Former Kaizer Chiefs defender Aden McCarthy could soon find himself lining up against some of European football’s most decorated clubs after Sabah FK secured a place in the UEFA Champions League league phase.
The Azerbaijani champions have been drawn against Barcelona, Arsenal, Borussia Dortmund, Manchester United, Villarreal, Napoli, Slavia Praha and Norwegian side Viking.
It is a remarkable step for McCarthy, who only made his senior debut for Chiefs towards the end of the 2024/25 season. The Naturena academy graduate established himself during his first full campaign, making 33 appearances across all competitions and scoring twice as Amakhosi finished third in the Betway Premiership.
His performances earned him a move to Sabah in June, with the Soweto giants agreeing to release the 22-year-old after the Azerbaijani club approached them.
MCCARTHY’S SABAH RISE EXTRAORDINARYÂ
The move has now opened the door for McCarthy to test himself against some of the game’s biggest names. Barcelona have won the Champions League five times, while Manchester United and Borussia Dortmund have also lifted the famous trophy. Arsenal reached last season’s final, with Napoli and Villarreal adding further pedigree to Sabah’s demanding fixture list.
For McCarthy, the journey from Chiefs’ development structures to facing Europe’s elite has unfolded rapidly.
Sabah’s rise has been even more extraordinary. The club was only established in September 2017 and entered Azerbaijan’s second tier that season. They earned promotion despite finishing fifth after the four teams above them failed to obtain top-flight licences.
Last season, The Owls won their first Azerbaijan Premier League title and completed a domestic double by lifting the Azerbaijan Cup. In doing so, they ended Qarabağ’s dominance after the Baku giants had won 11 of the previous 12 league championships.
Sabah then defeated Hapoel Be’er Sheva 6-4 on aggregate in the Champions League playoffs to book their historic place among Europe’s elite.
Less than a decade after Sabah came into existence, McCarthy and his teammates now have the opportunity to share the stage with Barcelona, Arsenal and Manchester United.