The White Oryx Cup Doha 2025 concluded with a memorable finale at Al Rayyan Sports Club stadiums on October 30, after six days of intense competition. The inaugural edition of this tournament saw emerging football talents from across three continents and ten countries compete in the U-14 category. Egyptian academy ‘Right to Dream’ claimed the title after defeating Ajax Amsterdam 2-0 in a thrilling final. Belgian side Royal Antwerp secured third place. Ajax’s Noud Coopmans was awarded the “Best Player” accolade for his exceptional performances throughout the tournament.
The White Oryx Cup Doha has firmly established itself as an international stage for nurturing young football talent, further cementing Qatar’s role as a premier destination for hosting high-profile age-group tournaments. Sheikh Saud bin Khalid al-Thani, who played a key role in the event’s success, described the tournament as a significant step in supporting Qatari football, particularly for youth development. He praised the initiative for providing a platform for young players to showcase their skills and compete against international teams, enhancing their growth.
Sheikh Saud highlighted that the event’s success shows the potential of this initiative, which he likened to a “seed” that will grow and flourish over time. “What has been achieved today is the foundation upon which the future of the tournament will be built,” he said, expressing confidence that the upcoming editions will see expanded participation and greater international representation.
Next year’s edition is expected to feature even more teams, including participants from GCC nations and other Arab countries like Tunisia, Egypt, and Morocco. This expansion will enhance the tournament’s global character, aligning with Qatar’s long-term ambition to become a central hub for international football. Sheikh Saud also emphasised the role of prestigious academies worldwide in the event’s future, aiming for the White Oryx Cup to serve as a unique blend of global expertise and local ambition.
The White Oryx Academy, which is self-funded and operates with limited support from institutions, was also highlighted by Sheikh Saud as an important asset for the future of Qatari football. He expressed his belief that the academy would play a pivotal role in developing homegrown talent capable of representing Qatar on the international stage.
Ahmed al-Mughaisib, CEO of The Different League company, also praised the White Oryx Cup’s success, noting that it marks a significant milestone in the development of Qatari football. “The tournament reflects Qatar’s distinguished position on the global sports map,” he said.
The competition saw top clubs and academies from across Europe, Africa, and Asia participate, including Southampton, Norwich City, and City Select Academy from England, Girona from Spain, and Red Bull Salzburg from Austria. Other notable teams included Juventus, Ajax, and Sporting Lisbon, as well as Qatar’s Al Rayyan Sports Club and White Oryx Academy. The tournament has proven itself as a key platform for discovering and nurturing the next generation of football stars, setting the stage for even bigger events in the future.
Looking ahead, the White Oryx Cup is poised to grow in stature and influence, contributing to Qatar’s ongoing efforts to position itself as a global leader in sports development. This success is a testament to the country’s commitment to supporting youth sports and providing athletes with the resources and opportunities they need to reach the highest levels of competition.
