, , ,

Aberdeen Sign Palestinian Striker Oday Dabbagh

, , ,

Scottish Premiership side Aberdeen has secured the signing of Palestinian international striker Oday Dabbagh on loan from Belgian club Charleroi, with an option to buy.

The 26-year-old, capped 45 times for Palestine, will join the squad once visa and immigration formalities are completed.

The news was first broken yesterday by the writer of this article, who highlighted the significance of Dabbagh’s move, continuing his journey as a trailblazer for Palestinian footballers in Europe.

Dons manager Jimmy Thelin expressed his excitement about the signing, stating: “Oday is a clinical finisher who has an exceptional work ethic, and his combative qualities will be a real asset for us. He has a strong personality, both on and off the pitch, and we believe he will be a positive addition, adding another dimension to our attacking options as we work to get back to winning ways.”

Dabbagh began his career with Hilal Al-Quds in Jerusalem before moving to Kuwait, where he played for Al-Salmiya, Qadsia, Al-Yarmouk, and Al-Arabi, eventually becoming the league’s top scorer. He then made the leap to European football in 2021, signing for Portuguese club Arouca. After a successful stint there, he joined Charleroi in 2023, featuring in 15 matches this season in Belgium’s Jupiler Pro League.

BabaGol noted its historic nature upon his move to Portugal, writing, “It's quite remarkable that the first Palestinian player ever to join a proper European side will play with an Israeli teammate. Oday Dabbagh and Or Dasa at Portuguese side Arouca FC will be quite a story this season, and football, as both players, are the winners.”

Reflecting on his move to Aberdeen, Dabbagh said: “I am very happy to be joining AFC and look forward to meeting my teammates, the coaches, and people around the Club. I am looking forward to the challenge and I am hopeful that I will repay the trust everyone has shown in me with good performances for the team.”

Aberdeen, currently struggling with a 14-game winless streak in the league and five consecutive matches without a goal, will be hoping Dabbagh’s arrival can provide the firepower needed to turn their fortunes around.

Middle East Football News
Arab Cup 2025: Qatar to Host Tournament on December
Arab Cup 2025: Qatar to Host Tournament on December

The 2025 FIFA Arab Cup kicks off in Qatar from Dec 1-18, featuring 16 teams in a key regional showdown ahead of AFCON 2025.

Hapoel Beer Sheva Stages Stunning Comeback vs. Maccabi Haifa
Hapoel Beer Sheva Stages Stunning Comeback vs. Maccabi Haifa

Down 3-0, Hapoel Beer Sheva roared back to a dramatic 3-3 draw with Maccabi Haifa, keeping their top spot in the Israeli league.

Jhon Durán’s Al Nassr Move: A Shockwave in Football
Jhon Durán’s Al Nassr Move: A Shockwave in Football

Jhon Durán left Aston Villa for Al Nassr, choosing Saudi riches over Europe’s elite. A bold move—will it make or break his career?

Cristiano Ronaldo to Miss Al-Nassr’s Match in Tehran
Cristiano Ronaldo to Miss Al-Nassr’s Match in Tehran

Cristiano Ronaldo will miss Al-Nassr’s match in Tehran. Sources in Saudi Arabia explain the reason.

Kurdish Football: A Story of Identity, Struggle, and Passion
Kurdish Football: A Story of Identity, Struggle, and Passion

Kurdish football embodies identity and struggle, with clubs worldwide symbolizing resilience, history, and hope on and off the pitch.

Be’er Sheva Dominates Haifa to Reach Cup Semis
Be’er Sheva Dominates Haifa to Reach Cup Semis

Hapoel Be’er Sheva outclassed Maccabi Haifa in the Israeli Cup quarter-finals, in a match emphasizing both teams, and Israel’s, past year.

Al Nassr Requests AFC Champions League Match Relocation, Request Denied
Al Nassr Requests AFC Champions League Match Relocation, Request Denied

Al Nassr requests a venue change for their AFC Champions League clash over security concerns. The AFC’s answer is inside.

