2024 has already proven to be a milestone year for Jordanian football star Yazan Al-Arab. After playing a pivotal role in his nation’s stunning run to the AFC Asian Cup final, the stalwart defender secured a high-profile move to South Korean powerhouse FC Seoul. But as he revealed in an exclusive interview, Al-Arab’s ambitions are only growing – with a historic World Cup qualification and Asian Champions League glory now firmly in his sights.
An Asian Cup Odyssey
Jordan entered the 2024 Asian Cup as relative underdogs, having never advanced beyond the quarterfinals in their history. But they quickly proved they belonged among the continent’s elite, with Al-Arab anchoring a resolute defense as they topped a tough group containing Australia and Syria.
Their dream run truly captured attention in the knockout rounds. After edging past the UAE in the last 16, Jordan stunned observers by defeating regional heavyweights South Korea on penalties to reach their first-ever semifinal. As Al-Arab recalls, that victory was a watershed moment:
“Beating Korea, such a strong team with so much history, made us believe anything was possible. The joy, the celebrations back home – it showed what football means to Jordan.”
Yazan Al-Arab
Though their fairytale ended with defeat to hosts Qatar in the final, Jordan had already made an indelible mark. For Al-Arab, it was an experience to cherish:
“To stand on that podium, even with the silver medal, and see the pride and happiness in our fans’ eyes – I’ll never forget that feeling. It showed we can compete with the best in Asia.”
Yazan Al-Arab
Seoul Searching for Success
That stellar Asian Cup caught the attention of scouts across the continent, with Al-Arab eventually earning a move to K League giants FC Seoul in July. For the 28-year-old, it was an opportunity he simply couldn’t pass up:
“The K League is one of the best in Asia. Seoul are a huge club with great history. I promised myself I would give everything to help bring success back here.”
Yazan Al-Arab
It’s been a fruitful partnership so far, with Al-Arab slotting seamlessly into Seoul’s backline as they’ve surged up the table. Though the title is out of reach, his key goal remains achievable – booking a return to the AFC Champions League:
“Before I came, I set myself the challenge of getting that Champions League ticket. We’re in a good position now, we just have to finish the job.”
Yazan Al-Arab
Qualification is crucial for a club of Seoul’s stature, with their last continental appearance coming back in 2020. For Al-Arab, testing himself against Asia’s best is what drove his move:
“As a player, you always want to compete at the highest level. In Asia, that’s the Champions League. It would mean everything to help Seoul get back there and challenge the top teams.”
Yazan Al-Arab
Dreaming of World Cup Debut
The Asian Cup exploits have also boosted belief that Jordan could be on the cusp of a historic World Cup breakthrough. With the 2026 edition expanding to 48 teams, the odds are better than ever for the Middle Eastern nation to finally grace football’s grandest stage.
Despite some mixed results and injury setbacks, Jordan remain firmly in the qualification mix, just three points off the Group B summit with four matches remaining. For Al-Arab, realizing that World Cup dream is now the ultimate mission:
“Every player dreams of the World Cup, of hearing their anthem echo in a packed stadium, of seeing their country’s flag flying high. We came so close in the Asian Cup – now we have to refocus and do everything to take that next step.”
Yazan Al-Arab
The stakes couldn’t be higher, with automatic qualification spots tantalizingly within reach. Al-Arab knows chances like this are rare and must be seized:
“This expanded format, it’s such a golden opportunity for a team like Jordan. We’ve never been to a World Cup. To be part of the generation that changes that, to make that piece of history…it’s what drives us now.”
Yazan Al-Arab
Embracing Challenge and Change
For Al-Arab, 2024 has been a year of seismic changes – swapping Jordan for Korea, eyeing World Cup qualifications amid Champions League ambitions, all while adjusting to a new league and culture.
But true to form, the uncompromising defender is taking it all in stride, driven by an unshakeable determination to succeed at the highest levels:
“Every stage of my career, I’ve treated it as a challenge. Coming to Korea, competing for titles and trophies, chasing that World Cup dream with Jordan…it’s what I thrive on.”
Yazan Al-Arab
As he approaches the twilight of a distinguished career, Al-Arab’s hunger only seems to be growing. With history beckoning on multiple fronts, he’s determined to make the most of every moment:
“This is the time to really push myself, to see how far I can go. I want to achieve big things with club and country. And I’ll give everything I have to make it happen.”
Yazan Al-Arab
As Al-Arab and his teams continue their quest for glory, one thing is certain – they’ll be stories well worth following as we approach the 2026 World Cup. With so much at stake, Jordan’s defensive linchpin looks set to be at the heart of the action once again.
