The 18-year-old forward, who has roots in Tamil Nadu, developed through Dubai’s Shabab Al Ahli youth system while balancing university studies with international football.
Mohamed Hateem Ali, an 18-year-old footballer born in India and raised in Dubai, has emerged as one of the promising young players in Indian football after helping the national Under-20 team qualify for the AFC U20 Asian Cup for the first time in 20 years.
Born to parents from Cuddalore in Tamil Nadu, Hateem moved to the UAE when he was just five months old. He has spent almost his entire life in Dubai, where he developed his football skills through the youth system of Shabab Al Ahli.
The forward is currently part of the club’s Under-21 set-up and is also pursuing a Bachelor of Business Administration degree at the University of Wollongong in Dubai.
Hateem began playing football at the age of six, representing his school’s Under-8 team. Five years later, he joined Shabab Al Ahli’s youth academy, progressing through its Under-12, Under-13, Under-14, Under-15, Under-16, Under-17 and Under-19 sides before moving to the Under-21 level.
He has also finished as the top scorer in UAE Football Association tournaments on three consecutive occasions, according to his account.
Hateem’s performances earned him a place in India’s Under-20 squad. Hateem made his international debut against Syria and started all three qualifying matches against Syria, Uzbekistan and Bangladesh
He played a key role in India’s decisive 3-0 victory over Bangladesh in Tashkent on September 6, which helped secure qualification for the 2027 AFC U20 Asian Cup in China.
The continental tournament is scheduled to take place from March 24 to April 10, 2027.
Hateem has credited his years in the UAE with helping shape his development as both a footballer and an individual. He has also acknowledged his family’s support in managing training, matches and tournaments alongside his education.
Balancing university commitments with professional-level football has required discipline and time management, he said.
With India preparing for the continental competition, Hateem hopes to continue progressing at club level and eventually represent the senior national team. His journey also highlights how young Indian players developing overseas can contribute to the country’s football ambitions.
