Abu Dhabi February 18, 2025: More than 2,500 players from 22 nations have made the 2025 edition of the Manchester City Abu Dhabi Cup the biggest to date.
A total of 180 teams played nearly 650 games across the two-day football celebration at Zayed Sports City, including 61 sides from outside the UAE, traveling from the likes of the UK, Hong Kong, Sri Lanka, Indonesia, Ivory Coast, Russia, Belarus, and Turkmenistan, showing the growing global footprint of the tournament.
Boys’ categories ranged from under Under-8s through to Under-16s, while more than 30 girls’ teams competed from Under-13 to Under-17 level. A total of 1,521 goals were scored during the two days.
The tournament offered young players the opportunity to play in an international event with professional-level organisation and facilities, and while the competition was intense on the field, a positive and friendly atmosphere was maintained throughout – with player happiness and welfare at the fore.
The winners of the showpiece Cup competition from each age group were entered into a special prize draw with Al Seeb from Oman (U14 Boys) winning a trip of a lifetime to visit and train at the Etihad Campus in Manchester – and watch a Manchester City first team game live.
Under 12s Plate winners GR7 Academy won a fantastic coaching clinic from Manchester City coaches, who will travel to work with the team in their home country of Oman.
Among the big names in attendance was former Manchester City star Nedum Onuoha. The defender was not only an ambassador for the tournament but was also a guest coach for the City Football School’s Boys Under 14 team.
This was the sixth edition of the event, which is supported by a host of partners including Experience Abu Dhabi, Noon, e&, Etihad Airways, Puma and Aldar.
More than 6,000 spectators enjoyed the Tournament Village, with a host of games, entertainment, and activations. On Saturday evening a big screen showed Manchester City’s 4-0 win in the Premier League over Newcastle United, driven by a hat-trick from new Egyptian arrival Omar Marmoush.
The event was hosted by FG, with DJ Jimmy D keeping everyone’s spirits high across the weekend.
For the first time in the event’s history, The Pavilion played host to the e& Gaming Zone. This gave players and visitors the chance to test their FC skills to win some great prizes – with some taking on Tekkz and Bonanno – two of the stars of Manchester City’s own Esports team, who are current E Premier League Champions.
Indeed, this was the first time the E Premier League and Premier League trophies had been together on UAE shores – and visitors were quick to get their own pictures with the famous silverware.
Simon Hewitt, Director of Football Operations MENA for City Football Group said: “The 2025 edition of the Manchester City Abu Dhabi Cup has been a record breaker. Since its inception in 2017 we have seen phenomenal growth in the tournament, and to welcome more than 60 international teams to Abu Dhabi, and 180 teams overall, is testament to the impact this competition has on a global scale. Seeing all the boys and girls having fun this weekend was a joy, and the level of football on display was exceptional. We thank all the players, teams, coaches, parents, and supporters, for making this a very special two days. We also thank our partners, who play an integral role in helping us put on an event of this size and stature. We look forward to seeing everyone at an even bigger Manchester City Abu Dhabi Cup in 2026.'
Former Manchester City defender Nedum Onuoha said: “The Manchester City Abu Dhabi Cup was a fantastic experience and it was great to see so many players from around the world take to the pitch and play the beautiful game with smiles on their faces. I was really impressed with the action I saw and hopefully this tournament can not only further inspire the players to develop themselves but also allow other players to take up the sport and play the game in the future.”
Noora Al Marzooei, Head Coach of the UAEFA U14 girls, praised the tournament in providing a platform for players to test themselves. She said: “This is our third time participating in the Manchester City Abu Dhabi Cup. Last year we managed to win first place in the A category. This year, we also managed to win. The tournament is very well organised. It brings all the football lovers to compete in a very nice and friendly environment, having the chance for players and teams to get to know everyone. We also competed in other competitions, but this one is a little bit different because it's back-to-back games and everyone is happy. Thank you to Manchester City and we wish to see you again next year.”
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