Next Generation Talent
Youssef Loulidi, Qatar
My name is Youssef Loulidi, a Moroccan photographer based in Qatar since 2011. I came to Qatar for work. I started photography in 2013 when I joined the Qatar Photographic Society. In 2014 I chose to focus on sport photography. I take many photos of football matches, as I’m a fan of football. I have participated in many photography competitions and many sport events, nationally and internationally. Last year I organized my first exhibition of sport photography.
Who is in the photos? Where were the photos taken? Was there any wider meaning with the photos?
The photos are of children, youth and friends playing football and competing in Al Bidda Park and Aspire Park close to Khalifa International Stadium.
I tried to show how children love football and love the famous football players in the world by wearing their shirts. I also wanted to show some freestyle football talent. I organized a trip with my friends to Al Bidda Park and I brought a ball to take some silhouette photos of my friends. Like every country in the world, in Qatar there is a lot of freestyle football fans, and it is a game spread amongst young people.
I was able to highlight one of the 2022 World Cup stadiums in the background and show that Qatar is ready to host this big event.
What role does football play in Qatari society?
Football has an important added value on Qatari society. It gives an opportunity to children and young people to discover their skills. It is a positive outlet for everyone. Qatari football culture is becoming open to the world because of hosting local and international sport events, and Qatari society welcomes all the ethnicities and religions. Lately there have been more football fans in Qatar for the national league competition, and this created a rivalry between fans of different clubs.
Why is football so important for your community?
Football is very important for the community because it is competitive and gives a strong motivation to express feelings through the following of a team or a particular club. It also gives guidance to the meaning of peace. For me, football is a way of life and a tool for peace among the peoples of the world.
What will be the biggest impact of the World Cup in 2022?
When visiting Doha, football fans will be surprised by the excellent weather during the World Cup 2022. After the Qatar football team won the Asian Cup and their participation in Copa America, as well as the hosting of many international football matches in Qatar, I think the world now understands Qatari football culture better. The Qatar football team will qualify for the semi final in 2022 and will be the first Arab team to achieve this.
What is the future for football in Qatar?
In the near future, Qatar will become a world famous gateway when it embraces the 2022 World Cup. This event will attract a passionate football generation and will motivate people to join clubs. They will represent the biggest clubs and the national team in international competitions.
