Malian international Abdoul Salam Dembélé targets breakthrough at Emirates Cultural SC

Malian youth international Abdoul Salam Dembélé has signed with Emirates Cultural Sport Club, committing his future to the Emirati side until the end of the 2025/26 season.

The 19-year-old striker, regarded as one of Mali’s most promising young forwards, will begin with the club’s B team before aiming to break into the senior squad.

Dembélé, who previously played for Stade Malien de Bamako and spent time on loan at AS Bakaridjan in 2023, is eager to seize what he views as a major career opportunity.

I was free from any constraints. Thanks to the good collaboration with my representatives, we had this opportunity, which we were able to seize, he said. I also met many quality people within the Emirati club’s team, such as Ahmed Azaiez, and the current coach, Waleed Merwesh, who warmly welcomed me and also explained his objectives and their projects. I am determined to do everything possible to achieve them, inshallah, because I am very motivated to take on this challenge.

Dembélé is already recognised at youth level in Mali, where his technical ability, vision, and determination have marked him out under coach Demba Mamadou Traoré.

Now, he hopes his move to the UAE will serve as a springboard toward senior professional football.

My ambition is to become a champion, score many goals and be decisive in every match, in order to sign a professional contract afterwards. I hope we all share the same vision to achieve our goals, insha’Allah, he explained.

Dembélé also praised the development of football in the Emirates, highlighting the growing profile of the UAE Pro League and the opportunities it creates for African talent.

For the 2025/26 season, the UAE Pro League has more than 54 foreign players, including 17 African players. I can say that it is a growing league and the enthusiasm is palpable, which is very pleasing, he said.

He spoke glowingly about his new club’s infrastructure and ambitions, noting its status within Emirati football.

The Emirates Cultural Sport Club is one of the largest clubs in the Emirates, well-structured and equipped with exceptional sports facilities. This club also offers many opportunities for young players to develop their football skills and gain experience, he added.

With his sights set on helping the team reach the first division, Dembélé expressed gratitude for the faith shown in him.

We are fighting together to reach the first division next year. I am very happy and grateful to be here, and I sincerely thank the Falcons management.

For Dembélé, the challenge now lies in translating his potential into consistent performances, as he works to establish himself in one of the Gulf region’s most ambitious footballing projects.