From Family Games To Global Fame: Emirati Footballer Areej Al Hammadi's Inspiring Journey

In a remarkable journey filled with determination and passion, Emirati footballer Areej Al Hammadi, has made significant strides in the world of football. From watching matches with her family to breaking a Guinness World Record, her story is a testament to the power of ambition and the growing prominence of women in sports. Al Hammadi's achievements not only highlight her prowess on the field but also her role in elevating the status of women's football in the UAE and beyond.

Read on, as the ace footballer shares her inspiring journey in an exclusive chat with OneArabia.

From Family Passion To National Recognition

Areej Al Hammadi's love for football began in the comfort of her home, watching games with her family and playing with her siblings. Despite initial reservations from her family regarding the demanding nature of training and travel, they eventually supported her zeal for the sport.

"Playing with brothers and cousins in our neighborhood, I was hooked from the moment I kicked that first ball. I enjoyed the competitive aspect of it and found something I felt I was good at. But there was something very satisfying about scoring goals in football. And the more I watched football, the more I played, the more my passion for the game grew, Al Hammadi said. "

This backing propelled Al Hammadi from playing semi-competitively with her university team to joining the ranks of the national team and Al Wahda FC. It was her participation in these teams that significantly advanced her training and skills, marking her debut in international competitions as the beginning of an unforgettable journey.

"I started off playing semi-competitively 7-a-side football with my university team for a few years and captaining the team for a few seasons before my journey really kicked off with the National team. Joining the national team and Al Wahda FC propelled my training frequency and intensity, improving my skills which eventually led me to become a consistent and important part of the starting lineup representing my country and competing internationally."


A World Record Breaker

During the lockdown, Al Hammadi set her sights on a lofty goal: to break a Guinness World Record in football and thus spotlight UAE women's football on a global scale. Her dedication to training paid off when she shattered the record for the "most hot-stepper football trick in one minute." This achievement was not just a personal victory for Al Hammadi but also a moment of pride for her nation, showcasing the burgeoning talent within the UAE's women's football scene.

"Inspired during lockdown, I wanted to break a world record in football to put UAE women's football on the map. I searched the Guinness World Records database for a football challenge that I felt comfortable learning and eventually, I settled for "most hotstepper football trick in one minute" challenge. I trained rigorously for a couple of weeks, every day until I was ready. In my attempt, I was able to break the record with 86 alternating hot-stepper bounces of the ball in one minute, Al Hammadi said."

Daily Life And Routine

A look into a typical day for Al Hammadi reveals her unwavering commitment to football and professional excellence. Her days are meticulously planned, from morning individual football training sessions to fulfilling her role as a Senior Manager of Design and Production at Expo City Dubai, and concluding with evening team training or gym sessions. Al Hammadi emphasizes the importance of recovery and self-care, aiming for at least 7 hours of sleep to maintain her physical and mental well-being.

"I try to be in bed early enough to catch at least 7 hours of restorative sleep to set myself up for another productive day ahead and high levels of focus on and off the pitch, she said."

Battling Challenges

Despite her success, Al Hammadi has encountered challenges as a woman in football, ranging from societal and cultural barriers to limited resources and recognition for women's football in the UAE. However, she remains optimistic about the future, advocating for more opportunities and support for women in the sport.

"Despite the increasing popularity of the sport among women and girls nowadays, there is still a lack of opportunities for them to play competitively and consistently, and develop as professional players. Generally, women's football does not get enough media coverage and investment, thus the limited number of professional clubs and leagues in the region, which can make it difficult for local players to find opportunities to play at a high level, Al Hammadi shared."

Future Goals & Ambitions

Al Hammadi's aspirations extend beyond personal achievements. She is determined to inspire and empower the next generation of young girls to pursue their dreams in sports.

Al Hammadi's future ambitions in football include continuing to refine her skills and making impactful contributions both on and off the field. She is committed to excelling in all life's aspects, from further education and community contributions to exploring opportunities in sports management or coaching. Through her journey, Al Hammadi aims to leave a lasting legacy and positively influence the world of sports, particularly for women in the Middle East.

"I am passionate about using my platform as a football player to inspire and empower the next generation of athletes, especially young girls, to pursue their dreams and break down barriers in sports. I hope to be a role model and advocate for gender equality in football, and work towards creating more opportunities and support systems that educate young aspiring athletes to pursue athleticism in their journey towards becoming elite," she signs off.

Areej Al Hammadi's story is a vivid illustration of how passion, supported by determination and hard work, can overcome obstacles and lead to remarkable achievements. Her journey to becoming a national icon and a world record holder is an inspiring example for aspiring athletes everywhere, particularly young girls dreaming of making their mark in the world of sports.