In the run-up to the World Cup in Qatar, we thought we'd give you a little insight into Qatar's football. The first league here is ambitiously called the League of Stars. Football is very popular in the country, so no one spares money on its development, which attracts foreign legends of the sport. Of course, they come at the end of their careers, but the skill is not lost with the years. Letss look at those who have played in Qatar.

1. Stefan Effenberg

   The famous playmaker, who in his prime years was the jewel of German football. He played for clubs such as Bayern, Borussia, and Fiorentina. Stefan once gave the fans the finger and was dismissed from the German national team for it. Al Arabi in Qatar became the last team Effenberg played for before ending his professional career. The German signed a one-year contract worth €2m with the team in 2003.

2. Seydou Keita

   This French midfielder of Malian origin has played for the African national team and made a name for himself thanks to his success at club level, even playing for FC Barcelona. Keita also chose to finish his career in Qatar, spending some time at Al-Jaysh. The team was then run by the local armed forces and therefore had the means to buy the legends of world
   football.

3. Xavi

   The Barcelona and Spanish national team legend moved to Al Sadd in 2015. Incidentally, this club is the most titled in Qatar: it has won the national championship 15 times. The best bookmakers on https://bookmaker-ratings.net.za/ have bets on whether Al Sadd will win the title next season as well. Xavi has played for the Qatari club for almost 4 years, earning around €10m each season.

4. Vladimir Weiss

   The Slovakian footballer still plays for his national team and Slovan Bratislava. Before that, he played for Qatari clubs Al-Gharafa and Lekhwiya for five years.

5. Marcel Desailly

   The defensive player has played for many big clubs in Europe, but towards the end of his career, he also decided to go to Qatar. There, he performed brilliantly and went on to win the national championship with Al Gharafa as team captain.

6. Josep Guardiola

   The future great coach was also a good footballer and once played for Catalonia's Barcelona. Then, in 2003, he decided to try himself at Al Ahly. Interestingly, at the time he was invited by both Manchester United and Chelsea, but Pep rejected offers from Europe because he could no longer play at such a high level of quality.

7. Juninho Pernambucano

   This Brazilian king of free-kicks played for Olympique de France for eight years. Then, in 2009, he surprised the public by traveling to Qatar. There, Pernambucano signed a €2.5m contract with Al Gharafa.

8. Raúl González

   Even now, this outstanding striker is a legend at Real Madrid, a club that has seen many brilliant players. Raúl joined Al Sadd in 2012 and became the national champion.

9. Lucho Gonzalez

   Moved to Rayaan from Porto in 2014, but only managed to play 10 games and score one goal. He then had to return to Argentina. Lucho Gonzalez is regarded as one of his country's strongest midfielders in the 21st century.

10. Gabriel Batistuta

    The illustrious Argentine striker came to Qatar in 2003. It was no secret that he wanted to make some extra money before ending his career. The Al Arabi club was happy with that. Batistuta was handsomely paid, but did not remain indebted himself: in 30 games, he scored 22 goals.