Badr Bilal

Former Qatar football star Badr Bilal commenced his career at Al Sadd club in 1977, starting at the tender age of 15. He advanced through the youth ranks before establishing himself as a key player in the first team.

He was honoured as the league’s top scorer alongside Mansour Muftah during the 1979-1980 season, and in 1982, he netted a crucial goal in the Amir Cup final after coming on for Hassan Behzad.

Throughout his tenure with Al Sadd until 1991, he secured 23 official titles with the club – including both local and continental championships – most notably the 1988-1989 AFC Champions League. He played a pivotal role in the tournament, scoring vital goals that helped clinch the title for Al Sadd.

On the international stage, Badr Bilal made a significant mark with the youth national team during the 1981 FIFA Under-20 World Cup in Australia, where they reached the final, a milestone regarded as one of the most remarkable achievements in Qatar football history.

He scored an impressive goal against England in the semifinal, making history as the first Arab and Asian player to score in a FIFA Under-20 World Cup semifinal. He also played a key role in victories against formidable Brazil and Poland, finishing the tournament as the top scorer with three goals.

Badr Bilal also represented Al Annabi in two Gulf Cups, in 1982 and 1986.

After his retirement, Badr Bilal transitioned himself into sports media, contributing to various Arab television networks. He is currently a prominent analyst and presenter on Al Kass Sports Channel, particularly focusing on refereeing programmes.