Former UPSL Midfielder Ali Fadal (OFC Barca) makes Valencia CF debut in Copa Del Rey
A year after signing professionally for La Liga and UEFA Champions League club Valencia CF in Spain, former UPSL midfielder Ali Fadal has made his debut for the Valencia first team in Copa Del Rey competition. Hailing originally from Ghana, growing up in the vibrant Florida soccer scene, the former OFC Barca (Orlando, FL) star has already shown incredible developmental strides after just one year with the Under-21s at one of Spain’s most historic clubs.
Coming on in the 70th minute, Fadal produced several key interceptions and helped string passes together in a narrow 1-0 second-round win over fifth tier Arosa SC. Fadal, born 2004, is primarily a central midfielder known for both dictating play and his leadership qualities—at the age of 17 he was already captaining his UPSL side in the Florida Premier Division. After successful trails with Valencia CF in Spain, former club of David Silva, David Villa, Jordi Abla, Isco, etc., Fadal was signed to the club’s Under-21 team with an opportunity to train with the club’s first-team players.
Kevin Salas, former OFC Barca head coach, spoke about Ali Fadal’s role in his UPSL team just a couple of years prior to his Valencia debut.
“I gave Ali the freedom to play where we wanted on the field, to dictate play and tempo and create the best environment for both the team to develop and him individually. Not long after I saw his level of play, I made him my captain. Ali played at a level far beyond his age.”
“His matches in the UPSL were some of his first experiences against older, tougher opposition and it made for some exciting games and high-level competition. We couldn’t be more proud of Ali’s journey.”
As Fadal is integrated more and more into the Valencia first team, expect him to make his long-awaited La Liga debut later this year. Valencia continue their impressive season as they currently await the Copa Del Rey Round of 32 to begin, a competition where Fadal is expected to feature heavily. The team currently sits in first place in UEFA Champions League Group H, where they are ahead of both Chelsea and Ajax. Stay tuned to all UPSL social media channels for updates and a closer look into Ali Fadal’s La Liga journey.
About the UPSL
The UPSL was formed in 2011 and occupies the unofficial fourth tier of US Soccer. Across its Premier, Division 1, Women and Academy divisions there are more than 500 teams competing nationwide. The UPSL is the largest Pro Development League in North America and is a National Affiliate member of the U.S. Soccer Federation (USSF). Each UPSL team is individually owned and operated. UPSL teams are eligible to participate in the U.S. Open Cup Qualifying Rounds through the league’s affiliation with USSF. More information about UPSL can be found at www.upsl.com or by following the league on Facebook (facebook.com/upslsoccer), Instagram (@upslsoccer) and Twitter (@upslsoccer). Contact UPSL: [email protected] / Media: [email protected]