News DeskDubai, UAE – Dubai is set to host the eighth edition of the prestigious Dubai Intercontinental Cup for Football Under 13, showcasing the brightest young football talents from around the globe. The tournament, organized with the support of the Dubai Sports Council, will run from February 25 to 28, 2025, featuring over 400 players from top international and local clubs.
The competition brings together renowned youth teams from football powerhouses such as Real Madrid, Chelsea, AC Milan, Bayern Munich, Celta Vigo, CSKA Moscow, Al Ittihad Saudi Club, and Zaid FC. They will face off against UAE-based clubs and academies, including Al Nasr, Al Wasl, Shabab Al Ahli, Hatta, Al Wahda, Al Jazira, Sharjah, and Knights of Hispania.
The official press conference, held on Monday at the Dubai Sports Council headquarters, was attended by Ahmed Salem Al Mahri, Director of Sports Talent Management, alongside football legends Michel Salgado (former Real Madrid and Spain star) and Bacary Sagna (former Arsenal, Manchester City, and France star, and current Dubai Sports Ambassador). The event highlighted the tournament’s significance in nurturing future football stars.
Ahmed Salem Al Mahri welcomed the participants and emphasized the tournament’s role in developing young talent. “This eighth edition reflects the growth and success of this event, which has become a platform for UAE players to compete against top international teams and gain invaluable experience. The next four days will not only provide these youngsters with a lifetime opportunity but also allow them to experience the beauty of Dubai,” he said.
Bacary Sagna praised the Dubai Sports Council for its efforts in organizing the tournament. “Such events are crucial in shaping the future of football. I have lived through similar experiences, and I am confident these young players will create memories that will last a lifetime,” he remarked.
Michel Salgado, a long-time supporter of the tournament, expressed his excitement about its evolution. “This competition has become one of the leading age-group tournaments in the region. With legends like Bacary Sagna involved, it’s clear that the event continues to grow and inspire the next generation of football stars,” he said.
Tournament Format and Fixtures
The 24 participating teams have been divided into six groups of four teams each. The opening matches will begin today at 4 pm, with Chelsea facing Inglizia FC and Joga Bonito FA taking on Al Nasr. Other highlights include Al Jazira vs. Fursan Hispania ‘B’, Celta Vigo vs. Driblz SC, AC Milan vs. Al Wahda, and Real Madrid vs. SSD Levante Azzurro.
Group Standings:
- Group A: Chelsea FC, Joga Bonito FA, Inglizia FC, Al Nasr FC
- Group B: Celta Vigo FC, Al Jazira FC, Driblz FC, Fursan Hispania FC ‘B’
- Group C: AC Milan, ZED FC, Iris Sports ISA, Al Wahda FC
- Group D: FC Bayern Munich, DOFA PFK CSKA Moscow, Mahd SA, Shabab Al Ahli Dubai FC
- Group E: Real Madrid FC, FC Rodina, SSD Levante Azzurro, Al Wasl
- Group F: Fursan Hispania FC ‘A’, Al Ittihad FC, Sharjah FC, Hatta Club
Football fans and enthusiasts are in for an exciting four days of high-quality youth football as the future stars of the sport showcase their skills on the pitch.
