Syria's al-Julani nails in viral video nails

An unusual video that was apparently shot in front of a sports field in Damascus shows the Syrian interim president Ahmed al-Sharaa (also known as Abu Mohammad al-Julani) and Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani, which was surprisingly played in formal business clothing with basketball.

A video that Syrian President Ahmad Al-Sharaa and Foreign Minister Asaad Al-Shaibani play at a court in Damascus Basketball will be a trend on social media. pic.twitter.com/jnxmwhma8f

– Levant24 (@levant_24_) May 6, 2025

The two officers dribble, exchange passes and shoot in the basket, with President Al-Sharaa making a clean three-pointer and showing unexpected sporting skills. The farm is completely empty without the audience or viewer being present, only the two men and the orange basketball.

The video quickly became viral throughout the Arab world and triggered a variety of reactions. Many users surprisingly expressed themselves about the President's shootout, while others asked whether this could be a calculated public relations work to alleviate his image at a time when the country continues to struggle with internal conflicts.