels. Very quickly, people's perception of me shifted, and they began to show immense interest in my skills. I didn’t fully grasp the weight of it back then, but now I see it as a defining milestone in my career.
You participated in 5 consecutive Arabian Gulf Cup Championships. What insights can you share with us?
I participated in the first five Arabian Gulf Cup Championships between 1970 and 1979. So, a significant portion of my football career was shaped during the Gulf Cup era. During the first Gulf Cup against Bahrain, we were still a young team grasping the skills to play competitively at a regional level. It is a beautiful thing to witness countries from the Gulf region uniting to play football. I played alongside Qatar’s first football stars, including Khalid Balan, Talib Balan, Mubarak Faraj, and many other skilled players. Despite their experience, I was still able to assert myself within the national team and contribute greatly to the team spirit. I was ahead of some of the stars who came before me by years.
By the second Arabian Gulf Cup in Saudi Arabia, we unfortunately could not play to the level we had hoped for. Due to the age difference among the team members, our team was comprised of two generations of players, a generation of older players, and a generation of younger players. The discrepancy in age and experience brought about a great lack of homogeneity, so the team got lost in this spiral. Eventually, by the third Arabian Gulf Cup, our team had taken its initial steps towards the path of success. We raised our level by participating in training camps in London and Cairo, which all came into play during the third Gulf Cup. Evidently, we landed in third place, and that was a huge success for Qatar and our fans back home.
The fourth Arabian Gulf Cup Championship was certainly special as Qatar was the host country for the first time. To commemorate the occasion, an opening ceremony was held. It was difficult for me to give it my all as I was not prepared for the championship and was only able to train 2 months before the game due to medical reasons that prohibited me from training. I underwent a cartilage operation and sought treatment in London. Undoubtedly, being absent from training sessions had detrimental effects on my fitness levels and preparedness for the game. I felt like another ordinary player who was performing at a below-average level. So mentally, it was a difficult period for me as I could not perform well, and there was not enough time to catch up with my teammates.
By the time we played in the fifth Gulf championship in 1979, we were a different team. Not only were we more experienced, but I was personally on the verge of retirement. I therefore had hoped that I would conclude my participation in the Gulf Championships with a tournament in which I would present to our fans the most precious victory. Unfortunately, we were unable to present anything to our dear fans for multiple reasons, but primarily, due to my injury. I always say an injury is an athlete’s greatest enemy. That said, I am glad I experienced the golden age of Gulf football during the 70s period. I was extremely happy to live through that period, just like the rest of my colleagues, as it was a precious championship.
The third Gulf Cup in 1974 was a standout moment for Qatar and for you personally. What insights can you share?
The year 1974 was a remarkable chapter for Qatar’s football and my football career. My teammates and I had to play to make this the match of our lifetime. We were committed to lessening the number of goals that would enter our goal and had that strong desire to threaten the mighty Kuwaiti team within its land and amongst its fans. I used to hear players saying, “How can we face Mohammed Ghanim? If he receives the ball, it is hard for us to get it back.” We played the game at the Al-Kuwait Sports Club Stadium, and Qatar landed in third place after defeating the UAE 4:1 on penalties after the regular time ended in a 1:1 draw. Shortly after, I received a very unexpected recognition amongst all the great players across the Gulf region. The Most Valuable Player award was handed to me by Ahmed Al-Sadoun, the president of Kuwait’s Football Association at the time. My feelings that day were divided between joy and a sense of responsibility. The joy was because I had won the trust of the Gulf football fans, and the sense of responsibility was because I was afraid of losing this trust.
After the tournament, our return home was truly special. The Minister of Education, Sheikh Jassim bin Hamad sent us a private plane to transport the entire Qatari sports delegation from Kuwait to Doha. To say the least, the atmosphere was electric. When we reached the airport, there was an entire celebration hosted by fans and senior Qatari football officials. They carried us on their shoulders and adorned us with flower garlands. When we left the airport, an unbelievable parade stretched from Doha International Airport to the Gulf Hotel. It was surreal – people were honking, cheering us, chanting our names, and even throwing flowers. From the moment we won, the entire journey was bursting with celebration. I truly realized how deeply our country and its people care about our performance when we represent the nation abroad. Qatar was now progressing in sports. The overwhelming support was not just about us – it was about national pride. For the first time, it felt like the entire country was turning its attention to football, rallying behind us with a sense of unity and purpose I had never witnessed before. I was overwhelmed with joy and happiness, and I could not help myself and broke down in tears. In the eyes of the people, we were heroes. Amid the cheers, I was gifted an American model car. I vividly remember its deep green color, and I can’t help but associate the color with the memory itself from 50 years ago. Still rich and unforgettable.
