Football in Iraq: a story of passion and talent

Football holds a central place in the hearts of Iraqis. Much more than a simple sport, it represents a symbol of unity and national pride. From packed stadiums to lively discussions in cafes, the passion for football is lived and breathed in every corner of the country.

A rich and glorious heritage

Iraqi football has a rich and glorious history. The national team enjoyed its heyday in the 1980s and 1990s, winning the Asian Cup in 2007 and reaching the final of the Under-20 World Cup in 1989. Many talented players left their mark on the Iraqi football landscape, contributing to its international influence.

A journey through the generations

In this article, we will explore the fascinating world of Iraqi football. We will pay tribute to the legends who have written the history of this sport in the country, tracing their journeys and highlighting their contributions. We will also look at today's rising stars, those young talents who bring hope for a bright future for Iraqi football.

Throughout these pages, you will discover:

  • A ranking of the 10 best Iraqi players in history

  • The 5 most promising contemporary players

  • Anecdotes and highlights about Iraqi football

  • An analysis of the impact of this sport on Iraqi society

So, embark with us on this exciting journey to the heart of Iraqi football!

Top 10 legends of Iraqi football

Determining the best players in a country's history is a complex and subjective task. To establish this ranking, we based ourselves on several criteria:

  • Individual and collective results: titles won, individual distinctions, participation in major international competitions.

  • The impact on the game and the national team: influence on the style of play, leadership, importance in key moments.

  • Recognition by supporters and experts: popularity, place in the history of Iraqi football.

Here is our selection of the 10 Iraqi players who have left their mark on football:

1. Ahmed Radhi: (Photo by Ahmed Radhi) Nicknamed "the Eagle of Mesopotamia", he is considered the best player in the country's history. A talented striker, he won the Asian Cup in 1988 and was the first Iraqi to play in Europe.

2. Ammo Baba: (Photo by Ammo Baba) A charismatic goalkeeper, he was a mainstay of the national team for over two decades. He is known for his spectacular saves and flamboyant personality.

3. Younis Mahmoud: (Photo by Younis Mahmoud) A powerful and skillful striker, he was the hero of the 2007 Asian Cup, scoring the winning goal in the final. He is also the top scorer in the history of the national team.

4. Nashat Akram: (Photo by Nashat Akram) A creative and technical midfielder, he was one of the most influential players of his generation. He played for several European clubs and was named Asia's best player in 2004.

5. Razzaq Farhan: (Photo by Razzaq Farhan) A strong and intelligent defender, he was the captain of the national team for many years. He is known for his leadership and vision of the game.

6. Emad Mohammed: (Photo by Emad Mohammed) A combative and tenacious midfielder, he was nicknamed the "Lion of Mesopotamia". He was an important part of the national team during the 1986 World Cup.

7. Ali Kadhim: (Photo by Ali Kadhim) A fast forward and talented dribbler, he scored many spectacular goals for the national team. He is considered one of the most popular players in the country's history.

8. Sabah Jassim: (Photo by Sabah Jassim) An attacking midfielder and prolific scorer, he was one of the best players in Asia in the 1970s. He is known for his technique and vision of the game.

9. Hussein Saeed: (Photo by Hussein Saeed) A powerful and athletic striker, he scored over 100 goals for the national team. He is considered one of the best scorers in the history of Asian football.

10. Laith Hussein: (Photo by Laith Hussein) An agile and talented goalkeeper, he was one of the mainstays of the national team in the 1990s. He is known for his reflexes and his ability to make spectacular saves .

For each of these players, we offer you a succinct biography, accompanied by significant anecdotes and an analysis of their impact on Iraqi football.

Feel free to share your own memories and anecdotes about these legendary players in the comments!

Top 5 rising stars of Iraqi football

Iraqi football has no shortage of promising talents. The new generation of players is ready to take over and write their own chapter in the history of the sport. Here are five contemporary players who thrill fans and who could well become the legends of tomorrow.

1. Mohanad Ali: (Photo by Mohanad Ali) A lively and hard-hitting striker, he is already considered one of the best players in Asia. He was the top scorer in the Iraqi championship in 2022 and scored important goals for the national team.

2. Alaa Abbas: (Photo by Alaa Abbas) A creative and technical midfielder, he is able to dribble and pass with great precision. He is an important element in the offensive play of the national team and his club.

3. Ali Adnan: (Photo by Ali Adnan) An attacking left-back, he is known for his speed and quality as a cross. He has played for several European clubs and is one of the most popular Iraqi players abroad.

4. Ibrahim Bayesh: (Photo by Ibrahim Bayesh) A talented and agile goalkeeper, he was one of the heroes of the Under-23 Asian Cup in 2023. He is considered one of the best goalkeepers of future goals in Asia.

5. Hussein Ali: (Photo by Hussein Ali) A powerful and athletic striker, he scored several important goals for the national team. He is a promising player who has the potential to become a star in Iraqi football.

These talented players are already having a big impact on the national team and their clubs. They are examples for the younger generation and contribute to the popularity of football in Iraq.

Their future is bright and they have the potential to make Iraqi football shine on the international stage.

Don't hesitate to share your comments on these players and tell us who you think is the most promising Iraqi player of the moment!

Iraqi football is rich in a glorious history and a talented pool of players. From the legends of yesterday to the rising stars of today, the passion for football continues to vibrate in the hearts of Iraqis.

This blog post retraces the history of Iraqi football, paying tribute to the players who left their mark on the sport. Talented players who carried the colors of their country high and thrilled generations of supporters.

Iraqi football has had moments of glory and success, but also trials and challenges. Despite the difficulties, the passion for football remains intact and the country continues to produce talented players.

The future of Iraqi football is bright. The young players who make up the current national team have the potential to make Iraqi football shine on the international stage.

In conclusion, Iraqi football is a source of national pride and a symbol of unity and passion. It is important to continue to support and encourage the players who carry the country's colors high.

Feel free to share your own memories and anecdotes about Iraqi football in the comments!

Tribute to the players who marked the history of Iraqi football:

  • Ahmed Radhi

  • Ammo Baba

  • Younis Mahmoud

  • Nashat Akram

  • Razzaq Farhan

  • Emad Mohammed

  • Ali Kadhim

  • Sabah Jassim

  • Hussein Saeed

  • Laith Hussein

And to the rising stars who are lighting up the future of Iraqi football:

  • Mohanad Ali

  • Alaa Abbas

  • Ali Adnan

  • Ibrahim Bayesh

  • Hussein Ali

Iraqi football is a story of passion, talent and hope. A sport that brings together and unites an entire country.