Han Kwang Song was back, more than three years after vanishing from public view for reasons beyond his control - United Nations imposed sanctions on North Korean nationals over Pyongyang's nuclear programme.
The striker's story is a rare case in which sanctions on North Korea have reverberated through professional football. It also shows how enforcement of UN sanctions against individuals varies by country.
The government in Italy did not deport Han, now 25, while he was playing professional football there.
But when he moved to Qatar, the Qatari government did.
"The basic story makes sense; the surprising part is that Qatar complied with the UN resolutions," said Marcus Noland, an expert on North Korean sanctions and executive vice-president of the Peterson Institute for International Economics in Washington.
Han's early success was partly a product of North Korea's push to cultivate football talent.
After attending a prestigious football school founded by North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, he trained in Spain before turning professional in Italy.
He quickly made an impression in Europe as a speedy forward with an eye for goal.
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