In 1972, you became the first captain to lift the Emir of Qatar Cup after leading your team to a 6-1 victory over Al-Rayyan. Could you walk us through that moment?
The match against Al-Rayyan is one I can never forget. Our team secured a 6:1 victory, receiving the first-ever Emir Cup. The Cup was granted by Sheikh Khalifa bin Hamad, may God rest his soul, who was a major supporter of football back in the day. As captain, I lifted the Cup. To say that the Al-Ahli team received the Emir Cup really boosted our reputation. The crowd had erupted. I remember the cup being big, but to be honest, I don't remember its shape or even its design. The size just made you realize the importance and status of the cup. We were a solid team. We had 7 or 8 players who were playing for the national team. So, I was extremely proud of our performance.
In 1973, you played against Santos from Brazil, which featured football legends like King Pelé. What do you remember most about that surreal experience?
We were lucky that our governing body was always on the lookout to secure opportunities with global teams to play against us. Many international clubs used to come to play with us at the Doha Stadium. One of the greatest teams that we played against was Santos, which was completely arranged by our administration. The whole world was amazed that Santos, including Pelé, was coming to Qatar. People were shocked as this was a huge event for the sports scene in the country. Many people came to watch us play that day. The crowd was unbelievable.
Typically, I tend to think a lot the night before a match, especially if the game is important. However, playing against Santos was a bit different because it was a friendly match against the best team in the world. We had nothing to lose. The ball was “easy”, and they didn’t play rough. Despite them winning 3:1, it was an enjoyable experience filled with beautiful moments. One of my teammates was nervous, to say the least. We got a penalty, and at that moment, it was 1:0 against us. One of our players shot the ball out. As captain, I asked him what happened, especially since he was an excellent penalty shooter. He told me, “I wanted to score, but the ball won't go in.” It cracks me up to this day, and I think that’s what happens when you play against Santos.
In today's world, saying that you played against the famous Santos team with Pelé is difficult to come across, especially since we are so far from Brazil. I believe I played against Pelé, and Pelé played against me. But he was fierce on the field. I remember him getting mad at the referee for calling him out for being offside when he wasn’t. Sadly, the game came to an end. We shook hands, walked out of the pitch together, and accompanied them to the Gulf Hotel for dinner to end the beautiful evening.
Throughout your football career, have you experienced any major injuries? If so, did you undergo any operation?
One of the events in my life that I will never forget is the day I got injured. It was March 7, 1975, and I had to undergo two operations abroad. I left the field and football for a long time, and I believe that the injury came at the worst time possible. It occurred when I was at the top of my career.
During the 5th Arabian Gulf Cup Championships in Baghdad, I also injured myself terribly. I jumped to try to hit the ball with my head, and the opponent's goalkeeper spread his arms, got in my way, and I landed catastrophically. It felt like my knee was going out. This was all due to my ill-ground reception, which was unable to support my body weight. After a few hours, my knee got swollen, and I instantly knew that this was bad. I had to be operated on because I had a rupture of ligaments in my right knee. I had to be absent from football for nearly a year. But to tell Mohammed Ghanim that you can’t play for a significant period was out of the question. Unfortunately, I did not give my body enough time to recover like the experts suggested. A few months after I returned, our British coach Frank did not believe that I was able to play again. I persevered despite the pain, however, it was not the performance that I had wished for. Coach Frank asked me to get out as he felt that it was difficult for me to play like I once did. And a Coach knows his athletes and their capabilities. I felt tired. Progressively, my body got weaker and heavier.
In 1980, at 29 years old, you stopped playing football. Could you tell us more about the retirement ceremony and how it felt to say goodbye to the game you love?
To this day, I still get overwhelmed with emotions when I think about the time we played against Al-Ahli Egypt, as part of a farewell match to honor me. The governing body of my club invited Al-Ahli from Egypt to play in Doha. Their club was very strong, and their captain, Mahmoud El-Khatib, was considered one of the best forwards in the history of African football. The match took place in Khalifa International Stadium. I only played for the first thirty minutes because my legs were not as strong as before, and I could not carry myself any longer. I watched Qatari and Egyptian players playing football with immense pride and joy.
I was sitting between my son, who was around 5 years old at the time, and my father. They were both so proud of me when they saw the celebration that was organized and the fact that the entire Egyptian team was flown in for me. It was almost as if they felt people's support for me. My last contribution was an official goodbye to the pitch. I remember that before leaving, I handed over the captaincy to Adel Malallah, my teammate. He was a great player, and I saw him as a great leader for the club who could take on the role of being a role model for the team. Looking back, my football career was filled with immense challenges and success, thank god. All my football memories are very dear to me.
