Dutch legend De Boer becomes Qatar Legacy Ambassador

Doha: Former Dutch international Ronald de Boer has been unveiled as a Qatar Legacy Ambassador for the Supreme Committee for Delivery & Legacy (SC), the organisation delivering the infrastructure and legacy programmes for the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 announced yesterday.

The former Barcelona, Ajax star who has also played for Qatar's Al Rayyan and Al Shamal, joins an exclusive list which also includes Barcelona legend Xavi Hernandez, Brazil's two-time World Cup winner Cafu, Australian icon Tim Cahill and Cameroonian star Samuel Eto’o  along with 11 other local and regional ambassadors.

During an online discussion  hosted by the SC yesterday, the former Dutch midfielder said that Qatar has made great strides in preparations for the 2022 World Cup, as it has so far accomplished nearly 95 percent of all infrastructure, projects and World Cup stadiums.

De Boer has a long-standing relationship with Qatar, having moved to the country in 2004 to finish his playing career alongside his brother Frank, where he played for Qatari clubs Al Rayyan and Al Shamal between 2005 and 2008. He remained in Qatar with his family for three years following his retirement and this new position with the SC continues his strong relationship with the FIFA World Cup host country.

Speaking about his new role, de Boer said: “I lived in Qatar for seven years, so it is a country that has played a big part in my life. I have a great feeling about Qatar and its future. I regularly visit Qatar and often speak to my friends living there and they are full of ambition and want to improve everything for the next generation, so I feel privileged to get the opportunity to become a Qatar Legacy Ambassador and help to play a role in achieving this.”

He added that Qatar is now preparing to host the Arab Cup, which will be held on the World Cup stadiums, as an important opportunity to operate the World Cup stadiums and an ideal experience for Qatar's preparations before hosting the largest football event in the world next year.

During his football career, de Boer played as a midfielder for the Netherlands national team, as well as a host of professional clubs in Europe, including Ajax, Barcelona and Rangers. During his time at Ajax, de Boer won the UEFA Champions League title in the 1994-95 season and was named Dutch Player of the Year in 1994 and 1996. 

He scored 13 goals in 67 international appearances for the Dutch national team, appearing for the Oranje in both the 1994 and 1998 World Cup finals, where he played in nine matches and scored two goals. 

Commenting on the announcement, Hassan Al Thawadi, Secretary-General of SC, said: “We are delighted to welcome Ronald to our expanding family of Qatar Legacy Ambassadors. In many ways, Ronald has been with us from the start of our FIFA World Cup journey and I’m delighted to be able to officially welcome him to the project.

“From his time living here, Ronald has a deep understanding of Qatar, the region and its people, as well as what the tournament will deliver both for the country and across the Middle East. His involvement will undoubtedly help us leave behind a positive and lasting legacy long after the last ball is kicked at Lusail Stadium in 2022, and I look forward to working with him closely over the coming years.”