1. Overview
Khalid Eisa Mohammed Bilal Saeed Al Mesmari (خَالِد عِيسَى مُحَمَّد بِلَال سَعِيد الْمِسْمَارِيّKhalid Eisa Mohammed Bilal Saeed Al MesmariArabic), widely known as Khalid Eisa, is an Emirati professional association football goalkeeper. Born on 15 September 1989, he is a prominent figure in Emirati football, currently playing for Al Ain FC and the United Arab Emirates national football team. Throughout his career, Eisa has achieved significant success with both his club and the national team, contributing to multiple league titles, domestic cups, and participating in major international tournaments, including the 2012 Summer Olympics, the 2018 FIFA Club World Cup, and several AFC Asian Cups.
2. Early Life and Background
Khalid Eisa Mohammed Bilal Saeed Al Mesmari was born on 15 September 1989. His early life led him into football, where he developed his skills as a goalkeeper. Prior to his professional club debut, Eisa laid the groundwork for his future career within the youth football system, though specific youth club details are not widely documented. He is 69 in (176 cm) tall and weighs 165 lb (75 kg). He primarily uses his right foot.
3. Club Career
Khalid Eisa's professional club career has seen him play for two major Emirati clubs: Al Jazira FC and Al Ain FC, where he has become a distinguished and decorated goalkeeper.
3.1. Al Jazira
Eisa began his professional career with Al Jazira FC in 2010. During his tenure at the club, he contributed to team successes, including winning the UAE Pro League in the 2010-11 season and the UAE President's Cup twice, in the 2010-11 and 2011-12 seasons. However, during his time at Al Jazira until 2013, his league appearances were limited to 13 matches.
3.2. Al Ain
On 17 July 2013, Khalid Eisa made a significant transfer to Al Ain FC in an undisclosed deal. This move marked a pivotal point in his career, as he quickly established himself as Al Ain's primary goalkeeper. He wears the number 17 jersey for Al Ain. His consistent performance and leadership have been central to Al Ain's dominance in Emirati football and strong presence in continental competitions. As of August 24, 2024, he has made 247 appearances for the club.
With Al Ain, Eisa has amassed an impressive collection of titles. He was instrumental in securing the UAE Pro League championship three times (2014-15, 2017-18, and 2021-22). He also won the UAE President's Cup twice (2013-14, 2017-18), the UAE League Cup in 2021-22, and the UAE Super Cup in 2015. On the continental stage, Eisa helped Al Ain clinch the AFC Champions League title in 2024 and reach the final in 2016. Furthermore, he played a crucial role in Al Ain's achievement as runner-up in the 2018 FIFA Club World Cup.
4. International Career
Khalid Eisa has represented the United Arab Emirates at various levels, showcasing his goalkeeping prowess on the international stage.
4.1. Youth and Olympic Teams
Eisa's international journey began with the youth national teams of the United Arab Emirates. A significant milestone in his early career was his participation in the men's football tournament at the 2012 Summer Olympics in London, where he represented the UAE Olympic team.
4.2. Senior National Team
Khalid Eisa first joined the UAE senior national team in 2011. Since then, he has become a cornerstone of the squad. He played a crucial role in the UAE's victory in the 2013 Arabian Gulf Cup. He was also a key member of the team that secured third place at the 2015 AFC Asian Cup and reached the semi-finals of the 2019 AFC Asian Cup. In the Asian Qualifiers for the 2018 FIFA World Cup, Eisa delivered a memorable performance in the first match against Japan, making several crucial saves, including against Japan's ace Keisuke Honda, which helped secure a 2-1 comeback victory for the UAE. He was also named in the UAE squad for the 2023 AFC Asian Cup. As of August 24, 2024, he has earned 78 caps for the national team.
5. Honours
Khalid Eisa has accumulated numerous honours throughout his distinguished career, both with his clubs and the national team, along with individual accolades.
5.1. Club
Al Jazira
- UAE Pro League: 2010-11
- UAE President's Cup: 2010-11, 2011-12
Al Ain
- UAE Pro League: 2014-15, 2017-18, 2021-22
- UAE League Cup: 2021-22
- UAE President's Cup: 2013-14, 2017-18
- UAE Super Cup: 2015
- AFC Champions League: 2024; runner-up: 2016
- FIFA Club World Cup runner-up: 2018
5.2. International
United Arab Emirates
- Arabian Gulf Cup: 2013; runner-up: 2017
- AFC Asian Cup third-place: 2015
5.3. Individual
- Arabian Gulf Cup Best Goalkeeper: 2018
- UAE Pro League Golden Glove: 2021-22