{"id":24355,"date":"2026-01-12T18:23:46","date_gmt":"2026-01-12T13:23:46","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/news.iq\/?p=24355"},"modified":"2026-01-12T18:27:09","modified_gmt":"2026-01-12T13:27:09","slug":"best-iraqi-players-in-2026","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/news.iq\/en\/best-iraqi-players-in-2026\/","title":{"rendered":"Best Iraqi Players in 2026"},"content":{"rendered":"\r\n

The 2024\u20132025 football season offered a clear picture of who truly deserves to be counted among the top Iraqi players. Rather than focusing on the current 2026 campaign, this ranking evaluates the most recently completed season, measuring real impact at club and international level.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

To determine Iraq\u2019s top Iraqi players, several factors were considered: influence in decisive matches, consistency across domestic and international competitions, contributions to the national team, and overall performance level throughout the season. These criteria also help identify which individuals made the strongest case for being the best Iraqi player of the year.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

# 1. Aymen Hussein \u2013 Forward<\/strong><\/h3>\r\n\r\n\r\n
\r\n
\"Aymen<\/figure>\r\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n

Club:<\/strong> Al Khor (Qatar) | Age:<\/strong> 29<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

Aymen Hussein clearly stands above the rest as the most influential name among the top Iraqi players of the 2024\u20132025 season. His goal-scoring record with the national team once again defined Iraq\u2019s attacking success, especially in major tournaments. Scoring six goals at the AFC Asian Cup<\/a> and producing a memorable brace against Japan, Hussein proved his ability to perform when it mattered most.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

His consistency at club level in the Qatar Stars League further strengthened his case. By the end of the season, he had climbed into Iraq\u2019s all-time top five international scorers. Based on impact, leadership, and decisive goals, Hussein emerged as the strongest contender for the title of best Iraqi player.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

\r\n\r\n\r\n
\r\n
\"Mohanad<\/figure>\r\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n

# 2. Mohanad \u201cMimi\u201d Ali \u2013 Forward<\/strong><\/h3>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

Club:<\/strong> Dibba Al Fujairah (UAE) | Age:<\/strong> 25<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

Mohanad Ali\u2019s return to peak form was one of the season\u2019s most compelling stories among the top Iraqi players. After overcoming long-term injury issues, he reintroduced himself on the international stage during the Arab Cup<\/a>, scoring five goals and delivering crucial finishes in knockout matches.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

His pace and movement translated well to club football in the UAE, where he continued to find the net consistently. This blend of international impact and club productivity firmly restored his status as one of Iraq\u2019s most dangerous forwards and a key name among the top Iraqi players of the season.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

\r\n\r\n\r\n
\r\n
\"Ali<\/figure>\r\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n

# 3. Ali Al Hamadi \u2013 Forward<\/strong><\/h3>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

Club:<\/strong> Luton Town (England) | Age:<\/strong> 23<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

Ali Al Hamadi achieved a milestone few Iraqi players have reached by appearing in the Premier League during the 2024\u20132025 season. This achievement alone places him in a unique category among the top Iraqi players, highlighting Iraq\u2019s growing presence in elite European football.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

After playing a vital role in Ipswich Town\u2019s promotion, he carried his momentum into top-tier English football. His physical strength, work rate, and adaptability made him a valuable option for both club and country, reinforcing his rising status within Iraq\u2019s attacking ranks.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

# 4. Ibrahim Bayesh \u2013 Midfielder \/ Winger<\/strong><\/h3>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

Club:<\/strong> Al Riyadh (Saudi Arabia) | Age:<\/strong> 25<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

Ibrahim Bayesh continued to prove why he remains one of the most technically gifted top Iraqi players. Following his Gulf Cup MVP performance, he delivered consistent displays in the Saudi Professional League, combining creativity with goal contributions.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

For the national team, Bayesh offered tactical flexibility and attacking balance, making him a dependable presence throughout the season. His steady influence across competitions ensured his place among Iraq\u2019s elite performers.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

\r\n\r\n\r\n
\r\n
\"Bashar<\/figure>\r\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n

# 5. Bashar Resan \u2013 Central Midfielder<\/strong><\/h3>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

Club:<\/strong> Pakhtakor Tashkent (Uzbekistan) | Age:<\/strong> 29<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

Bashar Resan\u2019s experience once again proved invaluable during the 2024\u20132025 season. By lifting the Uzbekistan Cup, he added another international trophy to his career and reinforced his reputation as one of the most accomplished top Iraqi players abroad.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

His composure, passing range, and leadership qualities were equally important for the national team. While no longer the youngest player on the list, his consistency and tactical intelligence kept him firmly among Iraq\u2019s most trusted midfielders.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

\r\n\r\n\r\n
\r\n
\"Zidane<\/figure>\r\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n

# 6. Zidane Iqbal \u2013 Central Midfielder<\/strong><\/h3>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

Club:<\/strong> FC Utrecht (Netherlands) | Age:<\/strong> 22<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

Zidane Iqbal continued his rise as one of the most promising top Iraqi players competing in Europe. Regular appearances in the Eredivisie and experience in the Europa League reflected his growing importance at club level.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

His calm presence and technical quality translated seamlessly to international football, where he became a key figure in Iraq\u2019s midfield structure. Among younger players, Iqbal stands out as a long-term candidate to challenge for best Iraqi player status in the future.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

# 7. Amjad Attwan \u2013 Central Midfielder<\/strong><\/h3>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

Club:<\/strong> Zakho SC (Iraq) | Age:<\/strong> 28<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

