Tarek Salman has a black eye. The night before he meets with Esquire for his covershoot, his beloved Qatar national team defeated Kuwait 3-0 to remain on course to qualify for the
FIFA World Cup 2026. During the game, the versatile defender stooped to head the ball clear from his area, and received a boot in the face for his troubles. Add that to the strapped up broken finger that he is already nursing, and it is clear that, when required, Salman is ever-ready to put his body on the line for both club and country.
Salman is enjoying a good year. Still just 26, he already commands an ever-present role at the heart of Al Sadd SC’s backline, helping marshal them to the top of the Qatar Stars League with the country’s stingiest defence. But it is his steadfast performances for the Qatar national team that helped form the defensive bedrock in which the country’s historic AFC Asian Cup triumph in February was built.
A few month on, the country is still basking in the glow of retaining its status as Champions of Asia. In terms of an achievement, the victory on home soil is arguably even more meaningful than when they won the same tournament in the UAE five years earlier.
Going into the competition, as both hosts and favourites, the level of pressure on the team to deliver was at an all-time high. Salman and his teammates duly responded in imperious fashion by romping through the Group stage (without conceding a single goal), overcoming a series of tricky obstacles in the knock-out stages (including a nervy penalty-shootout against Uzbekistan), before beating Jordan 3-1 in the Final.
The euphoria that greeted the sound of the full-time whistle helped close the chapter in this major moment in Qatar’s footballing history—one that started back in 2010 when the country was announced as the host the FIFA World Cup 2022.
At the World Cup, off the field, the nation was embraced by the global football community, however, the on-pitch performances somewhat underwhelmed for this talented set of players often referred to as the ‘Golden Generation’.
This year’s Asian Cup was entirely different. This time Salman and the team confronted the pressure head-on and disarmed it with scintillating displays powered by self-belief and a passionate fanbase.
“The Asian Cup victory certainly provided Qatar with a sense of redemption following our World Cup performances. It affirmed our progress and potential in international football.” Salman tells Esquire Qatar following the photoshoot in and around the contemporary architecture of Doha’s Msheireb Downtown area.
He’s in good spirits—and why wouldn’t he be? Salman is not only living the dream of every young Qatari kid, but by being a pivotal part of its success, is also showing an entire new generation that anything is possible. Black-eye and broken finger be dammed.
As a player what does winning the recent AFC Asian Cup mean to you?
Tarek Salman: It is not only the biggest achievement in my football career, but it is also the realization of a life-long dream. It was the culmination of years and years of dedication and hard work, and I see it as a testament to that perseverance. Being part of the team was a validation that I am showcasing my skills on an international level and am among the very best in Asia.
What about on a personal level?
Tarek Salman: As a person, winning the AFC Asian Cup was an incredibly profound and emotional experience. It filled me with immense pride to represent my country and contribute to our success on one of the biggest stages. It is a moment of glory that will be cherished forever.
Do you feel that winning the Asian Cup was a kind of redemption for the team after the performances at the World Cup 2022?
Tarek Salman: While the Asian Cup victory may not completely erase past World Cup performances, it certainly provided Qatar with a sense of redemption and affirmed our progress and potential in international football.
How did you celebrate the victory?
Tarek Salman: After the final whistle, I remember embracing my teammates on the field. We just tried to stay in the moment and soak up the euphoria of our achievement. Privately, later on in the evening, I took some time to reflect on the experience and express gratitude to my teammates, coaches, family, and supporters who contributed to our success.
Where do you keep your winner’s medal?
Tarek Salman: At home, next to the other AFC Asian Cup medal! I keep all of my medals and trophies in a cabinet. To be honest, I love seeing the medals for Qatar along with all my other trophies with Al Sadd!
You mentioned the winner’s medal you won in 2019. Emotionally, how does winning this year’s Asian Cup differ from last time in the UAE?
Tarek Salman: Both where very important, but honestly, this year felt different. To win on home soil, in front of the local fans and the entire nation, really intensifies the sense of pride you get. Also, being the host nation adds to the pressure to perform well and deliver victory—so, I think that added element made this triumph feel even more rewarding.
How do you deal with pressure when the stakes are at their highest?
Tarek Salman: I work hard on staying focused on my game, trusting my training, and staying positive. I have also learnt to lean on my teammates and coaches for support when I need it, and I make sure to take care of myself both mentally and physically. If you work on controlling the factors you can control, it allows you a better chance of success.
Are you someone who enjoys playing in the big occasions?
Tarek Salman: Absolutely, I thrive in big occasions and matches. There’s something incredibly exhilarating about the energy and intensity of high-stakes games. I enjoy the challenge of competing against top opponents and performing under pressure. These are the moments that define a player’s career, and I relish the opportunity to showcase my skills and make a difference for my team when it matters most.
The Quarter-Finals against Uzbekistan went to penalties. Would you have wanted to take one?
Tarek Salman: Yeah, for sure! I was eager to take a penalty if given the opportunity, but we had won the shootout before I had the chance to take one!
You mentioned that you relish playing against top opponents. Who is the best player you’ve ever played against?
Tarek Salman: Lionel Messi. He is my idol, and a fortunate to have played against him at the Copa America in 2019.
How good is this current Qatar team?
Tarek Salman: The current Qatar team is highly skilled, tactically sound, and we possess a winning mentality—all of that makes us a force to be reckoned with in both Asian and global football.
So how far can it go?
Tarek Salman: The Qatar National Team have shown significant progress and potential in recent years, and there seems to be no limit to how far we can go.
When you were younger you had a couple of years playing in Spain. How did those experiences help shape you into the player you are now?
Tarek Salman: At that age, playing in Spain greatly enhanced my development. The exposure to a different style of play—especially Spanish football which often prioritizes possession, quick passing, and intelligent movement—helped me refine my technical abilities, decision-making, and reading of the game.
Do you aspire to play club football outside of Qatar again in the future?
Tarek Salman: Yes, I would love to at some point in the future. Playing professionally in different countries offers unique experiences and opportunities for growth both on and off the pitch. Whether it’s experiencing different footballing cultures, challenging yourself in new environments, or pursuing specific career goals. But for now, I am focused on playing for Al Sadd SC.
Regarding Al Sadd, what are your goals for the remained of the season?
Tarek Salman: To help them win trophies! Personally, I always want to improve as a player, so I can continue to contribute consistently to the team’s success. In order to do that I work hard on staying fit and injury-free, as well as maintaining a positive mindset so that I can be a positive influence on my teammates both on and off the pitch.
Photography by Sami Rawadi / Styling by Laura Jane Brown /