Abou Ali’s Journey: From Injury to Aspiration in MLS

In the world of football, outcomes can shift dramatically with a single moment. Abou Ali, currently with the Crew, reflects on how a different tackle or decision could have spared him the injury he faced. He initially had the opportunity to join the Crew as early as January 2025 but chose to remain with Al-Ahly during the Club World Cup.

This decision proved to be fortuitous for Ali. Although Al-Ahly did not advance from Group A, he made his mark by netting a hat-trick in a thrilling 4-4 draw against Porto, which was arguably the most exciting match of the tournament. This performance served as validation for the Palestinian international.

“You should have seen it. In Miami, a massive stadium filled with Egyptian Al-Ahly fans. The atmosphere was electric,” he recounted.

While the Crew may not fill an NFL stadium every week, the tournament demonstrated the genuine passion for soccer in the United States. Ali quickly realized that Major League Soccer (MLS) exceeded his expectations in terms of organization, quality, and professionalism.

“It’s a lot better than I anticipated. The level is higher, the tempo is quicker. The seriousness surrounding the league is top-notch: from the stadiums to the production quality,” he explained.

Ali thrived on this energy, fitting perfectly into the Crew’s need for a No. 9. At 6’3″, he possesses the physicality, speed, and finishing skills that make him a formidable striker. His previous stint at Al-Ahly, where he scored 28 goals in 35 games, demonstrated his capability, prompting the Crew to invest up to $8.5 million for his transfer.

Despite considering other candidates, the Crew prioritized Ali, who quickly repaid their faith by scoring in three consecutive matches after a slow start. It seemed that adapting to MLS was a breeze for him.

“I just need my cleats and a ball,” Ali said with a grin.

His joy on the pitch stems from his past experiences. Once a winger, he now plays with passion and determination. However, his career nearly ended in 2021 after suffering a heart attack during a match.

“I had a heart attack four years ago. So, [cleats and a ball] are all that matter. Forget the money and fame; they mean nothing,” he shared.

This life-altering event offered him perspective, making his recent ankle injury feel less threatening to his career. Ali was confident in his recovery, but the process was challenging.

“When you break your ankle, you sit at home like this,” he said, dramatically tapping his injured leg against the table. “You cannot move. You’re just itching to play, but you can’t.”

Doctors mandated that he wear a boot on his right foot, which proved to be a significant challenge. The pain might have been absent during the match, but the days following were tough.

“Getting out of bed, showering, everything was difficult. If I tried to step, I’d just fall. The boot for six to eight weeks was horrible,” he recounted.

There were moments when Ali felt ready to resume playing, only to encounter setbacks. He had to navigate various stages of recovery, which included a rigorous regimen of pool work and gradual progression to running and kicking.

“You run in the pool with five percent resistance, but you still feel your ankle and think, ‘Can I even walk?'” he said.

Compounding his struggles was the time zone difference from his support network, making the isolation during recovery particularly difficult.

“When I started gaming, they all went to sleep. I couldn’t talk to my friends,” he lamented.

Fortunately, the Crew provided substantial support throughout his rehabilitation. They encouraged him to stay engaged with the team, which helped him maintain a sense of belonging.

“I felt I had an impact from the moment I arrived. People valued me as a person. The coach wanted me around to instill confidence in the team,” Ali explained.

He became a source of humor and motivation, participating in daily activities and supporting his teammates from the sidelines.

“I was just there telling jokes, sometimes they laughed at my stupidity, not because it was actually funny,” he recalled.

Now, Ali is eager to return, albeit in a changing environment. The coach who initially signed him has departed for Celtic, and a new manager, Henrik Rydstrom, has taken over. Ali is familiar with Rydstrom, having faced his Malmo team previously and scored against them.

“I scored against him when he was coaching Malmo. They were intimidating, and they beat us, too,” Ali said with a smile.

In their introductory conversation, he reminded Rydstrom of this achievement but also offered his support during the transition.

“I can imagine how challenging it is for a coach moving from Sweden to here. I just have to kick the ball and score; his job is to manage 30 players,” Ali noted, emphasizing the complexities of leadership.

He also advocated for patience with the new coach, expressing a willingness to assist in any way he could.

“I told him, ‘Whatever you need from me, I’m ready to help. I want to support you both on and off the field,'” Ali said.

Despite the challenges, Ali has ambitious goals for the season.

“I want to be the top scorer in MLS, without a doubt,” he declared.

He aims for the Crew to finish in the top three of the Eastern Conference and compete for trophies by season’s end.

With his determination and a fully functional right ankle, Ali’s aspirations seem well within reach.