SME/ By: Ali Al-Basha
In the history of football, players are not measured solely by their performance on the pitch, but also by their impact on the fans and their enduring place in the collective memory of the sport. This is where the differences between stars become clear.
When the late Ahmadi – may God have mercy on him – humbly walked among the fans, carrying his boots to participate in one of Al-Muharraq’s matches, the fans would welcome and cheer him on, long before the true masters of stardom entered the world; players like Khalifa Salman and Issa Bunfour, culminating in the legendary Hamoud Sultan.
On the other hand, specifically in the traditional handball tradition, Al-Ahli fans sang the praises of their legends and stars, such as the late Adnan Ayoub and Nadhir Al-Darzi, who are an authentic extension of what the Yellow Fortress represents, just as the Green Fortress (the Eagles) holds a special symbolic place in the history of the game. These players not only brought smiles to the faces of the fans, but also left a living legacy that remains present to this day.
Following the same path were the stars of Manama and Bahrain, who possessed the ability to ignite the passion of the fans and touch their hearts without any pretense or affectation. The same applies to the stars of Al-Arabi and Al-Wahda in their golden era, as well as to Al-Ahli Club, where two exceptional stars, Yousef and Al-Zainani, emerged, forming a model for a team brimming with talent.
Stardom wasn’t confined to the capital; it extended to outlying areas. Stars like Abbas Khalil shone in Al-Nabana, while in the capital, Ras Rumman and Salim Mubarak stood out, and in Riffa, names left a clear mark. Although some of these players didn’t receive sufficient media attention, their presence on the field was impactful and unforgettable.
I firmly believe that these stars, whether mentioned or not, are stars in the truest sense of the word. Had they emerged in the current era of media and financial boom, they would have surpassed many of today’s stars in terms of artistic merit and pure talent. Comparing the stars of the mid-1960s to the mid-1980s with the stars of today opens a wide door to reflecting on the true meaning of stardom.
Therefore, it is difficult for audiences to forget those whom God blessed with innate talent and exceptional skills, even if they lacked media recognition in their time. The public respected and welcomed them, and they will always remain a part of that golden era that many of our contemporaries did not experience.
