Pride and Passion: GAA’s Abdulla Captains UAE U18 National Team

Meet Abdulla Rashid Abdulla Ali Mohamed, a Grade 12 student at GEMS American Academy Abu Dhabi and the captain of the UAE U18 National Football Team. Abdulla’s journey is one of passion, discipline, and determination - from his early days in the Manchester academy, to Al Ain, and now proudly leading his country on the world stage. In this conversation, Abdulla shares what it means to represent the UAE, how he balances academics with elite sport, and the lessons he has learned along the way.

Can you tell us about your journey in football and how it led to joining the UAE National U18 Team?

I started playing football at a very young age, and from the beginning I had a passion that has only grown stronger. I began in the Manchester academy, where I developed my skills, which eventually led to joining the prestigious Al Ain academy. After two years there, I was scouted by the UAE National Team, and three years later I am very proud to be captaining my country in the world’s biggest tournament, the World Cup.

What does it feel like to represent your country at such a young age?

It is a huge honor to represent my country, especially in something I have always dreamed of. Every time I wear my country’s colors, I feel a wave of pride. To do this at such a young age is very special, as I know not everyone has this opportunity.

How do you balance your academic commitments at GAA with the demands of training and competing at a national level?

It isn’t easy to balance both my passion and my education, but it is a skill I have learned over the years. Whenever I miss classes, I make sure to dedicate extra time to catch up, making sure I don’t fall behind in school while continuing my training.

What role have your teachers and coaches played in supporting your success?

Both teachers and coaches have been essential to my success. My coaches always remind me that education comes first, and they give me the flexibility I need. At the same time, my teachers are very supportive and understanding whenever football commitments affect exams or assignments.

What is the most memorable match or moment in your football career so far?

The most memorable match of my career so far was against Vietnam in the Asian Cup, when our country made history by qualifying for the World Cup. Captaining the team in that moment made it even more meaningful, as playing in this tournament has been my dream since childhood.

What challenges have you faced as a student-athlete, and how have you managed to overcome them?

The biggest challenge has been balancing football and academics, as both can be overwhelming. I manage this by staying disciplined and making sure I dedicate study time each day, to make sure I do my best in both areas.

How do you stay motivated on days when balancing schoolwork and training feels overwhelming?

For football, motivation is natural because I love the game deeply. For schoolwork, I stay motivated by thinking about my family’s support and my desire to make them proud both on and off the pitch.

What advice would you give to younger GAA students who dream of pursuing sports while excelling academically?

My advice to younger GAA students is to balance your passion and academics equally. Both are important for your future, so stay disciplined, stay focused, and never make one more important than the other.

What are your personal goals - both in football and in your education?

In football, I hope to continue developing and eventually play at the highest level, maybe even outside the UAE. In education, I aim to keep my results as high as possible, as both football and academics are equally important to me.