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Dabbagh’s Journey: From Jerusalem to Aberdeen
This marks a milestone for Dabbagh, as it was his tenth appearance for Aberdeen following his loan transfer from Charleroi earlier this year.
His recent performance has showcased growth, highlighted by a dramatic last-minute goal against Kilmarnock and an impressive double against Queen’s Park in the cup. However, his latest contribution transcends those achievements, as it holds significant meaning for both him and fans in his homeland.
Dabbagh’s football journey is remarkable. Growing up on the cobbled streets of Jerusalem, he looked to legends such as Robin van Persie as sources of inspiration. By age 16, he was already making waves with Hilal al-Quds in the West Bank Premier League, demonstrating his skills and passion for the game.
During his time in Palestine, he celebrated league titles and earned the distinction of being the league’s top scorer in the 2018-19 season.
By the age of 19, he was representing his national team, bringing with him an understanding of the struggles faced by many. His experiences included matches interrupted by military checkpoints, tear gas in stadiums, and the heartbreaking stories of players who lost their homes to conflicts.
As his reputation grew, Dabbagh took his talents to Kuwait, where he continued to shine despite encountering injuries and health challenges, such as a collarbone fracture and contracting Covid-19. Nevertheless, he clinched trophies and earned a golden boot, dedicating his league title victories to his homeland.
In August 2021, at just 22 years old, Dabbagh signed with Arouca in Portugal’s top flight. His debut saw him matching up against seasoned player Pepe while coming off the bench against Porto. Although the game ended in a 3-0 loss for Arouca, the larger narrative of Dabbagh’s involvement as the first homegrown talent to break into one of Europe’s major leagues marked a significant achievement in his career and for many aspiring players from his region.
Source
www.bbc.com