When you look at football today compared to how it was in the 60s and 70s, what are the biggest differences that stand out to you the most?
When looking at football today compared to how it was in the 60s and 70s, one of the biggest differences that stand out is the number of opportunities surrounding the sport. Back then, the situation regarding sports was not as it is now in terms of interest and sponsorship. Today, life is different—kids have access to so many opportunities, including better facilities, tools, and training. In my time, we were motivated by a passion for the sport, but today, athletes are often led by fame, finance, and other incentives, which were never a concern for our generation. A great football player shows hard work and skill, and while not all young people possess these qualities, I remain optimistic that with the right support, great talent will rise. I believe Qatar football is moving in a positive direction with the presence of young players who play with high spirit and determination, though it often lacks excitement. I am proud of our youth who are achieving great accomplishments for Qatar in major championships and tournaments. I always support and encourage the local youth, urging them to put in the hard work and always strive to give their best.
Did you ever imagine that Qatar would one day host the FIFA World Cup within your lifetime? What is it like for you to witness your home country becoming the global center of football?
As a Qatari, I am extremely proud of the progress and advancements my country has achieved. Qatar worked incredibly hard to reach where it is today. A few years ago, my fellow veterans and I had the honor of sitting with His Highness the Father Emir for a discussion on the World Cup and the future of football and sports within the country. I recall him speaking with so much spirit and excitement. His Highness was determined to have Qatar host the World Cup, and the country did so exceptionally in the Qatar 2022 World Cup. Sport has now become an integral part of our community. Overall, I am extremely satisfied and proud of Qatar’s organization and performance during this major event. Despite all the media backlash, the event was a huge hosting success, setting standards high for future sporting events across the world.
Today, Qatar offers many state-of-the-art facilities, stadiums, education, and young talent, a rich culture, amongst many other things. Most importantly, Qatar has a strong football history. It never occurred to me that we would have a dedicated sports museum like the 3-2-1 Olympic and Sports Museum or club exhibitions that preserve the belongings, memorabilia, and various types of possessions of former players. I hope that I played a small role in preserving these memories for future generations so they can be informed of the history of sport, from the beautiful days of the 1970s to the hosting of major events. It is an honor to introduce the current generation to their predecessors whom they never saw in action.
What message would you share with young people interested in sports? In your experience, what can sports offer the younger generation beyond physical health?
If I were to share a message with young people interested in sports, I would strongly encourage them to pursue it with seriousness and dedication. My engagement with the youth and the football scene in Qatar, particularly through my role at the Qatar Olympic Committee, has shown me the importance of commitment in this field. I learnt that if players are lazy and unwilling to put in the effort, they will not succeed. Football, and sports in general, are about more than just physical health; they are essential for building team spirit, discipline, and resilience.
After your football career ended, did you stay involved in the sport? If so, what roles did you take on?
After completing my studies in the United States, I returned to Doha and was offered a job immediately, and I remained involved in sports. I worked for the Olympic Committee, and at the same time, I was the Vice President of the Veterans Committee. I oversaw players’ training and preparation for various major sporting events, including the Olympics. I had the opportunity to travel to places like Australia, where the Qatar national team made history by becoming the first Arab and Asian team to reach the final of the Youth World Cup Championship in 1981. That experience, along with visits to Thailand, Japan, and other countries, reinforced my belief in the power of sports to shape young lives—not just physically, but socially and emotionally as well.
Today, you are in good health and have 18 grandkids! Are you satisfied with their sports involvement? Do you see the value of integrating sport into one's life continuing in the next generation of your family?
I feel truly blessed, thank God, to be standing in good health today and to have wonderful grandchildren who bring so much joy and pride into my life. Each one of them holds a special place in my heart. They are all brilliant, kind, and full of potential. They treat me with utmost care and respect, and they are always there when I need them. One of them is Fai. With regards to sports, I am satisfied with their involvement in sports, which range from horseback riding, swimming, tennis, padel, skiing, and football. While none of them are pursuing sports professionally, I am glad that physical activity plays a meaningful role in their lives. For the future generation of my grandkids, I hope they continue to embrace sport, not just for health, but for the values it teaches. I believe that sports offer great lessons in discipline, resilience, and teamwork. My only wish is that they follow their passion and choose the path that makes them happy.
With greetings from Qatar,
Fai Al-Naimi