Drogba Defends Mourinho Amid Galatasaray Racism Row
Drogba Defends Mourinho Amid Galatasaray Racism Row

Didier Drogba backs José Mourinho against racism claims, urging Galatasaray fans to focus on their title race instead of controversy.

Al Hilal Regain Form as Title Race Heats Up in Saudi
Al Hilal Regain Form as Title Race Heats Up in Saudi

Al Hilal's 5-1 win keeps pressure on leaders Al Ittihad, while Al Nassr stay in the hunt. The Saudi Pro League title race intensifies.

Al-Ittihad Dominates Al-Hilal in Saudi Clásico
Al-Ittihad Dominates Al-Hilal in Saudi Clásico

Al-Ittihad beats Al-Hilal 4-1 in the Saudi Clásico, with Bergwijn’s brace and Benzema’s goal securing crucial 3 points for the leaders.

Palestine's Oday Dabbagh Scores Debut Goal for Aberdeen
Palestine's Oday Dabbagh Scores Debut Goal for Aberdeen

Palestine’s Oday Dabbagh makes a dream Aberdeen debut with a dramatic late winner. Watch the goal here:

Mohanad Al-Saad Makes History as First Saudi Scorer in French Football
Mohanad Al-Saad Makes History as First Saudi Scorer in French Football

Mohanad Al-Saad made history as the first Saudi scorer in French football, netting in Dunkerque’s win as they chase promotion.

Venues Confirmed for AFC Champions League Elite Finals 2024/25
Venues Confirmed for AFC Champions League Elite Finals 2024/25

Saudi Arabia to host AFC Champions League Elite Finals 2024/25, with record $12M prize and thrilling knockout clashes ahead.

Esteghlal Reaches ACL Round of 16, Pushing Persepolis Out
Esteghlal Reaches ACL Round of 16, Pushing Persepolis Out

Esteghlal defeated Al-Rayyan 2-0 in Doha, advancing as Iran’s only team in the AFC Champions League knockout stage.

Persepolis Draw Al Nassr, Await Esteghlal’s Fate in ACL
Persepolis Draw Al Nassr, Await Esteghlal’s Fate in ACL

Persepolis held Al Nassr but must wait for Esteghlal’s result to reach the ACL knockouts, as the Iranian giants face an uncertain future.

Syrian Football Returns as Nation Rebuilds After Regime
Syrian Football Returns as Nation Rebuilds After Regime

The Syrian League resumes April 10, 2025, as all football activities, including women’s and youth divisions, return in a new era for the country.

Yair Horn’s Emotional Return: From Hamas Captivity to Turner Stadium
Yair Horn’s Emotional Return: From Hamas Captivity to Turner Stadium

Freed after 498 days, Yair Horn flew over Hapoel Be'er Sheva's stadium. Fans, players honored him in an emotional 4-0 win.

John Durán Shines as Ten-Man Al Nassr Defeats Al Ahli 3-2
John Durán Shines as Ten-Man Al Nassr Defeats Al Ahli 3-2

John Durán’s brace leads ten-man Al Nassr to a thrilling 3-2 win over Al Ahli, keeping their SPL title race hopes alive.

Jordan’s Al-Wehdat Fans Protest Israeli Player in AFC Champions League 2 Match
Jordan’s Al-Wehdat Fans Protest Israeli Player in AFC Champions League 2 Match

Jordanian Al-Wehdat fans protested against participation by Shabab Al-Ahli Dubai’s Israeli player, Munas Dabbur, highlighting deep political and social tensions.

Akram Afif Crowned Best Footballer in Asia 2024
Akram Afif Crowned Best Footballer in Asia 2024

Akram Afif wins Best Footballer in Asia 2024, ending a decade of East Asian dominance in a tight race with Son Heung-min.

AFC U20 Asian Cup 2025 Set to Showcase Asia’s Rising Football Stars
AFC U20 Asian Cup 2025 Set to Showcase Asia’s Rising Football Stars

AFC U20 Asian Cup 2025 kicks off in China as 16 teams battle for glory and FIFA U-20 World Cup spots. Full schedule and key matchups!

