Almoez Ali: “I am proud to join UNESCO; Football can change the world”

Al Duhail SC and Qatar national team striker Almoez Ali, one of Aspire academy's most prominent graduates, undertook a new role as ambassador for the United Nations Education, Science and Culture Organization: UNESCO. He becomes the first Qatari footballer to hold such a prestigious position.

The footballer signed the contract with UNESCO in a simple ceremony, attended by Princess Rani Vanouska Modely, Football World Heritage president at UNESCO, and former Arsenal manager Arsène Wenger, who currently works as an football pundit for BeIN Sports.

Almoez Ali, proud and honoured at UNESCO role

Almoez Ali was clearly delighted with the decision, tweeting on his wall: "I think football can change the world, so I am proud to join this global movement as ambassador representing my country Qatar."

The player was appointed in recognition of his outstanding performances out on the field of play, as well as his manners and comportment, which make him ideal for the role and an example for others to follow. It also an encouraging sign for other licensed athletes who have graduated from Aspire, showing them that doors of opportunity await them too in years to come.

Almoez Ali now has two important roles to play - he must work hard out on the pitch, while not forgetting his responsibilities with UNESCO and performing his work as an ambassador for a global organization successfully.

Almoez Ali is currently preparing alongside his Al Duhail team mates for the upcoming Qatari Cup final. Al Duhail face Al Sadd in the final at Abdullah Bin Khalifa Stadium on Friday 26 February. The player is keen to lift his first trophy with the club since he was made captain earlier this this season. He was given the captain’s armband ahead of other candidates at Al Duhail such as, Moroccan Mahdi Ben Attia, Brazilian Doudou and Belgian Edmilison Junior – proof that coach Sabri Lamouchi has complete faith in his leadership abilities.