Jaafar Belly’s journey began in high school with a love for football and an admiration for Argentine superstar Lionel Messi. Watching Messi on the field inspired Jaafar not just to enjoy the sport but to envision a life where he could be part of the larger world of football. This admiration planted a seed in his mind: to one day make a name for himself in sports media and ideally interview his idol.
Fuelled by this dream, Jaafar pursued journalism and communication, dedicating himself to learning new languages and developing media skills. From early on, he knew that to achieve his ambitions, he would need to combine passion with professionalism, creativity, and persistence. His journey was not just about following a dream but about building the tools necessary to bring that dream to life.
The Launch of First Player
In Ramadan 2024, Jaafar took a giant leap by creating and hosting his own sports program, First Player. The show brought together Lebanon’s top sports figures and aimed to highlight their achievements, struggles, and lifestyle. Jaafar personally managed the production, from contacting sponsors to coordinating filming over seven days in Beirut alongside a team of his university colleagues.
First Player was more than just a sports show; it was a platform that connected athletes with their fans in an intimate and authentic way. Jaafar’s hands-on approach allowed him to build trust with prominent figures in Lebanese sports, showcasing his ability to lead, organize, and produce content independently. Airing during Ramadan, the program quickly gained attention, marking a major milestone in Jaafar’s career and setting the stage for future projects.
Overcoming Challenges in Lebanon
Despite his early success, Jaafar faced significant challenges in Lebanon’s media landscape. One of the biggest obstacles was favoritism within TV channels, which often made it difficult for talented newcomers without connections to secure positions. These setbacks could have discouraged many, but Jaafar chose to view them as opportunities to grow and innovate.
Instead of relying on others, he pursued his path independently, securing sponsorships and producing content on his own. This experience not only strengthened his skills but also reinforced his belief in self-reliance and perseverance. Through these challenges, Jaafar learned an invaluable lesson: never give more than necessary unless it aligns with your compensation and recognition, and always seek environments that value your abilities.
Expanding Horizons with Podcast with Belly
Building on the success of First Player, Jaafar launched Podcast with Belly during Ramadan 2025. The podcast offered a deeper look into sports, featuring interviews with athletes, coaches, and sports analysts. It became a platform where stories went beyond the games, exploring the personal journeys, challenges, and motivations behind Lebanon’s sporting community.
This new venture allowed Jaafar to connect with a broader audience while continuing to establish his reputation as a dedicated media professional. The podcast also reflected his growing ambition: to not only cover sports but to influence the way sports stories are told, making them more inspiring, relatable, and accessible.
Collaboration and Future Plans
Currently, Jaafar is working with several platforms, including Kork Press, the Arab Player website, and the Lebanese Football Association. These collaborations help him expand his reach and continue producing meaningful content.
Looking ahead, Jaafar has ambitious plans to take his programs to the Gulf region, particularly Saudi Arabia and the UAE. He envisions adapting First Player and his podcast for these markets, tapping into their growing sports media sectors and reaching a wider audience. His goal is to create shows that resonate not only locally but regionally and eventually globally, inspiring young media professionals and sports enthusiasts alike.
Lessons Learned Along the Way
Jaafar’s journey has been a mix of passion, hard work, and strategic thinking. He emphasizes the importance of self-reliance and the need to remain cautious in professional relationships. Over time, he realized that relying too heavily on others can be risky, especially in industries where favoritism is prevalent.
Instead, Jaafar has focused on proving his skills independently. Every project, from First Player to his podcast, has been a testament to his determination to carve out a space where talent, vision, and hard work are recognized and rewarded.
He also shares advice for aspiring media professionals: invest in knowledge, diversify your skills, and seek environments where growth is based on competence rather than connections. If he could advise his younger self, he would stress the importance of traveling to places that value media and skill, and to start building expertise early.
A Vision for Global Impact
For Jaafar, media is not just a career; it is a platform to inspire, inform, and create meaningful connections. His ultimate goal is to host programs that resonate worldwide, delivering messages about sports, perseverance, and ambition.
He hopes to be remembered as a professional who was passionate about his work, valued those around him, and believed in the power of faith and determination. More than fame or recognition, Jaafar aims to leave a legacy that motivates others to pursue their dreams, no matter the obstacles.
Inspiring the Next Generation
Jaafar Belly’s journey illustrates how passion, creativity, and resilience can turn a childhood dream into a professional reality. By combining sports with media, he has created platforms that not only entertain but also inspire. His story serves as a model for young media professionals and sports enthusiasts across Lebanon, the Gulf, and beyond.
Through First Player and Podcast with Belly, Jaafar continues to showcase how hard work, innovation, and dedication can overcome structural challenges in the media industry. His focus on quality content and meaningful storytelling ensures that his programs stand out in an increasingly crowded media landscape.
Connecting with Jaafar Belly
Jaafar is active on multiple platforms, connecting with fans and industry professionals alike. His social media presence allows audiences to follow his journey, watch his programs, and stay updated on future projects.
His work continues to inspire those who aspire to build their careers independently, showing that with vision, effort, and perseverance, it is possible to break barriers and make a meaningful impact.
Do follow him on Instagram
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