AFC Champions League Two Resumes: Knockout Stage Set to Ignite
AFC Champions League Two Resumes: Knockout Stage Set to Ignite

AFC Champions League Two Knockout Stage kicks off Feb 11-13 with thrilling clashes, VAR debut, and clubs chasing continental glory.

Maccabi Tel Aviv and Beitar Jerusalem Share Points in Emotional Night at Bloomfield
Maccabi Tel Aviv and Beitar Jerusalem Share Points in Emotional Night at Bloomfield

An emotional night at Bloomfield: Beitar in orange for the Bibas family, Maccabi’s tribute to the hostages, and late drama in a 1-1 draw.

Aberdeen Sign Palestinian Striker Oday Dabbagh
Aberdeen Sign Palestinian Striker Oday Dabbagh

Aberdeen signs Palestinian striker Oday Dabbagh on loan from Charleroi, hoping to boost their attack amid a 14-game winless streak.

Marwan Hamdy: The Striker in a Doctor’s Coat
Marwan Hamdy: The Striker in a Doctor’s Coat

Ismaily's Marwan Hamdy, a footballer and medical student, grabs attention with his unique doctor’s coat celebration after scoring.

CAF Extends Player Registration Deadline to 28 Feb 2025
CAF Extends Player Registration Deadline to 28 Feb 2025

CAF updates the Champions League and Confederation Cup registration and deadline. All the details are in the article. 

Neymar Leaves Al Hilal; Soon at Santos
Neymar Leaves Al Hilal; Soon at Santos

Neymar exits Al Hilal after his $200M contract is terminated, on his way to an emotional return to Santos 12 years after leaving.

AFCON 2025 Groups Revealed in Rabat Draw
AFCON 2025 Groups Revealed in Rabat Draw

AFCON 2025 draw: Morocco hosts as 24 teams battle in 6 groups. Key clashes include Côte d’Ivoire vs. Cameroon. Full groups revealed!

Morocco 2025 AFCON Logo Unveiled: Celebrating Unity & Art
Morocco 2025 AFCON Logo Unveiled: Celebrating Unity & Art

CAF reveals the Morocco 2025 AFCON logo, inspired by zellij art, symbolizing African unity, resilience, and football's dynamic spirit.

Football Returns to Lebanon: Hope After War and Hiatus
Football Returns to Lebanon: Hope After War and Hiatus

Lebanese football returns after months of war and hiatus, reigniting hope and passion as fans celebrate the sport's long-awaited comeback.

Featured
Palestine's Oday Dabbagh Scores Debut Goal for Aberdeen
Palestine's Oday Dabbagh Scores Debut Goal for Aberdeen

Palestine’s Oday Dabbagh makes a dream Aberdeen debut with a dramatic late winner. Watch the goal here:

Aberdeen Sign Palestinian Striker Oday Dabbagh
Aberdeen Sign Palestinian Striker Oday Dabbagh

Aberdeen signs Palestinian striker Oday Dabbagh on loan from Charleroi, hoping to boost their attack amid a 14-game winless streak.

BabaGol’s 2024 football review
BabaGol’s 2024 football review

Football in 2024: A Year of Conflict, Resilience, and Triumph. From Middle Eastern struggles to global milestones, explore the stories that shaped football this year.

Middle Eastern Football Roundup: Thrills, Drama, and Frustrations
Middle Eastern Football Roundup: Thrills, Drama, and Frustrations

From Israel's stunner vs France to Qatar's late winner, here is a recap of the latest Middle Eastern football action and results.

Oman, Palestine clash in crucial World Cup qualifier match
Oman, Palestine clash in crucial World Cup qualifier match

Both teams seek vital points in Muscat as Oman and Palestine meet in an emotional World Cup qualifier amid challenging regional circumstances.

