Ex-Premier League manager painfully flattened by own player then shows off dance skills

Julen Lopetegui was decked by Assim Madibo during the win over UAE (Picture: Getty Images)

It was an eventful night for Qatar boss Julen Lopetegui on Tuesday as he celebrated qualification for the World Cup after being flattened by his own player smashing a ball in his face.

Qatar beat UAE 2-1 in Al Rayyan thanks to goals from Boualem Khoukhi and Pedro Miguel, which secured them top spot in their qualification group and a place at next summer’s tournament.

The country qualified as hosts of the last World Cup but this marks the first time Qatar has come through qualifying to reach the sport’s biggest event.

It was a joyful night for Lopetegui but also a painful one after being taken out by Qatar defender Assim Madibo on the touchline.

The manager was walloped from close range as Madibo booted the ball into his face.

The Spanish manager hit the deck and briefly writhed in pain but popped back up pretty quickly and was fine to continue.

The victory followed a draw with Oman and was enough to secure a trip to the World Cup next summer.

Blauw oog voor Qatar-bondscoach Julen Lopetegui 😵🇶🇦 pic.twitter.com/CJ9n8TEBtQ — ESPN NL (@ESPNnl) October 14, 2025

Madibo helped up his coach after whacking him with the ball (Picture: Getty Images)

Lopetegui, who managed Wolves and West Ham in the Premier League before taking charge of Qatar in May this year was delighted with the result and to progress to the showpiece tournament next year.

‘I’m very, very happy. Very proud. (It’s a) Unique achievement that never happened in the history of this country,’ he said.

‘I always thought when you are following a big dream, there is magic that happens (to make it come true). But you have to believe (to achieve it) and until then, we didn’t stop and we achieved it.

‘We are very happy and proud for the country, players and families.’

Lopetegui will lead Qatar in next summer’s World Cup (Picture: Getty Images)

The 59-year-old also got to show off his dance skills after the victory, entertaining his players and the media with some silky moves.

The Qatar Football Association posted: ‘The manager is in total party mode!’

El míster está en modo fiesta total!🕺😎🇪🇸 pic.twitter.com/mBz6sPUmg7 — Qatar Football Association (@QFA_EN) October 14, 2025

Julen Lopetegui Assim Madibo Qualification World Cup Qatar

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