Abdelbaset al-Saroot was only 19 years old when the revolution began in 2011 and was already on his way to becoming an international soccer star. His exceptional skills as a goalie had endeared him to Syrian soccer fans and made him the pride and joy of his hometown of Homs -- which was one of the first Syrian cities to become a major target of the Assad regime.
He endeared himself even further to many Homsis when he chose to walk away from potential fame and fortune and become a very visible leader of demonstrations calling for the downfall of the Assad regime.
This resulted in placing him on the Assad regime’s most wanted list. All four of al-Saroot’s brothers were killed by Assad’s security forces -- but miraculously he has managed to survive.
Since the negotiated withdrawal of what remained of the rebel forces in Homs in 2014, al-Saroot’s public appearances have been rare. It has been said that the regime once offered a huge reward for his capture, dead or alive, and he is constantly surrounded by security wherever he goes.
In this exclusive interview for Orient Net, the former soccer star who is now 24 years old shared some of his thoughts about the Syrian revolution, the direction his life has taken, and where he hopes it may go in the future.
Q: How do you feel about giving up popularity as a sports figure for that of a revolution figure?
A: From the early beginning my goal was not to make myself popular. I didn’t expect to become a singer for the revolution, and then a battalion leader fighting to defend our people. Some may consider me as a symbol but my aim was not to seek popularity at all. It was love for my people that inspired me -- the children, elders, widows and their families. It was they who raised me up, not me who raised up the protesters. They didn’t like me for my person, but for my beliefs of freedom and fighting for justice against Assad’s brutality and dictatorship.
Q: Can you describe the difference between your sports audience and the audience you have had as a revolution figure?
A: Soccer in the end is just a game. It’s a great feeling to play in front of thousands of spectators, especially when you win at the end of the match. As for the revolution, the love here is different. People like al-Saroot due to his goals, but this revolution doesn’t glorify persons.
Q: What is the difference between your role as goal keeper in soccer and your role in the revolution?
A: Goal keeper is different from guarding the homeland. The goal keeper in soccer is considered half the team and can be a turning point during the match. As for the revolution, I am just one match in the box that keeps the revolution fires burning. I am not the only revolution guard; there are many all over Syria. Guarding land and home is a duty and a must for everyone who is living there.
Q: Do you believe you were most effective as spokesman, tutor, preacher, coach or fighter for the revolution?
A: Life is a school of experiences, especially during the pain we have suffered in this revolution. Life teaches you a lot. We entered the Syrian revolution as protesters but were obliged to hold weapons and the one who obliged us to hold them is the one we are fighting. Fighting injustice pushed us to hold weapons. I admit that I am not a military leader because this is not my career. I was a soccer player who became a singer for the revolution. We were most effective the first year and a half when the protests were peaceful and showed the whole world that we are not terrorists.
Q: Will you continue your role as ambassador for the revolution outside of Syria?
A: First of all, I am not an ambassador or a symbol. Our symbols are the martyrs, refugees, widows, children and everybody fighting Assad brutality. Those are the real representatives of this holy revolution and they are the real ambassadors everywhere. We support them and we are loyal to them.
Q: Do you plan to return to soccer after the toppling of the regime?
A: I thank God that he gave me my healthy hands and body to defend and fight against injustice in my country. This is much better than playing in a soccer game. As for going back to soccer, I had many surgeries for injuries sustained in Syria; tendons, ruptured arteries and bone fractures. I now suffer from bowel deformation and abdominal weakness. That’s why it’s very difficult to go back to soccer. Also after 6 years of revolution I am away from practicing football. My goal is bigger than going back to soccer; it’s to be with people who are fighting for freedom, dignity and justice --- and the victory of the revolution.
Q: Any message to the Syrian opposition?
A: All Syrians should come together at this critical time and shoulder the responsibility for the martyrs’ families, widows, children, refugees, expatriates and the daily bombardment of civilians. “I ask God to unify us all, because victory will not be obtained without unity.”
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