Al Jazeera World ‘Thank You, Football’ a new two-part documentary starts 15th November at 2000GMT

Four internationally renowned football players Yaya Toure, Yacine Brahimi, Ali Al Habsi and Youssef El- Arabi talk about their lives, careers and families, and what motivates their success in this 2-part mini-documentary series, Thank You, Football which airs on 15th November and 22nd November at 2000GMT.

Each of the players’ lives have been transformed dramatically by the sport and they’ve been lucky enough to be selected to compete in international leagues, as well as for their own countries at world tournaments.   They discuss what is behind the motivation, determination and hard work that has allowed them to succeed in a such a highly competitive environment.

Episode One on 15th November at 2000GMT features the Côte d’Ivoire and Manchester City midfielder Yaya Touré and Algerian striker Yacine Brahimi, now playing for FC Porto.

Toure reveals his desire from an early age to play for Barcelona, something he went on to achieve with the help of his former trainer Jean Marc Guillou. He talks about what it was like achieving the dream to play alongside footballers in Europe – and realise his dreams.  Thank You, Football also interviews Toure’s former team-mate Iniesta, Manchester City fan, Ricky Hatton, and his controversial agent Dmitri Seluk.  

Born in Paris to Algerian parents Yacine Brahimi talks about the support of his family and how important this has been in helping shape his successful football career.  Joining the French International Academy at 13 was his first step on the ladder to an international career, and he talks about why he opted to play for the Algerian national team.  Thank You, Football also travels to Portugal to hear how Brahimi has inspired Porto fans since joining from Granada in 2014.  

Episode Two on 22nd November at 2000GMT features the French-born Moroccan, Youssef El-Arabi, who now plays for Lekhwiya in the Qatar Stars League; and the Omani goalkeeper, Ali Al Habsi.

French-born Moroccan, Youssef El-Arabi who now plays for Lekhwiya in the Qatar Stars League talks to Thank You, Football about his career in football.  In his first season playing for Stade Malherbe Caen in Ligue 1 El-Arabi stood out from the crowd and it wasn’t long before he was being courted by internationally renowned teams.   His friends, coaches and colleagues talk about his dedication and desire to make it on the world stage and he discusses his decision to play for the Moroccan national team.

Thank You, Football profiles Ali Al Habsi unconventional journey from Oman to become the Gulf’s first player to join the UK’s premier league.   He became a fireman after leaving school but it was a meeting with goalkeeping coach John Burri which set him on a football career path.  He has played in Norway, Bolton, Wigan Athletic and is now at Reading FC.  In the documentary Al Habsi, the honorary President of the Omani Students’ Society in Manchester, reveals how his faith provides the backbone to his life.  

Thank You, Football, is an intimate glimpse of the stars through the eyes of their families, friends, coaches, agents and fans it will be available to watch from 15th November at http://www.aljazeera.com/programmes/aljazeeraworld/