FIFA 19 Arabic Commentary: A Game-Changer for Football Fans For many football enthusiasts in the Middle East and North Africa, the beautiful game isn't just about what happens on the pitch; it’s about the voice that narrates the drama. When FIFA 19 launched, it brought a significant upgrade to its localized experience, solidifying Arabic commentary as a core feature rather than a secondary addition. The Iconic Duo: Issam Chawali and Abdullah Al-Warbi
The soul of FIFA 19’s Arabic localized version lies in its legendary commentators. The game features the iconic Tunisian commentator Issam Chawali and the respected Saudi analyst Abdullah Al-Warbi.
Chawali, known for his poetic flair and high-energy delivery, brings the same passion to the virtual pitch that he does to real-life UEFA Champions League finals. His signature catchphrases and rhythmic narration style transform a standard match into a cinematic experience. Abdullah Al-Warbi complements this with tactical insights, providing a balanced and professional broadcast feel. Immersive Atmospheric Enhancements
FIFA 19 was the first in the series to fully integrate the UEFA Champions League license, and the Arabic commentary team recorded specific lines to reflect the prestige of this tournament. Whether you are playing a "Kick Off" match or leading an Egyptian or Saudi club to glory in Career Mode, the commentary reacts dynamically to:
Clutch Moments: Chawali’s voice reaches a fever pitch during last-minute winners.
Player Names: Thousands of unique names are recorded with authentic Arabic pronunciation.
Contextual Storylines: The commentators often reference the history of major clubs like Al-Hilal, Al-Ahly, or Real Madrid, bridging the gap between gaming and reality. How to Enable Arabic Commentary
If you’ve picked up FIFA 19 and want to switch from the default English or Spanish voices, the process is straightforward: Navigate to the Customise tab from the main menu. Select Settings and then Game Settings. Scroll to the Audio tab using the bumpers (R1/L1 or RB/LB).
Change the Commentary Language to Arabic. (Note: Depending on your region or platform, you may need to download a free language pack from the PlayStation Store, Xbox Store, or Origin). Why It Still Matters
Even years after its release, FIFA 19 remains a favorite for many due to its specific gameplay feel and the introduction of "Timed Finishing." For Arabic-speaking players, the commentary provides a sense of representation and cultural connection that English-centric games often lack. It isn't just a translation; it’s a tribute to the "Hakawati" (storytelling) tradition of Arab sports broadcasting.
Whether you're reliving the 2019 season or just want to hear Chawali scream "Yuuuuuuzaa!" after a long-range screamer, the Arabic commentary in FIFA 19 remains a gold standard for sports gaming localization.
7. Technical Issues and Limitations (Retrospective)
| Issue | Description | |-------|-------------| | Delay in response | Occasional 1–2 second lag between action and commentary | | Generic filler lines | Non-star players often received generic “the player with the ball” descriptors | | Career mode repetition | Press conference and transfer commentary recycled standard lines | | No dialect options | Some users wanted pure Egyptian, Levantine, or Maghrebi dialects |
5. Fan Reception and Impact
The Lines That Became Internet Memes
The FIFA 19 Arabic commentary transcended the game to become a meme factory on TikTok and Instagram. If you play FIFA regularly, you have likely heard these lines quoted out of context:
- "Kiyasa, kiyasa, kiyasa... ALLAH!" (Used for a ridiculous skill move that somehow works).
- "Raa-i-ii-ii-ii-ii-ii-e!" (Translation: "An incredible view!"—used for a save where the keeper had no right to stop the ball).
- "Laa, laa, laa... Laa yakhi." ("No, no, no... Oh brother.") – The universal sigh of a missed open net.
- "Sakara al-tilfizyon, sakara al-tilfizyon!" ("Turn off the TV!") – Reserved for a goal that ends the argument.
These lines have become part of the broader football lexicon in the Arab world. You can go to a real football match in Cairo or Casablanca and hear fans shouting FIFA 19 quotes at the referee.
The Legacy: Why We Still Talk About It in 2025
FIFA 19 sits at a specific intersection in gaming history. It was the last FIFA before the series rebranded to EA Sports FC, and it was the last time the commentary felt genuinely unhinged and fun.
Later games (FIFA 20-23 and EA FC 24) have Arabic commentary, but they sound "safe." The volume is mixed lower, the jokes are cleaner, and the rants are shorter. FIFA 19 Arabic commentary was the last time it felt like two uncles were shouting at your TV while smoking shisha.
For Console (PS4/Xbox One):
- Insert your FIFA 19 disc or launch the digital version.
- Go to Customize > Settings > Game Settings.
- Navigate to the Audio tab.
- Scroll to Commentary Language.
- Select Arabic (usually denoted by the Saudi flag or simply "Arabic").
- Note: You must have your console's system language set to a region that supports Arabic, or download the language pack for free from the respective store (PSN Store/Xbox Marketplace).
🌍 Best for These Modes
- Kick-Off – Immediate fun with friends.
- Career Mode – Keeps long seasons fresh.
- FUT – Makes even squad battles feel epic.
For Console (PS4/Xbox One)
If you have the physical disc of FIFA 19, you are in luck. The Arabic commentary was included on the disc for Middle East region copies (UAE, Saudi Arabia, Egypt). To activate it:
- Go to Customize > Settings > Game Settings > Audio.
- Scroll to Commentary Language.
- Select Arabic (Essam & Abdullah). Note: If you bought the game digitally in Europe or the US, the Arabic pack is often locked or missing. You would need to change your console region to the Middle East and re-download the language pack, though this is tricky due to store closures.