‘You’re history itself!’: how Arab World Cup commentators fuel fans’ passions

The use of poetic language in Arabic sports commentary is a notable aspect of the viewing experience for many fans in the Middle East and North Africa. Arabic's rich literary heritage, with its strong tradition of expressive and emotive language, lends itself well to vivid and passionate commentary. This style of commentary has become an integral part of the football-watching experience in the Arab world, with commentators often using elaborate phrases and metaphors to describe the action on the pitch.

‘You’re history itself!’: how Arab World Cup commentators fuel fans’ passions

Arabic’s rich history of poetry lends itself well to ‘beautiful commentary that … sounds like a love letter to football’ Even before Cristiano Ronaldo’s close-range shot had hit the back of net, the commentator had begun shouting. “Allllllllaaaaaaah!!!!” exclaimed Amer al-Khudhiri, an Omani football announcer for BeIN Sports, as the Portugal star scored his first goal of the 2026 World Cup against Uzbekistan on Tuesday. He took a deep breath and then began his soliloquy. “I knew you were coming for revenge. I knew you would answer everyone, the world, the World Cup, the doubters, those who have lost their memory,” al-Khudhiri said. “Oh history, put Ronaldo here as Portgual’s all-time top scorer, through all its history. Allah, Allah, Allah!” Continue reading...