Global Goal King Al Somah Inspires Antigua & Barbuda Under-20s Ahead of Historic CONCACAF Campaign

 One of world football’s most prolific goalscorers, Syrian international Omar Al Somah, paid an inspirational visit to Antigua and Barbuda’s national Under-20 football team on Wednesday evening, offering words of encouragement and support as the young Benna Boys continue preparations for their historic appearance at the upcoming CONCACAF Under-20 Championship in Mexico.

Al Somah, widely regarded as one of the greatest strikers to have played in Asia, recently arrived in Antigua and Barbuda — a country he now proudly calls home through citizenship acquired under the nation’s Citizenship by Investment Programme.

The record-breaking forward landed on Tuesday from London alongside several overseas-based members of the national Under-20 squad, who are joining preparations for the July championship.

His first major football engagement on island came less than 24 hours later when he visited the team’s training session at the ABFA Technical Centre.

Addressing the players after training, Al Somah spoke passionately about dedication, preparation, teamwork, and embracing opportunities when they arise.

Drawing from his own remarkable journey from Syria to becoming one of the most feared strikers in Asian football, he encouraged the players to remain focused on their goals and to believe that international success is attainable regardless of where they come from.

“The enthusiasm and hunger I saw in these young players reminded me of myself when I was starting out,” Al Somah said. “They are eager to learn and eager for opportunities, and that is the most important quality a young footballer can have.”

The visit also carried a practical dimension, with Al Somah pledging to leverage his extensive football network to help identify opportunities for talented young Antiguan and Barbudan players seeking pathways into professional football abroad.

“I have built many relationships throughout my career and I am willing to help where I can,” he said. “As a citizen of Antigua and Barbuda, I want to contribute to the development of football here and help create opportunities for talented young players.”

One of the evening’s highlights came when Germany-based Under-20 captain Keyonte George presented Al Somah with a personalised Antigua and Barbuda national team jersey bearing the iconic number nine — a number synonymous with the striker throughout his illustrious career.

The presentation was followed by a light-hearted moment that delighted players and coaches alike, as Al Somah and George engaged in an impromptu juggling challenge on the training pitch.

Earlier in the day, Al Somah also paid a courtesy call on Prime Minister Gaston Browne, expressing appreciation for the warm reception he has received since arriving in the country.

“The welcome I felt, from meeting the young footballers and officials at the airport, to meeting the Prime Minister, to spending time with the Under-20 team at practice, has really left a lasting impression on me,” Al Somah said. “As a citizen of Antigua and Barbuda, I am committed to playing my part.”

Al Somah’s football achievements place him among the most accomplished strikers of his generation.

During eight remarkable seasons with Saudi Arabian giants Al Ahli, he scored an astonishing 144 goals in 180 league appearances, establishing himself as the all-time leading goalscorer in the history of Saudi Arabia’s top division. He captured three consecutive Golden Boot awards and spearheaded Al Ahli’s memorable 2015-16 league championship — their first domestic title in more than three decades.

His distinguished career has also included successful spells with Al Arabi in Qatar and, more recently, Al Orobah and Ahazem Club in Saudi Arabia.

For Antigua and Barbuda’s Under-20 players, the visit comes at a pivotal stage in preparations for the CONCACAF Under-20 Championship.

The team’s qualification for the tournament represents a landmark achievement for local football, marking the country’s first appearance at this level of the competition and positioning Antigua and Barbuda among the region’s elite youth football nations.

With overseas-based players now joining the squad and preparations entering their final phase ahead of the July tournament in Mexico, Al Somah’s presence served as both inspiration and affirmation that football dreams can transcend borders.

For the young players who shared the field with one of the game’s most accomplished goalscorers, the message was unmistakable: greatness is achievable, opportunity can emerge from anywhere, and Antigua and Barbuda now has a globally respected football ambassador committed to helping the next generation succeed.