‘You’re history itself!’: how Arab World Cup commentators fuel fans’ passions

Arabic's rich history of poetry lends itself well to beautiful commentary that ... sounds like a love letter to football'

Even before Cristiano Ronaldo's close-range shot had hit the back of net, the commentator had begun shouting. Allllllllaaaaaaah!!!!" exclaimed Amer al-Khudhiri, an Omani football announcer for BeIN Sports, as the Portugal star scored his first goal of the 2026 World Cup against Uzbekistan on Tuesday.

He took a deep breath and then began his soliloquy. I knew you were coming for revenge. I knew you would answer everyone, the world, the World Cup, the doubters, those who have lost their memory," al-Khudhiri said. Oh history, put Ronaldo here as Portgual's all-time top scorer, through all its history. Allah, Allah, Allah!"