Amjad Attwan remained one of the most reliable top Iraqi players through his leadership and productivity. Returning to the Iraqi Stars League, he enjoyed an impressive scoring season with twelve league goals from midfield.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

His experience, discipline, and physical presence continued to benefit the national team, especially in qualification matches. Attwan\u2019s influence extended beyond statistics, reinforcing his importance within Iraq\u2019s core group of players.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

\r\n\r\n\r\n
\r\n
\"Fahad<\/figure>\r\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n

# 8. Fahad Talib \u2013 Goalkeeper<\/strong><\/h3>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

Club:<\/strong> Al Talaba (Iraq) | Age:<\/strong> 31<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

Among all goalkeepers, Fahad Talib clearly stood out as one of the top Iraqi players of the season. His performances at the Arab Cup ranked among the tournament\u2019s best, showcasing exceptional reflexes and composure.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

At domestic level, he provided consistency and leadership for Al Talaba. His reliability throughout the season secured his position as Iraq\u2019s first-choice goalkeeper during this period.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

# 9. Ali Jasim \u2013 Winger \/ Forward<\/strong><\/h3>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

Club:<\/strong> Al Najma (Saudi Arabia), on loan from Como (Italy) | Age:<\/strong> 21<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

Ali Jasim\u2019s development continued at a pace, making him one of the youngest top Iraqi players to feature regularly abroad. His direct attacking style and confidence on the ball made him a standout performer in the Saudi league<\/a>.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

With continued involvement in the national team, Jasim demonstrated maturity beyond his age and signalled strong potential to rise further within Iraq\u2019s attacking hierarchy.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

\r\n\r\n\r\n
\r\n
\"Safaa<\/figure>\r\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n

# 10. Safaa Hadi \u2013 Defensive Midfielder<\/strong><\/h3>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

Club:<\/strong> Al Quwa Al Jawiya (Iraq) | Age:<\/strong> 27<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

Safaa Hadi completed the ranking as one of the most dependable top Iraqi players in a defensive role. His positional awareness, ball recovery, and experience across multiple leagues made him a stabilizing force.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

While his role is less visible statistically, his importance in maintaining balance for both club and country remained clear throughout the season.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

Final Perspective<\/h2>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

Based on performances from the 2024\u20132025 season, Iraq\u2019s football scene demonstrated strong depth across all areas of the pitch. Established figures like Aymen Hussein strengthened their claim as the best Iraqi player, while emerging talents such as Zidane Iqbal and Ali Jasim pointed toward a promising future.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

As Iraq moves deeper into the 2026 cycle, this list of top Iraqi players reflects those who delivered consistent, high-level performances during the most recent completed season\u2014setting the benchmark for what comes next.<\/p>\r\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

The 2024\u20132025 football season offered a clear picture of who truly deserves to be counted among the top Iraqi players. Rather than focusing on the current 2026 campaign, this ranking evaluates the most recently completed season, measuring real impact at club and international level. To determine Iraq\u2019s top Iraqi players, several factors were considered: influence […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":8,"featured_media":24379,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_sitemap_exclude":false,"_sitemap_priority":"","_sitemap_frequency":"","jnews-multi-image_gallery":[],"jnews_single_post":{"subtitle":"From decisive goals to commanding performances across leagues, the past few seasons have revealed a group of players who consistently defined Iraqi football on the biggest stages. This report takes a closer look at the figures whose impact shaped results and raised standards at both club and international level.","format":"standard","override":[{"template":"7","parallax":"1","fullscreen":"1","layout":"left-sidebar","sidebar":"default-sidebar","second_sidebar":"default-sidebar","sticky_sidebar":"1","share_position":"topbottom","share_float_style":"share-monocrhome","show_share_counter":"1","show_view_counter":"1","show_featured":"1","show_post_meta":"1","show_post_author":"1","show_post_author_image":"1","show_post_date":"1","post_date_format":"default","post_date_format_custom":"Y\/m\/d","show_post_category":"1","show_post_reading_time":"0","post_reading_time_wpm":"300","post_calculate_word_method":"str_word_count","show_zoom_button":"0","zoom_button_out_step":"2","zoom_button_in_step":"3","show_post_tag":"1","show_prev_next_post":"1","show_popup_post":"1","show_comment_section":"1","number_popup_post":"1","show_author_box":"1","show_post_related":"0","show_inline_post_related":"0"}],"image_override":[{"single_post_thumbnail_size":"crop-500","single_post_gallery_size":"crop-500"}],"trending_post_position":"meta","trending_post_label":"Trending","sponsored_post_label":"Sponsored by","disable_ad":"0"},"jnews_primary_category":[],"jnews_social_meta":[],"jnews_override_counter":{"view_counter_number":"0","share_counter_number":"0","like_counter_number":"0","dislike_counter_number":"0"},"jnews_post_split":{"post_split":[{"template":"1","tag":"h2","numbering":"asc","mode":"normal","first":"0","enable_toc":"0","toc_type":"normal"}]},"footnotes":""},"categories":[83],"tags":[2841,2302,2445,2842],"class_list":["post-24355","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-sports","tag-best-iraqi-player","tag-football","tag-sports","tag-top-iraqi-players"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/news.iq\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/24355","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/news.iq\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/news.iq\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/news.iq\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/8"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/news.iq\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=24355"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/news.iq\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/24355\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/news.iq\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/24379"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/news.iq\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=24355"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/news.iq\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=24355"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/news.iq\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=24355"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}