PC is the best platform for preserving this legacy. The modding community has extracted the FIFA 19 Arabic commentary files and ported them to newer games (FIFA 23, EA FC 24). However, for the pure experience:
In the sprawling history of football video games, certain features transcend mere functionality to become cultural phenomena. For the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region, the introduction of FIFA 19 Arabic Commentary was exactly that—a seismic shift. While FIFA 19 is often remembered for its controversial "House Rules" mode, the introduction of the UEFA Champions League license, and the final farewell to the "Frostbite engine" teething problems, its legacy in the Arab world rests squarely on the shoulders of two men: Essam El Shawaly and Abdullah Mubarak Al-Harby.
For years, Arab gamers had to settle for English commentary (with Martin Tyler and Alan Smith) or Spanish. They imported bootleg patches and mods to hear their native tongue. But in 2018, EA Sports finally legitimized the experience. This article dives deep into why the FIFA 19 Arabic commentary remains, five years later, the most beloved and untouchable version of football commentary in the region.
For many players, the English commentary by Martin Tyler and Alan Smith can become repetitive after a few hundred matches. FIFA 19’s Arabic commentary offers a high-energy alternative that transforms the matchday atmosphere from a standard broadcast into a passionate stadium experience. Atmosphere and Energy fifa 19 arabic commentary
The defining feature of the Arabic commentary is its sheer enthusiasm. Unlike the often-sedate English team, the Arabic announcers bring a rhythmic, high-octane delivery that peaks during goal-scoring opportunities.
Signature Style: Expect prolonged goal shouts and signature phrases like "Oh ho hoooo" that capture the genuine "flare" of Middle Eastern football broadcasts.
Immersive Sound: The commentary feels deeply integrated with the stadium crowd noise, making even mundane career mode matches feel like high-stakes regional derbies. Key Voices PC is the best platform for preserving this legacy
While FIFA 19 introduced Derek Rae and Lee Dixon for Champions League matches in English, the Arabic option relies on iconic regional figures:
Essam El Shawali: A legendary Tunisian commentator known for his poetic and explosive style, he provides the primary voice for the Arabic language pack.
Fahad Al-Otaibi: Often appearing alongside Shawali, Al-Otaibi is celebrated for his deep knowledge of the game and his ability to build tension during a buildup. Performance and Accuracy For the Middle East and North Africa (MENA)
The Arabic commentary is not just a "gimmick"; it is a fully fleshed-out audio system:
Player Recognition: The commentators are adept at identifying star players and reacting to specific gameplay moments, such as a powerful shot going over the bar or a precise passing sequence.
Variety: Because the style is more emotive, the repetition feels less grating than the technical, often dry observations found in the default English commentary. How to Enable
If your version of FIFA 19 doesn't have Arabic enabled by default, you can often download it as an additional language pack or change it in the settings: Fifa Commentary Names
FIFA 19 was the first title to feature the official UEFA Champions League tournament mode. Hearing El Shawaly chant the Champions League anthem and scream "Goooooooooal" with a 2-minute long poetic verse about Laylat Al-Obora (The Night of the Epic) made knockout rounds feel like a real Cairo derby.