More than 3,500 young footballers took to the pitches at Zayed Sports City as the Manchester City Abu Dhabi Cup concluded its biggest-ever edition, reinforcing its position as the Middle East’s largest annual youth football tournament.
Staged across three days for the first time, the seventh edition welcomed 244 teams from 18 countries, bringing together boys’ and girls’ teams from professional academies and grassroots programmes alike. Participating clubs included Al Jazira, Baniyas, Al Wahda and Al Ain, alongside international teams such as Melbourne City and Manchester City.
With competition spanning eight age categories — five for boys and three for girls — more than 8,000 spectators watched 1,435 matches unfold, producing a remarkable 2,562 goals over the weekend.
In the Boys’ U16 Cup, Oman’s Al Seeb claimed the title for the second consecutive year. As part of a tournament-wide lucky draw involving all Cup winners, Al Seeb were selected to receive a once-in-a-lifetime trip to train and watch a first team in action at a City Football Group club. The achievement built on their 2025 success, which saw the team travel to Manchester to train at the Etihad Campus.
The girls’ competition also featured in the tournament’s prize draw. Following a lucky draw, the U14 Girls Plate winners, Singapore’s Resistencia FC, were awarded a three-day coaching clinic delivered by City Football Schools coaches.
This year’s edition marked another step forward for the girls’ game, with 44 girls’ teams competing across three age groups, reflecting the steady growth of girls’ football in the UAE, the wider Middle East and internationally.
Tournament ambassador and former Manchester City defender Nedum Onuoha praised both the quality of play and the atmosphere across the three days.
“It was a fantastic tournament. Beyond the results, the competitors played with smiles, expressing themselves, supporting one another, and creating memories that will stay with them long after the final whistle. The standard of football was exceptionally high, and tournaments like this play a vital role in nurturing the next generation.”
Off the pitch, the Tournament City Village remained a focal point throughout the weekend. The e& Gaming Zone returned following its successful debut in 2025, while PUMA showcased its latest football boot technology. Aldar highlighted Fahid Island, Noon engaged fans with interactive games and giveaways, and players and families also came together to watch Manchester City’s 10–1 FA Cup victory over Exeter City.
Simon Hewitt, Head of Football Operations MENA at City Football Group and Tournament Director, reflected on the scale of the event.
“The Manchester City Abu Dhabi Cup 2026 once again showed how football brings people together. More than 8,000 people packed out Zayed Sports City, and the diversity of teams and cultures on display speaks to how far this tournament has come. The focus now turns to building on that momentum as we look ahead to 2027.”
