Omar Abdulrahman

Verified Timeline

Lore & Background

Omar Abdulrahman was born in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia to Yemeni parents. His father Abdulrahman Ahmed was a former player. He has two older sisters and three older brothers. He is from the Al-Amoudi family, a Hadhrami Mashaikh family. He drew attention from scout Abdulrahman Eissa at Al Malaz yard. In 2000, he went on a trial with Al Hilal, but his father rejected the offer because full Saudi nationality was offered only to him and not his entire family. Al Ain agreed to grant Emirati passports to his whole family, and he joined Al Ain's youth academy.

In Their Own Story

The Riyadh sun beat down on the pitch as the final minutes ticked away in a tense derby match. Omar Abdulrahman received the ball near the halfway line, eyes scanning for an opening. With a flick of his wrist and a burst of acceleration, he slipped past two defenders, drawing the crowd to its feet. He didn't shoot; instead, he threaded a perfect through-ball that split the defense wide open, setting up the winning goal. The roar of the green-clad faithful was his reward for another masterclass.

Reader's Guide

Omar Abdulrahman came through Al Ain's youth system and made his senior debut for Al Ain in the 2008–09 season. He won the Etisalat Cup, President's Cup, and Super Cup in his first season. He suffered two cruciate ligament injuries, each sidelining him for over six months. He helped Al Ain avoid relegation in 2010–11, finishing with 11 goals in 29 appearances and was voted most promising player of the year. In 2011–12, he returned from injury to see Al Ain crowned league champions. After a two-week trial with Manchester City, he returned to Al Ain for the 2012–13 season, was voted Emirati Player of the Year, and helped Al Ain win the 2012 Super Cup and league title. ESPN FC ranked him first in the Top ten Asian players of 2012. FIFA listed him among the most promising future stars in Asia in 2013. He was ranked thirty-ninth on the Goal 50 list for the 2012–13 season.

Did You Know?

• Omar Abdulrahman scored his first Pro-League goal in a 2–2 draw with Al Ahli on 11 May 2009, becoming the youngest player to score a goal that season.
• He suffered a cruciate ligament injury twice in less than two years, first in July 2009 and again during summer 2011.
• His trial with Manchester City in August 2012 lasted two weeks, but the deal broke down due to work permit and national team rank issues.
• He inherited the number 10 jersey at Al Ain after the departure of Valdivia in the 2010–11 season.