Salgado's son represents the UAE national team: Details of Allan joining the Whites
In a remarkable move reflecting the development of the sporting landscape in the United Arab Emirates and underscoring the country's appeal as a global destination for nurturing talent, Alan Salgado, son of Real Madrid and Spanish national team legend Michel Salgado, officially launched his international career with the UAE Under-17 national team. This event was not merely a passing sports news item, but rather the culmination of years of family stability and dedicated work within football academies in Dubai.
The beginning of his international career with "Al-Abyad"
Young player Alan Salgado made his official debut for the UAE national team in the AFC U-17 Asian Cup qualifiers, a tournament considered the main gateway to the FIFA U-17 World Cup. The player displayed promising technical abilities reminiscent of his father's strength and skill, but with a distinctly Emirati flavor, having grown up and developed within the country's sports infrastructure, benefiting from the advanced sports facilities the UAE provides for emerging talents.
Historical background: The Salgado family and their settlement in Dubai
Alan's decision to represent the UAE cannot be separated from the broader context of his father Michel Salgado's life. Salgado chose Dubai as his permanent residence after retiring from football. The star, who played right-back during Real Madrid's "golden era," not only lived in the UAE but also actively contributed to the development of local football by founding the "Spanish Soccer School" and the "Knights of Hispania" club. This complete integration of the family into Emirati society naturally led to the children developing a strong sense of belonging to the country where they spent most of their lives, a fact confirmed by the Spanish newspaper Marca, which noted that all of Salgado's children hold Emirati citizenship.
Family legacy and strategic influence
Alan's emergence is a continuation of a strong family presence in Emirati football, following in the footsteps of his older brother, Miguel Salgado, who represented the UAE under-20 national team before embarking on a professional career in Portugal with Estoril Praia. This trend reflects the success of the UAE's sports strategies, which have allowed residents and those born in the country to participate in national teams, thus contributing to increased competitiveness and strengthening the squads with talent developed according to the highest international standards.
Father's pride and future aspirations
For his part, Michel Salgado made no secret of his pride in his son's career, expressing his full support for his son's choices on social media, praising his efforts, and urging him to remain humble and continue working hard. The inclusion of internationally renowned talents like Alan Salgado in the UAE national teams is seen as a positive step that enhances the standing of Emirati football regionally and internationally, and opens the door for a new generation of players who combine natural talent with professional training within the country.
