“Football means life, it’s in our DNA”

Sudanese football icon Abdulaziz Mangistu Zakaria anticipates the FIFA Arab Cup Qatar 2025 will be a celebration of Arab unity. Doha, Qatar: As t...

Sudanese football icon Abdulaziz 'Mangistu' Zakaria anticipates the FIFA Arab Cup Qatar 2025 will be a celebration of Arab unity.

Doha, Qatar: As the FIFA Arab Cup Qatar 2025 draws near, Sudanese football legend Abdulaziz Zakaria, better known across the region as “Mangistu”, looks forward to watching Arab nations come together once again on Qatari soil, a place he has called home for decades both as a player and as a coach.

Nicknamed “Mangistu” early in his career because his style mirrored that of Ethiopian icon Mangistu Worku, the young midfielder quickly rose to fame in 1984 when he was selected to join the Sudan national team, making him one of the defining players of Sudan’s footballing generation. During the 1980s, Mangistu became a standout name at Al Hilal, one of Sudan’s most celebrated clubs, earning him admiration from fans and teammates alike.

“Like many players, I came from humble beginnings, and I was incredibly fortunate to be called to the national team, because I was the youngest player and I was lucky to play alongside legends while representing my country.”

In the early 1990s, Mangistu moved to Qatar, where he continued his professional career playing for local clubs until his retirement. From there, he dedicated himself to youth development, coaching at clubs such as Al Sailiya and Al Sadd, and helping create opportunities for young players through his football academy.