Amman, Aug. 17 (Petra) – Jordanian national team defender Yazan Arab said representing Jordan in South Korea has been a source of pride, as he carried the country’s image with him onto the field and sought to build connections between Korean fans and Jordan beyond football.
In an interview with the Jordan News Agency (Petra), Arab highlighted the strong interaction between Korean fans and Jordan as one of the most rewarding aspects of his experience, recalling the sight of Jordanian flags in the stands in support of him and his country as one of his most cherished moments.
He said those moments filled him with pride, as he felt he was representing not only himself on the field but also carrying Jordan’s image with him in every match. The experience, he added, went beyond football, creating a broader connection between fans and the two countries.
Among his most memorable experiences was a visit by a number of FC Seoul fans to Jordan, where they toured the capital’s historical and tourist sites while wearing the club’s jerseys.
Arab said he also sought during his time in Korea to demonstrate the ability of Jordanian players to compete in strong foreign leagues, noting that Jordan has talented and ambitious players who need opportunities, confidence and sustained effort to prove themselves.
He stressed that professionalism is built on more than talent, requiring commitment, discipline and consistency. Success at the international level, he added, also depends on attention to daily details, including training, recovery, nutrition and lifestyle.
For Jordanian players aspiring to pursue professional careers abroad, Arab emphasized the importance of continuous self-development and being psychologically and culturally prepared to adapt to new environments, systems and working methods.
He described moving to a foreign league as a comprehensive challenge extending beyond the sporting aspect, requiring players to adapt, learn, understand their surroundings and make the most of the experience.
Arab also pointed to the significant progress made by Jordanian football in recent years, noting that the national team’s results and the performances of Jordanian players abroad have helped reshape perceptions of Jordanian football and increase international interest in its players.
He said achievements on the field have demonstrated Jordanian players’ ability to compete at different levels, but stressed that the next stage requires continued development and hard work to consolidate these gains and create more professional opportunities for the next generation.
Addressing young players, Arab urged them to believe in their abilities, work hard and remain focused on development, while learning to distinguish constructive criticism from negative comments. He stressed that reaching the professional level requires patience and sustained effort, with performance on the field ultimately serving as the measure of a player’s level.
//Petra// AJ