Historic British Debut as Hilal Al Quds Returns to Action
Historic British Debut as Hilal Al Quds Returns to Action

Palestinian club Hilal Al Quds draws 0-0 in AFC Challenge League return, featuring first-ever British player in Palestinian football

Asia's World Cup Qualifiers: Football Meets Geopolitics
Asia's World Cup Qualifiers: Football Meets Geopolitics

Asian World Cup qualifiers unfold amidst regional tensions. Key matches have been relocated, and teams seek redemption in high-stakes football drama.

FIFA Council Deliberates on Palestinian Bid to Suspend Israel
FIFA Council Deliberates on Palestinian Bid to Suspend Israel

FIFA probes Israel over Palestinian discrimination claims. UN experts urge action on Israeli clubs beyond Green Line. Tensions rise in football politics.

Israel or Palestine? Jubilo Iwata's Hassan Hilu decided
Israel or Palestine? Jubilo Iwata's Hassan Hilu decided

Hassan Hilu, Jubilo Iwata defender, denies Palestinian team rumors and reveals his desire to play for another national team selection amid J1 League relegation battles.

Palestine's World Cup Journey: October Qualifier Details
Palestine's World Cup Journey: October Qualifier Details

Palestine faces Iraq and Kuwait in crucial 2026 World Cup Qualifiers. Home game relocated to Qatar amid regional complexities.

Palestine vs Jordan World Cup Qualifier Overshadowed by Unrest
Palestine vs Jordan World Cup Qualifier Overshadowed by Unrest

Palestine and Jordan meet in a crucial 2026 World Cup Asian Qualifier in Kuala Lumpur. Both teams vie for a World Cup spot amid heightened regional tensions after a recent terror attack.

FIFA Addresses Palestinian Complaint Against Israel
FIFA Addresses Palestinian Complaint Against Israel

FIFA received a complaint from Palestine FA against Israel. Despite rumors, FIFA unlikely to suspend Israel in October due to complex geopolitical issues.

Nasser Al-Khelaifi: a man coordinating bewteen East and West
Nasser Al-Khelaifi: a man coordinating bewteen East and West

What PSG President Nasser Al-Khalaifi did in the talks about the Gaza hostage deal in Paris? An in-depth look at his powerful influence in the corridors of the Elysee Palace and at the top of the Qatari government.

AFC Asian Cup 2023: Palestine's inspiring journey comes to an end
AFC Asian Cup 2023: Palestine's inspiring journey comes to an end

Palestine national team reached the round of 16 in the AFC Asian Cup in Qatar, but failed to beat the host and reigning champion. Yet, the tournament is a historical benchmark in their ever-growing project, that keep rising under severe conditions.

AFC Asian Cup 2023: Palestine and Qatar will play as Knockout Drama Unfolds
AFC Asian Cup 2023: Palestine and Qatar will play as Knockout Drama Unfolds

Asian Cup 2023: The knockout stage kicked off in Qatar, setting the stage for drama on and off the pitch. From Australia to Tajikistan, two Arab derbies are ready to take place, with Qatar and Palestine the main event.

Asian Cup and Afcon roundup: Palestine lose to Iran and Egypt draw as tournaments get underway
Asian Cup and Afcon roundup: Palestine lose to Iran and Egypt draw as tournaments get underway

Palestine arrived in the Asian Cup with hopes, but Iran handed them a reality check. In the Ivory Coast, African giants realize AFCON 2023 will not be a walk in the park.

The Israel-Gaza war’s impact on football
The Israel-Gaza war’s impact on football

With another war in the Middle East, the national teams of Israel and Palestine need to overcome new struggles before the next international break. What has happened on both sides since October 7, and what will they face in the next week?

Palestine call ups from Israel and drama in the Saudi Clasico - Middle East Round-Up
Palestine call ups from Israel and drama in the Saudi Clasico - Middle East Round-Up

A new era in the Palestine national team, drama in the Saudi Clasico, and a great moment for the Emirati women’s football. Uri Levy brings all the best from the Middle Eastern football action.

