Manchester City Abu Dhabi Cup returns as more than 2,500 young players from around the world visit UAE capital for football calendar highlight

Abu Dhabi, February 13, 2025: The Manchester City Abu Dhabi Cup returns for its sixth edition this weekend, bringing together more than 180 teams from around the world in a celebration of football held at Zayed Sports City, in the UAE capital

Since the tournament’s inception in 2017, the tournament has grown from strength to strength, with 2025 being the biggest to date with 22 nations being represented, across five different age groups in the boys’ event, and three in the girls’ competition. Of the teams taking part, there will be 61 international, and more than 30 girls’ teams – with well over 2,500 young players taking to the pitch over the weekend of February 15 and 16.

This year, teams will travel to Abu Dhabi from the likes of the UK, Hong Kong, Sri Lanka, Indonesia, Ivory Coast, Russia, Belarus, and Turkmenistan. Five nations from the GCC will be represented.

34 teams will make their Abu Dhabi Cup debut this season – another sign of the tournament’s ever-growing reach and appeal.

Players from Under-8 to Under-17 level will play across the two days to be crowned Manchester City Abu Dhabi Cup champions in their respective categories – with the winners of each competition then entered into a draw to win a trip-of-a-lifetime to Manchester where they will get to train at the Etihad Campus and watch a Manchester City first team game.

While this is a competitive tournament, the values of the Manchester City Abu Dhabi Cup have always been to give young players a unique opportunity to travel to a top-class event with the best facilities and enjoy playing football in a safe and positive environment – creating lifelong memories and developing important personal skills, as well as being a significant step on their own football journey.

In excess of 6,000 supporters are expected to watch the games and enjoy the vibrant Tournament Village which is packed with games, activations, and a live DJ to maintain the party spirit.

Also in attendance will be former Manchester City and England U21 international Nedum Onuoha who is a tournament ambassador and will also be coaching one of the City Football Schools teams. Presenter for the weekend will be the ever-popular FG. The streamer and influencer will be injecting his high-energy positivity across the weekend.

The girls’ age groups were introduced in 2019 and, this year, 16 teams will play across three different age groups showing the tournament’s ongoing commitment to inclusivity, growing the girls’ game, and giving young player an opportunity to take part in competitive matches at a high level. 

Over the years, the tournament has been host to a number of players who have gone on to reach a professional level. The latest of which is Ben Dunbar. The midfielder represented Melbourne City at the 2018 Abu Dhabi Cup, and this season, at the age of 18, he made his first-team debut with the City Football Group side’s first team.

Simon Hewitt, Director of Football Operations MENA for City Football Group said: “The Manchester City Abu Dhabi Cup is a highlight of our calendar, and we cannot wait to welcome all the boys and girls to the capital for what is sure to be another incredible two days of football.

“We are extremely proud of this tournament and seeing its growth year-on-year reflects the passion and dedication we have in delivering an event that will be truly memorable for everyone taking part. We are only into the sixth edition of the Manchester City Abu Dhabi Cup but have forged a global reputation as a competition of the highest standards, and one that is held in the same esteem at the very biggest youth events on the world stage.

“While everyone is here to win, we want to ensure players, coaching staff, parents, and spectators all enjoy the Abu Dhabi experience and leave with a smile on their face after a weekend of matches played in a professional environment and fun-filled atmosphere.”