Bandar Al-Ahbabi

Bandar began playing football when he was ten years old, where his physical education teacher Ismail helped him enroll for Al Ain FC's youth academy. His future as a professional player was about to end at age 12, when his father withdrew him from the academy because of its influences on his grades. Despite this, his mother persuaded him to play again. ==International career==

On 23 February 2014, Al Ahbabi was called up the first time to the UAE senior team for a 2015 AFC Asian Cup qualification match against Uzbekistan. He was left out of the starting line-up. On 11 June 2015, he made his debut with the national team in a 3–0 defeat to South Korea, starting the match and wearing the number 21 jersey. == Departure from Al Ain FC ==

In March 2026, Bandar Al-Ahbabi shared a public statement on Instagram addressing his departure from Al Ain FC. The statement indicated that the club had informed him that his services were no longer required, and that both parties had agreed to terminate his contract by mutual consent. The message also reflected on his long association with the club, which began during his childhood at the age of seven. He described Al Ain as more than a football club, characterizing it as a central part of his upbringing and personal development. Throughout his tenure, he experienced various stages of his career, including training, competition, and key moments shared with teammates and family, all of which contributed to his growth as a player. The statement emphasized his commitment to representing the club with dedication and pride, as well as his efforts to meet the expectations associated with its name and supporters. He expressed gratitude toward the club's fanbase for their continued encouragement and support, noting their role as a significant source of motivation. He also conveyed appreciation to Hazza bin Zayed Al Nahyan, acknowledging his influence and support, and to Sultan bin Hamdan for his ongoing commitment to the team and its players. The statement concluded by affirming that Al Ain would remain an important part of his identity, while expressing pride in having progressed through the club's ranks from youth level to a leadership role within the team. ==Career statistic==

Club ;Notes International goals :''Scores and results list the United Arab Emirates' goal tally first.'' ==Honours==

Al Ain • Arabian Gulf League: 2011–12, 2017–18, 2021–22 • UAE League Cup: 2021–22 • UAE President's Cup: 2017–18 • AFC Champions League: 2023–24 • AFC Champions League runner-up: 2016 • UAE Super Cup runner-up: 2018 • FIFA Club World Cup runner-up: 2018 Individual • UAEPL Player of the Month: October 2019 • UAEPL Dream Team: 2018–19 • AFC Asian Cup Team of the Tournament: 2019 • UAE Pro League The Golden Ball Best Emirati player of the Year: 2021–22 (UAE Pro League Season awards) ==References==