Far from the global spectacle of the World Cup, a nation grappling with a protracted civil war is discovering its own profound moment of unity through the universal language of soccer.
In the ancient city of Sanaa, hundreds recently gathered to witness a professional match, a poignant and rare sight in Yemen, a country torn by 12 years of conflict.
This significant event signals the return of the professional Yemen National League, which had been dormant since 2014. Its revival is a direct result of a 2022 truce that has remarkably held firm since May, allowing for this semblance of normalcy.
The match itself was steeped in symbolism: captains from Wahda Sanaa, representing the Houthi-controlled capital, and Shaab Hadramout, from a province under the control of a Saudi-backed regional coalition and separatists, exchanged pennants before the game. As the referee blew the whistle, fans, some adorned in garish wigs and face paint, whistled their dismay at a missed chance – a small but powerful return to the familiar rhythms of life.
For many Yemenis, this scene was once an unimaginable dream after years of devastating war that have plunged one of the world’s poorest countries deeper into poverty and left countless citizens facing starvation.
Mohammed Abu Ghalib, a player for Hilal Hudayda, based in the often-contested port city of Hudayda, articulated the widespread sentiment: “Everyone is happy and delighted to see Yemeni soccer back in action. God willing, soccer is a message of peace for the Yemeni people.”
Sports journalist Mohammed al-Qasemi echoed this profound enthusiasm, observing, “When you attend a match and see such large crowds, you see that the Yemeni people long for everything that is beautiful.”
Despite the constant, stark reminders of the conflict’s toll, with many sports facilities across Sanaa badly damaged and unfit for use, the league’s revival offers a powerful message of hope.
Tunisian Issam Chaouali, one of the Arab world’s most popular commentators, eloquently described it as a return “not only to the sport but also to the pulse of life.” He added, “It will be a message of hope, a touch of life, and a joy that fans who have been patient and waited… deserve.”
Ghalib believes the re-establishment of the National League will inspire a new generation of younger players and significantly benefit the national team. Nabih Naser, the Houthi government’s deputy sports and youth minister, whose office is decorated with trophies, harbors ambitious plans to develop sports and train young talent.
Acknowledging severe financial constraints, he hopes the league’s success will encourage private sector investment in new facilities.
“We need to develop Yemeni sports (across) all federations,” he stated, “more than 30 federations, including soccer.”
