Oman national beach soccer player Sami al Balushi has described passion, determination and persistence as the key elements behind his rise from playing casually on the beaches of Barka to becoming one of the prominent names in Omani beach soccer, while continuing to dream of achieving global success with the national team.
In an exclusive interview, Al Balushi said his journey began like many young men in the Wilayat of Barka, where football was simply a hobby enjoyed on the beach during evenings before evolving into a professional path through talent, dedication and understanding of the sport.
“My beginnings were on the shores and beaches of Barka, just like many young people,” he said. “It started as a hobby and love for football and with talent, development and learning the rules of the game, my story with beach soccer began.”
Al Balushi revealed that his first real belief in his ability to represent Oman came in 2016, following Al Suwini Tournament in Salalah, where Al Shabab Club won the title, that experience fuelled his ambition to wear the national team jersey and represent Oman in regional and international competitions.
Although he also played traditional football, Al Balushi explained that beach soccer suited his abilities more due to its emphasis on shooting and aerial skills.
“I saw my talent, abilities, and skills stand out more in beach soccer,” he said.
He credited his family and friends as the first people who believed in and supported him throughout the early stages of his career.
Like many athletes, Al Balushi’s journey was not without obstacles. One of the toughest challenges he faced was understanding the tactical side and rules of beach soccer in his early years. However, the most difficult setback came after suffering an ACL injury, which he described as a major turning point.
“After the injury, I worked hard to return as the Sami everyone knew,” he said. “It was a difficult setback, but thankfully I came back stronger.”
Among his most memorable achievements, Al Balushi highlighted winning the top scorer award at the 2019 International Friendly Tournament in Morocco, describing it as a significant moment that helped introduce his name to a wider audience.
He also pointed to the 2019 NEOM International Tournament in Saudi Arabia as a turning point in his career, particularly because of the strength of participating national teams.
“We delivered a performance that represented Oman honourably,” he said.
“With the national team and clubs, you truly experience teamwork and fight together to raise Oman’s name high,” he said.
Reflecting on the development of Oman’s beach soccer team, which achieved West Asia runners-up in 2023, two AFC Asian Cup bronze medals, and AFC Asian Cup runners-up in 2025, Al Balushi praised the steady progress of the squad and the emergence of talented young players.
He described winning the gold medal at the 2025 Gulf Olympic Championship in Oman as a particularly emotional achievement, especially in front of Omani fans.
“It is an honour to represent my country and dedicate such achievements to beach soccer supporters and Omani fans,” he said.
According to Al Balushi, Oman’s consistent qualification for the Fifa Beach Soccer World Cup six consecutive times is driven by determination and the natural talent of Omani players, though he stressed that players still require support, motivation and proper guidance.
Looking ahead, Al Balushi believes Oman is capable of achieving a major international breakthrough following the team’s 2025 Asian silver medal and 2026 Asian Beach Games silver medal.
“Why not?” he said. “We have the ability, but the difference against top teams lies in experience and small details during matches.”
His personal goal for the upcoming World Cup is to deliver performances that honour Oman and reach the semifinals, a dream he believes can become reality.
Al Balushi also confirmed he remains open to playing professionally abroad in the future, admitting he had opportunities before but did not feel ready at the time.
Addressing young players interested in beach soccer, he encouraged them to remain committed, improve constantly and avoid frustration.
“Do not rely only on training camps,” he advised. “Keep working on yourself because disappointment is the biggest enemy of any football player.”
Concluding the interview, Al Balushi said his ultimate ambition is to leave a meaningful legacy in Omani beach soccer.
“My goal is not only to say I played,” he said. “I want people to say Sami al Balushi made a difference, inspired a generation, played with passion, fought for his dream and left behind a legacy that will never be forgotten.”
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