ֱ

Two-time EuroLeague champion Dzanan Musa signs for Dubai Basketball from Real Madrid

Two-time EuroLeague champion Dzanan Musa signs for Dubai Basketball from Real Madrid
Bosnian basketball star Dzanan Musa has signed for Dubai Basketball from Real Madrid. (Supplied)
Short Url
Updated 07 July 2025

Two-time EuroLeague champion Dzanan Musa signs for Dubai Basketball from Real Madrid

Two-time EuroLeague champion Dzanan Musa signs for Dubai Basketball from Real Madrid
  • Bosnian will join Dubai in a three-year contract after a title-winning campaign with Spanish giants
  • head coach Jurica Golemac is assembling a roster capable of challenging the very best in Europe

DUBAI: Dzanan Musa, one of Europe’s most sought-after shooting guards, joins Dubai Basketball on a three-year deal starting with the 2025-26 season. The two-time EuroLeague champion will join the Dubai side directly from a title-winning campaign with one of the world’s most celebrated teams, Real Madrid.

The 26-year-old Bosnian has created a name for himself with a brief stint in the NBA, followed by his immediate ascent in the EuroLeague. Speaking on his transfer to Dubai that will see him on the team until 2028, Musa commented: “Joining Dubai Basketball is an incredible opportunity and a challenge I’m fully prepared to take on. Coming off a championship season in Spain, I feel confident in what I can bring to the court, and I’m excited to help this team create history in both the EuroLeague and ABA League.

“It’s been an amazing journey to reach this stage of my career. Now being here in Dubai, ready to write a new chapter, it’s truly special,” he added. “I’m looking forward to supporting the growing basketball community here, connecting with our fans, and making them proud. I’m committed to doing whatever it takes to help this team grow and leave a lasting legacy in this city.”

Before returning to Europe, Musa spent two seasons in the NBA with the Brooklyn Nets, who selected him 29th overall in the first round of the 2018 NBA Draft. During his time in the US, he appeared in 49 NBA games, gaining playing time alongside All-Star teammates, including NBA stars Kyrie Irving and Kevin Durant. Musa also excelled in the NBA G League, where he averaged 19.5 points per game with the Long Island Nets, underlining his offensive potential.

Musa made an immediate impact since his debut, which started with Slovenian side Cedevita Olimpija, where he made his first EuroLeague appearance at just 16 years old. Following his time in the US, Dzanan joined Spanish side Rio Breogan in 2021, where he was named the Spanish league’s MVP for his standout season.

The Bosnian was quickly scouted to join Spanish giants Real Madrid at 23 years old. He became a key figure in the team’s 2022-23 EuroLeague title-winning run, contributing an average of 14.8 points and 2.7 assists per game, which led him to be selected in the All-EuroLeague First Team in his inaugural year at Madrid. Musa joins Dubai Basketball after wrapping up a successful domestic league campaign where he contributed a total of 466 points to clinch the Spanish side’s 16th league title.

Musa becomes the first signing ahead of what promises to be a historic season, not only for Dubai but for European basketball. Since the team’s inception in the 2024-25 season, Dubai Basketball has consistently made headlines by reaching milestones, setting records, and paving the way for a new era in the sport. As the club prepares for its EuroLeague debut this season, head coach Jurica Golemac is assembling a roster capable of challenging the very best in Europe.


UAE jiu-jitsu team win 7 medals in U-21 division at World Championships in Thailand

UAE jiu-jitsu team win 7 medals in U-21 division at World Championships in Thailand
Updated 13 November 2025

UAE jiu-jitsu team win 7 medals in U-21 division at World Championships in Thailand

UAE jiu-jitsu team win 7 medals in U-21 division at World Championships in Thailand
  • Emirati athletes’ haul on Wednesday included 2 gold, 3 silver and 2 bronze

BANGKOK: The UAE jiu-jitsu national under-21 team began their campaign at the 2025 World Championships in Bangkok, Thailand, with two gold, three silver and two bronze medals.

The tournament includes competitions in the age categories under 16, 18 and 21, and runs until Nov.14.

Amaar Alhosani captured gold in the under 94 kg category, while Rashed Alshehhi won gold in the 56 kg division.

Fahad Alhammadi earned silver in the 77 kg category, with Rashid Alhimany taking silver in the over-94 kg division, and Mohamed Al-Shehhi adding another silver in the 56 kg category.

Faisal Alwahedi secured bronze in the 69 kg category, while Abdulrahman Mohammed claimed bronze in the 62 kg division.

Mubarak Al-Menhali, director of the technical department at the UAE Jiu-Jitsu Federation, said: “Today’s results show how well the system for developing jiu-jitsu in the UAE is working.

“Every success comes from teamwork that starts with the support of families, continues through schools and clubs, and is strengthened by the federation’s vision to build future champions.”

Gold medalist Alshehhi said: “Winning today means more than just getting a medal. It’s a message to all young Emiratis that determination makes the difference.

“I started in school, where I learnt that jiu-jitsu is more than a sport. It teaches respect, confidence and teamwork. My family has always supported me, and their encouragement helped me give my best.”

The championship continues on Thursday, Nov. 13, with the under-21 women’s division.