An unusual video, apparently filmed at a sports court in Damascus, shows Syria's interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa (also known as Abu Mohammad al-Julani) and Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani playing basketball, surprisingly dressed in formal business attire.
A video showing Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa and Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani playing basketball on a court in Damascus becomes a trend on social media. pic.twitter.com/JNxmwHma8F
— Levant24 (@Levant_24_) May 6, 2025
The two officials are seen dribbling, exchanging passes, and shooting at the basket, with President al-Sharaa making a clean three-pointer, displaying unexpected athletic skills. The court is completely empty, with no audience or spectators present, just the two men and the orange basketball.
The video quickly went viral across social media platforms throughout the Arab world, triggering a variety of reactions. Many users expressed surprise at the president's shooting accuracy, while others questioned whether this might be a calculated public relations effort designed to soften his image at a time when the country continues to struggle with internal conflicts.
