VIDEO: Khalfan Ibrahim, we will never forget you!

Khalfan Ibrahim is no ordinary player. He is a legend from the gallery of legends who have worn the Al-Sadd jersey. He rose from a teenage sensation to become one of the most loved players in the history of this club. For all that he has accomplished, he will be remembered – not just by this club but by followers of Qatari and Asian football.

He leaves the Wolves aged 29 years old, after having joined the club in 2002 as one of the most exciting prodigies to ever grace Qatar and the Gulf. In the 15 years since then, Khalfan has won almost everything there is to win at club level, including the AFC Champions League title in 2011. He then went on to play at the 2011 FIFA Club World Cup, where he became the first Qatari ever to score at a senior FIFA event.

At the individual level, Khalfan was recognized as Asia’s best player in 2006 while he was also came third in 2014. At home, he was named as Qatar’s Player of the Year in 2013 after a fantastic season.

Khalfan made his first appearance in national colours in 2003, while playing for Qatar at the U17 Gulf Cup. He was also part of the Qatar squad that went to Peru in 2005 to play at the FIFA U17 World Cup, where he scored once against the Netherlands. In the same year, he also represented the conutry at the West Asian Games. In 2006, Khalfan scored two goals as Qatar won the Asian Games football gold in Doha.

The special place that Khalfan has found in the hearts of Al-Sadd fans, is unparalleled. Among the younger fans, he is a role model.

Al-Sadd have thus lost a great player – a player who stood apart from the rest, not just in terms of skill and creativity, but also with his personality. He had great relationships with everybody on the team.

As he leaves the club, a part of him will remain here. His name will decorate the history books. And we will all continue to be proud of him.

Thank you Khalfan Ibrahim. We will never forget you!