Stories / GOALS
The Heart Of Football
Mohammed Usrof is a student at Georgetown University in Qatar and a supporter of Al-Gharafa SC. As part of the GOALS program, Mohammed tells the story of his love for football rituals and watching Palestine at the FIFA Arab CupTM
My Cultural Journey to Doha
Sofia Fuentes Dosal works as Exhibitions Registrar at Mathaf (Arab Museum of Modern Art) in Education City. As part of the GOALS program, Sofia tells her story of growing up as a football fan in Mexico City, her passion for art history, and immersing herself in Qatari culture after moving to the country in 2020, including volunteering at the Afghan Compound.
Building A Healthy Society Through Sport
Rowaida Z. Taha works as a Research Associate for the Qatar Biomedical Research Institute, part of Hamad Bin Khalifa University. As part of the GOALS program, Rowaida tells the story of her volunteer work at the Afghan Compound, her passion for horse riding, and her belief in sports as a way to reduce disease and create a healthier society.
More Than Being a Player
Ahmed Al-Nowfal Al-Tamimi works in sports management, having handled projects during the Arabian Gulf Cup and FIFA Arab CupTM. As part of the GOALS program, Ahmed tells the story of his goalkeeping career, his transition to working in sport, and his belief in the power of education.
Nigerian Flavours And Coaching Dreams
Musbahu “TJ” Tajadeen is a Generation Amazing coach from Nigeria, who plays and coaches football in the Qatar Community Football League. As part of the GOALS program, TJ tells the story of his football career in Nigeria, overcoming difficult challenges through coaching, and his passion for music.
The Best Version Of Myself
Jafla Alhajri is a Qatari football player and coach with Generation Amazing. As part of the GOALS program, Jafla tells the story of her father’s support for her playing, wearing the number 17 shirt, and her coaching philosophy.
A New American Dream
Hiwet Samimi is a homemaker and volunteer who plays football for the PSG women’s team in Qatar. As part of the GOALS program, Hiwet tells the story of finding a new community in Qatar, returning to football in her 40s, and her hopes for the World Cup.
A Feeling Of Home
Iman Soufan works for the Supreme Committee for Delivery & Legacy and previously managed the Community Club programming of Generation Amazing. As part of the GOALS program, Iman tells the story of growing up in a multicultural household, the importance of her Palestinian heritage, her work at the Afghan Compound, and belief in football as a tool for peace.
I want the world to know
Yousef Al-Ali is a 17-year-old Qatari student and football player, and previously played for Al-Wakrah, following in the footsteps of his grandfather. As part of the GOALS program, Yousef tells his story of living with diabetes, the inspiration of his family, and the development of Qatar since winning the right to host the World Cup.
Change and Diversity In Qatar
Haya Al Thani works for Teach For Qatar and previously worked as a teacher for two years. As part of the GOALS program, Haya tells her story of falling in love with AC Milan (and Paolo Maldini), cultural changes in Qatar, and how she aims to make a difference in the lives of young girls.
A Bright Future Ahead
Mahboobeh Razavi is an Iranian football coach. As part of the GOALS program, Mahboobah tells her story of growing up as the only girl playing football in her Iranian county, her coaching career in Qatar, and ambitions for the future.
Women Making Impact
Raja Aderdor works for Qatar Reads and is pursuing a master's degree in Women, Society and Development at Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU). As part of the GOALS program, Raja tells the story of growing up in Morocco and Qatar, her aim to make an impact in women’s development and leadership, and being part of the women’s sports revolution in Qatar.
Kicking Away The Doubt
Richmond Etse, originally from Ghana, is an Electrical Technician who works for EMCO. As part of the GOALS program, Richmond tells the story of growing up playing football in Ghana, his move to Qatar, and the challenges of working away from his family.
I made history
Nada Mohammed Wafa is a two-time Olympian and the first Qatari female swimmer to participate in the Olympics. As part of the GOALS program, Nada tells the story of her swimming journey, her experiences competing at major sports events, and her hopes for the FIFA World CupTM in Qatar.
Humans always have much more in common than we think
Joud Ghalayini is a graduate of Carnegie Mellon University in Qatar and works as a Markets & Corporate Analyst, while writing and performing poetry. Her family moved from Jordan to Qatar in 2004. As part of the GOALS program, Joud tells the story of the influence of her brother Ziyad on her love of football and her hopes for the World Cup in Qatar.
Representation matters
Adriane de Souza works as a freelance photographer in Qatar and is originally from Brazil. As part of the GOALS program, Adriane tells her story of growing up in a football family and her project Qawiya, where she documents women in sports across Qatar.
Inspired by football culture in Qatar
Abdulrahman Al Hammadi has played futsal for the Qatar National Team since 2011 and works as an Events & Social Media Specialist at The Qur’anic Botanic Garden. As part of the GOALS program, Abdulrahman tells the story of representing his country, overcoming injury, and Qatari football culture.
Football is my lifelong career partner
Mariama Bukari is a student at Hamad Bin Khalifa University and the Founder of Black Strikas, a youth football club in her home country of Ghana. As part of the GOALS program, Mariama tells the story of growing up as a female footballer, creating Black Strikas, and her experiences in Qatar.
The Musicians’ World Cup
Joris Laenen is the principal trumpet player with the Qatar Philharmonic Orchestra. Originally from Belgium, he moved to Qatar 14 years ago. As part of the GOALS program, Joris tells his story of why 2022 is such an important year for musicians in Qatar; the similarities between athletes and musicians; and his hopes for the tournament.
Invisible to Invincible - Kicking Off A Transformation
As part of the GOALS program, Muneeb tells his story of discovering football in Pakistan, integrating into Qatari culture, and how football transformed his life.
Small Steps and New Opportunities
Collins Nil Nortey is a football coach with Generation Amazing and a former construction worker, originally from Ghana. As part of the GOALS program, Collins tells the story of growing up in Ghana, moving to Qatar for work opportunities, and his journey to become a football coach.
An ode to my home, Education City
Omar Allouba is an Egyptian-Palestinian who grew up in Doha and works for Qatar Foundation in Education City. As part of the GOALS program, Omar tells the story of growing up as a “third culture” child, the world of Education City, and his hopes for first-time visitors during the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022™.
Bridging the Gaps - Unity Between People
Marwa Abdalla is a student at Georgetown University in Qatar, studying for a Bachelor of Science in Foreign Service degree. Her family is from Egypt, but she was brought up in Qatar. As part of the GOALS program, Marwa tells her story of connecting to Egypt through football, experiencing the FIFA Arab CupTM, and seeing the impact of the Ability Friendly Program in Qatar.
Football: My great win
Arham Khalid is a Generation Amazing Youth Advocate, Communications student at Northwestern University in Qatar, and filmmaker originally from India. As part of the GOALS program, Arham tells the story of her journey from facing challenges on the football field to becoming a passionate activist who believes football can drive social change.
The Power of Football
Ahmed Hashem is an Accommodation Manager for Engie Cofely Mannai, originally from Egypt. As part of the GOALS program, Ahmed tells the story of his football journey, his support for Egypt and Al-Ahly, and his hopes for the first World Cup hosted by an Arabic country.
My World Cup Dream
Shivi Mishra works for the Supreme Committee as a Logistics Project Officer. As part of the GOALS program, Shivi tells the story of her life as a “third culture kid” and moving to Qatar from India, her history of volunteering, and her dream to work at the FIFA World Cup in Qatar.
