Hashim Khalaifat chases Spanish football dream
Bahraini star opens up on European football adventure
TDT | Manama
Email: mail@newsofbahrain.com
Since leaving Bahrain as a teenager, Hashim Luay Khalaifat has continued to carve out a path few Bahraini footballers have taken. The 22-year-old midfielder is preparing for his fifth season with Córdoba CF B, having progressed through Bahrain's youth football system before taking his career abroad and chasing his ambitions in Spain.
Khalaifat first began playing at Arsenal Academy Bahrain at the age of four before continuing his development with Tekkerz Academy. At 13, he joined Al Najma, where his performances earned him opportunities with Bahrain's national teams, progressing through the youth ranks before eventually reaching the Under-23 Olympic team.
After making his mark at youth level, Hashim felt ready to test himself in a new environment. At 18, Córdoba B offered him the chance to trial with the club. He impressed during his opportunity in Spain and secured a move that marked the beginning of a new chapter in his career.
Image caption: Hashim Khalaifat walks out before a Córdoba B fixture Image caption: Khalaifat features for Bahrain's U23 Olympic team
"I was with the Under-20 national team at the time and felt that I was ready to take the next step and challenge myself by playing abroad," Khalaifat told The Daily Tribune. "I saw the club's plans and that gave me the confidence to sign with them."
Spain Calling
The move to Spain brought challenges beyond football. Living abroad for the first time, Hashim had to adapt to a different culture, learn a new language and build a life away from home in Córdoba. "The biggest challenge for me was living abroad and being alone in a different country for the first time, especially with a culture so different from ours," he said. "Adjusting wasn't easy, and being in Córdoba, where not many people speak English, forced me to learn the language."
Higher Standards
Four years into his experience, Hashim believes the move has given him a greater understanding of the standards required to succeed in Spanish football. "The level of technical ability each player has, regardless of their position on the pitch, and their overall understanding of football really stood out to me," he said. "The basics are done at a higher level. Off the pitch, players pay close attention to their nutrition, recovery and overall preparation. Everyone has their own individual goals, and that dedication is clear."
Senior Ambition
Now part of Córdoba B, Khalaifat is focused on continuing his development and earning an opportunity with the club's senior squad. "It's definitely a big goal," he said. "Right now, I'm with Córdoba B, and my aim is to work my way into the first team. I'm extremely determined because that is the level of football I want to experience one day."
While his club ambitions continue to drive him, Hashim also has his sights set on representing Bahrain at senior international level. "I've had that dream ever since I was a child," he said. "Whenever I attended Bahrain's games, I always told myself that I wanted to represent my country at the highest level. I feel ready for that opportunity now."
The opportunity to wear Bahrain's senior national team shirt would be a significant milestone for the midfielder. "It would mean so much, not only to me, but also to everyone who believed in me and supported me throughout my journey." Khalaifat also dreams of helping the Kingdom achieve greater success on the international stage, including reaching the FIFA World Cup for the first time.
Inspiring Others
As one of the few Bahraini players developing professionally in Spain, Hashim hopes his experience encourages more young footballers to pursue opportunities beyond their comfort zone. "If you have the support of your family, I would say go for it without hesitation," he said. "If it's your dream, why not chase it and embrace the opportunity if it comes?"
For now, Khalaifat remains focused on continuing his development, breaking into Córdoba's senior squad and pushing towards the highest levels of the game. "I hope I can be an example to people and encourage them to push themselves, regardless of what others say or think about them," he said. "Keep going no matter what, always move forward and work towards what you want. I want to give people that mentality, not only in football but in life."
Related Posts