FOOTBALL – ONE of Bahrain’s most influential strikers and the national team’s all-time top goal scorer Ismaeel Abdullatif announced yesterday his retirement from competitive football.
Abdullatif has left the game after more than 25 years of excellence for both club and country.
The 39-year-old said in a post on his official social media account: “Today the curtain falls on a football career filled with passion, challenges, and achievements that will remain part of the game’s history.
“The journey wasn’t just about years spent on the pitch; it was a story written with hard work, perseverance, and a competitive spirit. Throughout it, I was honoured to wear the jersey and represent each team with utmost sincerity, always striving to ensure my performance on the field reflected my respect for the profession and the fans.
“I extend my sincere thanks and gratitude to everyone who was a partner in this journey: my family, my teammates, my coaches, the club administrations, and all the fans who supported and believed in me at every stage.
“I leave the pitch today proud of everything I’ve achieved and grateful for every moment that has shaped this legacy. Retirement marks the end of a player’s career, but it’s also the beginning of a new chapter where my love for football and my sense of belonging to it will remain steadfast for as long as I live.
“Thank you, football…and thank you to everyone who has been a part of this timeless journey.”
Abdullatif was most recently a member of Bahrain’s Al Khaldiya Club, whom he helped lead to back-to-back titles in the Nasser Bin Hamad Bahrain Premier Football League during the 2022-23 and 2023-24 seasons.
Earlier in his career, Abdullatif had also suited up for Muharraq, Riffa, and Al Hala in Bahrain, as well as for Al Arabi and Al Salmiya of Kuwait, Al Nasr of Oman, Al Ahli of Qatar, and Al Nahda of Saudi Arabia.
Abdullatif was an integral part of Bahrain’s senior men’s national team that clinched the coveted Gulf Cup titles in 2019 and 2024-25, amongst other regional championships.
According to his social media post, Abdullatif ends his career having played 138 international matches for the kingdom with 47 goals scored.
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