Ali Al-Habsi
Ali Al-Habsi. Biography
Ali Abdullah Harib Al-Habsi (more commonly known as Ali Al-Habsi) is a goalkeeper of English side Wigan Athletic. He was born on 30 December 1981 in Muscat, Oman.
Ali’s career took off in Al-Midhaibi. After several years the footballer spent in the second division, he completed a move to Al-Nasr and performed for the new club for one season. During that time Al-Habsi helped his team to lift the Sultan Qaboos Cup.
After one season with the squad, the keeper moved to Norwegian side Lyn. Ali became the first Omani player, who managed to come on the European field. In 2004 Al-Habsi was voted the best goalkeeper in Norway. The player performed for Lyn during three seasons before finalizing a move to Bolton in 2006. Ali’s début came in September 2007 in the Football League Cup match against Fulham. The footballer also stood between the posts in the UEFA Cup game against Bayern Munich.
During the 2007/2008 season, Al-Habsi took part in 16 Premier League matches and extended his contract with the club till 2013.
On 15 June 2010, the footballer completed a move on loan to Wigan Athletic. After the keeper’s spell, the management of the temporary team offered him a permanent deal. Ali accepted the offer and officially became a player of ‘Latics’.
Al-Habsi was capped 74 times for the Oman national squad.
