7 brilliant players who are simply too good to be playing in Qatar
We've selected seven players from the Qatar Stars League who are undoubtedly capable of playing at a higher level at the moment. Qatar made significant financial investments in their football league before hosting the 2022 World Cup, and they have since drawn many well-known players to their top level.
Seven players are just too talented to be playing in the Qatar Stars League at the moment, according to our closer examination of the league.
7. Marco Verratti
The small Italian has been out of the spotlight since leaving PSG in 2023, despite being one of the best midfielders of his generation. We can't help but think that he could still be working for a prominent European team because he is only 32 years old. Verratti has made 32 appearances and recorded 11 assists since joining Al-Arabi last year. We especially miss seeing him on Champions League nights.
6. Luis Alberto
With an average of one goal every ninety minutes for Al-Duhail, Alberto is undoubtedly better than the other players in Qatar. After eight years at Lazio, where he became a hero, the Spaniard moved to the Middle East during the summer. He has a contract in Qatar that expires in 2027, thus it appears likely that he will play for Al-Duhail for the foreseeable future.
5. Akram Afif
An Qatari international who undoubtedly possesses the skill to play at a higher level, even though the majority of the best players in the Qatar Stars League are not natives.The 28-year-old currently averages a goal contribution every 49 minutes in the league and routinely scores in the double figures for both goals and assists. Although he had previously been registered with Villarreal, he never played for the team as a senior during his brief stay in Spain. We would love to see a European team take a chance on the goal-scoring winger, especially since he is currently in the peak of his career.
4. Julian Draxler
It's clear to conclude that Draxler is far superior to the competition in Qatar after contributing 12 goals in just nine games this season. The German international has a deal with Al Ahli that runs through the summer of 2025. He joined the team in 2023. We wouldn't be shocked if he chose to go back to Europe after his contract in Qatar expires because he is still only 31.
3. Giovani
A Brazilian youngster who was a highly-regarded prospect in the Palmeiras academy, was signed by Al Sadd in 2023 for a reported €9 million. The 20-year-old had a serious injury setback last season, missing the entire 2023–24 season due to an ACL injury sustained during preseason. Fortunately, he has returned to action this season and has begun to find some form while wearing an Al Sadd shirt. Given his age and background, we wouldn't be shocked to see him in Europe in a few years.
2. Joselu
Joselu was winning the biggest titles available with Real Madrid and scoring goals in the Champions League semi-final only a few months ago. In the years 2024–2025, he is now dominating for Al-Gharafa. The 34-year-old has scored eight goals and provided a few assists this season across all competitions.
1. Rodri Sanchez
Over the summer, Al-Arabi pounced and acquired the 24-year-old offensive midfielder after he established himself at Real Betis. The 24-year-old is dominating the Qatar Stars League and has already contributed 13 goals in 14 games this season. Although his contract with Al-Arabi expires in 2027, we anticipate that he will eventually return to Europe, particularly if he keeps doing well in Qatar.
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