Dubai United FC secures Senegalese midfielder Moustapha Name under Andrea Pirlo

Dubai United FC has announced the signing of Senegalese international Moustapha Name, marking a new chapter in the midfielder’s career in the UAE First Division League.

The former Paris FC and Pafos FC player joins the ambitious project led by Italian football legend Andrea Pirlo.

Founded in 2022, Dubai United FC, also referred to as United FC Dubai, has quickly risen in prominence within the UAE football landscape.

The club secured promotion to the UAE First Division League in its inaugural season and is determined to establish itself as a competitive force among the nation’s top teams.

Home matches are held at the ISD Stadium Pitch in Dubai Sports City.

The appointment of Andrea Pirlo as head coach in July 2025 underscored the club’s growing ambitions.

The Italian, renowned for his successful coaching stints at Juventus and Karagümrük in Turkey, brings a wealth of experience and tactical acumen to a project aiming to make a lasting impact on UAE football.

Moustapha Name, 30, adds significant experience to the squad. The versatile midfielder developed his skills at AS Douanes de Dakar before moving to France, where he played for Pau FC and Paris FC.

He later gained international experience in Cyprus with Pafos FC and in Romania with CFR Cluj.

A regular feature in the Senegal national team, Name is recognized for his ability to recover possession, dictate the pace of play, and contribute offensively when needed.

Name’s move to Dubai United FC reflects both the player’s desire to take on new challenges and the club’s commitment to building a competitive and experienced squad.

His leadership on and off the pitch is expected to complement Pirlo’s tactical approach, helping to guide younger players and elevate the team’s performance across all competitions.

The Senegalese midfielder’s arrival comes at a pivotal moment for the club as it seeks to consolidate its position in the UAE First Division League and push toward further domestic success.

With Name’s European football experience and international pedigree, Dubai United FC is well-positioned to make an immediate impact while laying the groundwork for sustained growth in the coming seasons.

As the season progresses, the partnership between Moustapha Name and Andrea Pirlo will be closely watched, with expectations high that the combination of seasoned leadership and strategic coaching will propel Dubai United FC toward its ambitious goals.

This signing reinforces the club’s commitment to blending experienced international talent with emerging local players, signaling Dubai United FC’s intent to become a notable force in UAE football.