The evening air in Doha was warm, buzzing with the anticipation of an upcoming international friendly. Mohammed Waad sat quietly on the bench tying his boots, his fingers methodical, movements calm.

“You ready?” asked the captain, glancing over with a smirk. “First start in front of a full stadium. No pressure, right?”

Mohammed looked up, a small grin playing on his lips. “Pressure means people believe in you. I’d rather feel that than nothing at all.”

As they stepped onto the pitch, the roar of the crowd met them like a wave. From the opening whistle, Waad commanded the midfield with confident passes, sharp turns, and cool decision-making. He wasn’t the loudest on the pitch—but his presence was impossible to ignore.

Late in the second half, after threading a perfect through-ball past two defenders, the coach clapped and shouted, “That’s what I’m talking about, Waad! Play like you’ve been here your whole life!”

And he did.