Muscat: Yousuf Shaaban al-Busaidi, known as Yousuf Shaaban, one of the Sultanate’s all-time favorite football personalities, passed away on Friday due to illness at the age of 38.
At the local level, he played for the Dhofar Club and Al Shabab Club.
“The Chairman and members of the Board of Directors of Oman Football Association (OFA) Federation extended their sincere condolences and sympathy to the family of the late Yousuf bin Shaaban al Busaidi – the former player of our national team,” a statement said.
Yousuf Shaaban was considered among the key players of the national football team’s golden generation.
He had played a key role in the final of the Gulf Cup three times in a row, including the 19th edition that was held in Muscat.
Shaaban was born in the Wilayat of Barka in 1984. He started his football career with Dhofar Club from 2003 to 2011, then moved to Al Shabab Club for two years, and finally returned to the Dhofar Club
Shaaban represented the national team in 25 matches between 2004 and 2008.
He was part of the first-team squad of Oman till 2008. He was selected for the national team for the first time in 2004. He has made appearances in the 2004 AFC Asian Cup qualification, the 2004 AFC Asian Cup, the 2007 AFC Asian Cup qualification, the 2007 AFC Asian Cup, and the 2009 Gulf Cup of Nations.
He made four appearances in the 2006 FIFA World Cup qualification. His only goal for Oman in FIFA World Cup qualification matches came in the second round of 2006 FIFA World Cup qualification in a 2-0 win over Singapore.
