Donated Treasures at 3-2-1 Qatar Olympic and Sports Museum

This signed tracksuit from the Qatar Football Association once belonged to Evaristo de Macedo (b. 1933), known simply as Evaristo, a celebrated Brazilian footballer. He played as a striker for top clubs in Brazil and Spain, including Barcelona and Real Madrid, during the 1950s and 1960s.

In 1980, after his career as a striker, Evaristo moved to Qatar and became the national football team coach. The following year, he led Qatar’s U-20 team to second place at the 1981 FIFA U-20 World Cup in Australia. They defeated both Brazil and England to advance to the final. In 1984, under his guidance, the Qatar senior national team made its Olympic debut in Los Angeles. Eight years later, the Qatar team reached the quarter finals at the 1992 Barcelona Olympics.

Evaristo de Macedo transformed Qatar’s football history. His leadership helped lay the foundation for the country’s future sporting achievements, including Qatar’s hosting of the 2022 FIFA World Cup.

In 2022, German athletics coach Joachim Krug sat down with museum director Abdulla Al Mulla for an interview as part of the Qatar Olympic and Sports Museum’s Oral History collection.

Krug played a key role in developing athletics in Qatar after his arrival in Doha in 1982.  Krug led the national athletics team to victory at the 1986 GCC Championship. Then, in 1992, Mohamed Suleiman won Qatar’s first Olympic medal under his guidance.

In the interview, Krug reflects on his early life, recruitment, the country's first Olympic appearance, the 2006 Asian Games in Doha and his family's strong connection with the local community.

Belgian cyclist Eddy Merckx (b.1945) rode this bicycle when he won the Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI) Road World Championship in 1964, while still an amateur. He turned professional the following year.

Experts regard Merckx as one of the greatest cyclists of the 20th Century. Known as “Le Cannibale” for his relentless drive to win, Mercks achieved five Tour de France victories, five Giro d’Italia wins, and numerous other major titles.

Merckx also supported the growth of cycling worldwide. As an international ambassador for the Tour de Qatar (2002-2016), he helped promote the sport in the region.

In 2014, Merckx donated this bicycle to Her Excellency Sheikha Al Mayassa bint Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, Chairperson of Qatar Museums. The donation reflects his lifelong passion for cycling and his support for Qatar’s sporting ambitions.