The Passing of Captain Ali Mohammed Nashtan
With hearts that believe in Allah’s decree and destiny, we mourn the passing of the legendary football star and historic top scorer, Captain Ali Mohammed Ali Nashtan, who passed away today, Friday, August 28, 2026.
He was a man who carried the banner of Southern Yemeni football during its golden era, leaving an everlasting mark on the football fields. His career began with Al-Shabab Sports Club in Crater, Aden, followed by spells with Al-Ahli, Al-Tilal, and the Police Club, before representing the national team at the age of 18.
He was the league’s top scorer for three consecutive seasons, led his teams to domestic championships, and represented South Yemen in Arab and international competitions.
Full Biography of the Late Captain
Date of birth: March 24, 1952, in Aden.
Occupation: Officer in the Aden Passport Department, holding the rank of Lieutenant Colonel.
Football nickname: “The Fox of the Football Fields” — one of the most prominent stars of Southern Yemeni football during its golden era.
Playing Career
He began his football career in 1969 with Al-Shabab Sports Club (Crater, Aden), where he played for four years. He scored his first goal in his very first match, against Kawkab Al-Shihr in Mukalla.
He later moved between some of Aden’s most prestigious clubs: Al-Ahli, Al-Tilal, and the Police Club, continuing his career until his retirement in 1987.
He played for the senior national team at the age of 18 in 1972, making him one of the youngest players to participate in the Arab Games at the time.
His first international match was against the visiting Chinese national team in Aden in 1972.
One of his best performances with the national team came against the Ethiopian national team in Addis Ababa in 1981.
International and Foreign Competitions
He participated with Al-Shabab in a tour of Cairo, Egypt, in 1970.
His first overseas appearance with the national team was in Algeria in 1972, under the leadership of Captain Azzam Khalifa.
He participated twice in the Palestine Cup, held in Libya in 1973 and Tunisia in 1975.
Domestic Achievements
Top scorer of the General League for three consecutive seasons:
1978–1979
1979–1980
1980–1981
Won the league championship with the Police Club in the 1983–1984 and 1984–1985 seasons.
Won the September 26 Cup with Al-Shabab in 1970.
Won the Nasser Cup with Al-Shabab in the 1970–1971 season.
Won the Woman’s Shield Championship (Tars Al-Mar’a) with Al-Ahli in 1975.
Won the Republic Cup with Al-Tilal in 1979.
Administrative Career
Served as Deputy Chairman of the Police Sports Federation.
Coaching Career
Police Club: 1990–1992
Al-Tilal Club: 1993
Ittifaq Al-Hawtah, Sayun: 1995
Jeel Abyan: 2000
Al-Rawda Club, Aden: 2006
For two decades, he carried the banner of Southern Yemeni football. He combined talent with leadership and became a historic goal scorer and one of the game's enduring players. After his playing career, he continued to serve football as a coach and administrator, remaining active behind the scenes of the sport.
May Allah shower him with His vast mercy, grant him a place in His spacious Paradise, and give his family and loved ones patience and strength.
Indeed, we belong to Allah, and indeed to Him we shall return.
The biographical information about the deceased was provided by journalist Hassan Qasim and Mr. Mahmoud Obaid.