Daniel Peretz’s Bayern Munich move and Salah’s Saudi transfer saga - Middle East Round-Up
Daniel Peretz’s Bayern Munich move and Salah’s Saudi transfer saga - Middle East Round-Up

The transfer window brought us a shocking move with Daniel Peretz to Bayern Munich, but would Mohamed Salah make his surprising transfer? Uri Levy recaps the last week in Middle Eastern football.

Record Saudi transfers, and Ronaldo reaches AFC Champions League - Middle East Round-Up
Record Saudi transfers, and Ronaldo reaches AFC Champions League - Middle East Round-Up

Saudi Arabia transfer fees are breaking records every week, not only with the famous European superstars. Meanwhile, Cristiano Ronaldo made his AFC Champions League debut. These are the best stories of the week from the Middle East.

Saudi Arabia’s esports World Cup and CAF Champions League semis - Middle East round-Up
Saudi Arabia’s esports World Cup and CAF Champions League semis - Middle East round-Up

Middle Eastern teams are playing international football in the CAF Champions League and the U-20 World Cup, but one possible clash could be played in a virtual match. Uri Levy recaps the last week of Middle Eastern football.

Mahmoud Dahoud transfer latest and CAF Champions League semis - Middle East Round-Up
Mahmoud Dahoud transfer latest and CAF Champions League semis - Middle East Round-Up

Teams are looking for titles and celebrations, while other teams are already thinking about their next season’s signings. Uri Levy with the top headlines from Middle Eastern football this week.

Cristiano Ronaldo pushed for coach sacking and Palestine political saga - Middle East Round-up
Cristiano Ronaldo pushed for coach sacking and Palestine political saga - Middle East Round-up

Cristiano Ronaldo leads to an early exit of his coach, political issues are boiling in Tunisia and Palestinian teams and players are facing old-new challenges. Uri Levy with the top stories of Middle Eastern football.

Palestine League Cup final in chaos as stadium hit by tear gas
Palestine League Cup final in chaos as stadium hit by tear gas

The Palestine League Cup final turned into chaos, as the situation in the West Bank affected the prestigious match. Uri Levy with the complicated story behind the unusual scenes.

Jabal Mukaber win West Bank title and Algeria-Morocco dispute continues - Middle East Round-Up
Jabal Mukaber win West Bank title and Algeria-Morocco dispute continues - Middle East Round-Up

Jabal Mukaber won the West Bank title, football in Yemen is still alive and the dispute between Morocco and Algeria continues. Uri Levy concludes the week in the Middle Eastern football.

Oday Dabbagh’s Arouca to Charleroi transfer debacle
Oday Dabbagh’s Arouca to Charleroi transfer debacle

Oday Dabbagh will join Charleroi this summer after tremendous period in Arouca. Behind the scenes, the transfer of the Palestinian scorer is a complicated story.

Middle East update: Iraq host Gulf Cup and Algeria ready for CHAN
Middle East update: Iraq host Gulf Cup and Algeria ready for CHAN

The Middle Eastern football had a week of national teams tournaments, derbies and more action. Uri Levy brings us the top headlines from the region.

Israel-Palestine tensions have growing impact on football
Israel-Palestine tensions have growing impact on football

Operation Breaking Dawn was another chapter in the conflict between Israel and Palestine. Uri Levy covered its effect on football in both sides.

Abdallah and Mahmoud Jaber: the brothers playing for Palestine and Israel
Abdallah and Mahmoud Jaber: the brothers playing for Palestine and Israel

If Maccabi Haifa’s Mahmoud Jaber will make his debut tomorrow v Iceland, a truly historical moment will occur. Two sons, same family, sporting different sides in the conflict.

Middle East Football Review: UAE league, CAF Champions League and Palestine
Middle East Football Review: UAE league, CAF Champions League and Palestine

A rare fan brawl in the UAE, Egyptian mega clubs are struggling in CAF Champions League and a unique tournament in the West Bank. Recent exciting stories from across the Middle East.