Essam El Shawaly once said in an interview: "When I recorded for FIFA 19, I didn't treat it as a video game. I treated it as a real final. I screamed until my voice cracked because that is what football demands."
It transformed a simulation into a celebration. If you have a dusty copy of FIFA 19 in your drawer, dust it off. Turn the volume up to 10. Pick Al Ahly or Al Hilal. Smash a volley from 30 yards. And let Essam and Abdullah take you to heaven. fifa 19 arabic commentary
In the sprawling history of football video games, certain features transcend mere functionality to become cultural phenomena. For the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region, the introduction of FIFA 19 Arabic Commentary was exactly that—a seismic shift. While FIFA 19 is often remembered for its controversial "House Rules" mode, the introduction of the UEFA Champions League license, and the final farewell to the "Frostbite engine" teething problems, its legacy in the Arab world rests squarely on the shoulders of two men: Essam El Shawaly and Abdullah Mubarak Al-Harby . Essam El Shawaly once said in an interview:
is the voice of the Champions League for BeIN Sports. His deep, poetic, and instantly recognizable timbre is associated with Messi’s magic and Ronaldo’s heroics. Abdullah Mubarak Al-Harby , meanwhile, brings the frantic, high-octane energy of the Saudi Pro League and international friendlies. If you have a dusty copy of FIFA
The chemistry in FIFA 19 Arabic commentary is unique. Where English commentary is analytical and reserved, El Shawaly and Al-Harby are emotional . They scream. They laugh. They use metaphors involving camels, swords, and ancient poetry. When you score a 90th-minute winner, Alan Smith says, "He’s found the corner." Essam El Shawaly screams: (Oh boy! Don’t believe it! Don’t rationalize it!). The Signature Lines That Became Memes The longevity of FIFA 19 Arabic commentary isn't just about the novelty; it’s about the script. The writers at EA allowed the localization team to go off-script and inject local humor. This resulted in hundreds of lines that became viral memes across TikTok and YouTube.