‘May God prolong your life’: Sheikh Mohammed applauds goalkeeper’s emotional gesture after historic win

Dubai: What began as a formal reception to honour Shabab Al Ahli’s dominant football season turned unexpectedly tender when a brief exchange between Dubai’s Ruler and a young goalkeeper became the most memorable moment of the event.

At Zabeel Palace on Thursday, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister of the UAE, and Ruler of Dubai, welcomed the team in recognition of their stellar 2024–2025 campaign, during which they lifted four major trophies. But it wasn’t a trophy or title that captured the most attention.

As goalkeeper Hamad Al Maqbali approached to greet Sheikh Mohammed, the Ruler paused and smiled warmly: “You’re the one who went to your mother after the match.”

When the player nodded in quiet affirmation, Sheikh Mohammed responded with a heartfelt blessing: “May God prolong your life.”

The room fell silent as the reference settled in — a moment now widely shared — when Al Maqbali, just after helping his team win the UAE President’s Cup, had climbed the stands at Mohamed bin Zayed Stadium to find and embrace his mother.

The Dubai-based team delivered a commanding performance throughout the season, clinching four titles: their ninth UAE Pro League championship, the UAE President's Cup for the 11th time, the UAE Super Cup, and the UAE-Qatar Super Cup.

On Thursday, Sheikh Mohammed received the Shabab Al Ahli football team at Zabeel Palace in recognition of their outstanding achievements during the 2024–2025 season.

Sheikh Mohammed congratulated the players, along with the technical and administrative staff and board members, on a season crowned with multiple accomplishments.

Sheikh Mohammed emphasised that the sports sector is vital to the UAE’s development strategy, as it contributes to human progress and enhances the nation’s global standing. He noted that the leadership’s continued support for the sector reflects a strong belief in the power of sport to nurture role models, instil values, and shape a confident, ambitious generation.

- Huda Ata is an independent writer based in the UAE.