Majid Al Majid

Captain Majid Mohammed Al Majid, known as Majid Al-Sayegh, is a former Qatari footballer and retired military officer. The youngest player selected for Qatar’s national team, he later captained both club and country and graduated from Qatar University in general geography.

He was born in Doha and grew up in Al Baraha in a prosperous family home with its own farm. His father was a self-made merchant who had grown up an only orphan, and his children inherited his generosity, diligence, courage and independence. After school, he helped in the family vegetable shop, developing an early interest in trade.

Football occupied the streets and open land behind Souq Waqif where Abdulaziz Nasser Theatre now stands. He played there with Ahmed Suwailih, Ali Salman Al-Badeed, Ahmed Al-Hayki and Abdullah Al-Khalaf. The central Doha districts produced many future public figures, and although he was an energetic and mischievous child, family, neighbours and Islamic values established clear limits.

At ten, the family moved to Al Ghanim, where he and new friends created a playing area beside Khalid bin Al-Walid School. A later move to Umm Ghuwailina brought him closer to talent scouts. When he visited Al Wahda Club to see a film, Abdul Amir Zainal and the vice-president, Sultan Al-Jaber, persuaded him to sign. His father approved but warned him about playing with older, more experienced boys; his mother agreed only after club president Mohammed Noor Al-Obaidli visited the family and reassured her.

His father died from food poisoning just as the fourteen-year-old was beginning to establish himself in the team. Faith helped him accept the loss and continue both school and training despite the upheaval.

His talent emerged while Qatar’s national side was taking shape. Four months after joining his club, he played in the Amir Cup against Al Taawun, now Al Khor, and led his side to an important victory. He was promoted immediately to the first team and, in his second match, declined a financial reward offered after he scored against the opposition, a decision his father supported.

He became the youngest member of Qatar’s national team. Although the coach did not field him at the second Gulf Cup in Saudi Arabia because of his age, he played at the subsequent Arab tournament in Algeria and scored twice. He went on to captain both club and country and remained with the national team until 1981. In 1972, Al Wahda merged with Al Tahrir to become Al Arabi.

His performances attracted Arab clubs, including Al Khalidiya in Abu Dhabi. The General Command under His Highness the Father Amir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, then Crown Prince, asked him not to leave Qatar and offered him a post as a warrant officer in the army, beginning his military career.

Family remained his priority despite sporting, military and academic commitments. All six children completed their education and entered stable employment. His youngest son, Hamad, followed him into football, captained an Aspire team and was considered for the World Cup before injuries intervened. He later graduated from the Police College in Kuwait with distinction and honours.

Balancing university study and training was one of his hardest challenges. While many contemporaries gave up one path, he persisted with both, completing a degree in general geography at Qatar University in the 1980–81 academic year and setting an example for later generations of Qatari athletes.

Having achieved most of what he sought throughout his career, he now gives greater attention to family life and stability.