World’s only openly gay active pro footballer is concerned for LGBTQ community ahead of Qatar 2022 World Cup qualifiers
Qatar 2022 World Cup: All-star football tournament begins in September, including 16 matches between the teams from the Gulf Cooperation Council
Hassan Al-Kharraz: ‘I always wanted to be the first openly gay footballer’
The 26-year-old, who is in the same position of power as most male players, said he had to face difficulties in his life because of his sexuality.
The former Manchester United ace said: ‘I’m always open about who I am. It’s an issue that affects a lot of people, and it’s something I’ve always thought about. It’s not something that’s easy to talk about and talk about it in a certain way.
‘I don’t want to forget about the people who have had to deal with it, the people who have had to live with this as it has been.’
In recent years Mohammed Al-Atrash, who is also an Arsenal fan, has revealed that he is gay and received positive criticism for his comments.
The Qatari national is thought to be the first to join the global football family of players who have come out in the gay community.
Hassan Al-Kharraz: ‘I’m always open about who I am. It’s an issue that affects a lot of people, and it’s something I’ve always thought about. It’s not something that’s easy to talk about and talk about it in a certain way.’
In a bid to boost his confidence, the Qatari decided to reveal his sexuality so that he could be the first openly gay active pro footballer in the world.
But even after coming out, there was still a way to go until he would be able to play for a top club in the world’s biggest football tournament.
He said: ‘I always knew I could make it in the game, whether I was open or not. I always thought about being the first openly gay footballer, but I would have to go through a lot of problems to become one. In terms of politics, things like that, it’s something that’s complicated.
‘I thought that if I was to come out publicly, I would still have to deal with a lot of things. My family
