Iraq: the harrowing story of Aymen Hussein, World Cup goalscorer

16.06.26 FT World Cup

Iraq

1

:

Norway

4

Aymen Hussein has etched his name onto the scoresheet at the 2026 World Cup, but his story goes far beyond the pitch. The Iraqi striker grew up amid family tragedies that have profoundly shaped his life.

At a very young age, he lost his father, who was killed while working on a construction site. This devastating loss forced the young Iraqi to grow up quickly and support his family during a period of deep instability. A few years later, another tragedy struck his home: his brother disappeared and was never found despite extensive searches.

These events nearly ended his career. At one point, Hussein even considered giving up football to dedicate himself entirely to his family. But his mother's support changed everything, inspiring him to keep going. At the World Cup, he managed to score a goal against Norway—a symbol of his remarkable resilience. Despite Iraq's 4-1 defeat, his story transcends the sport and resonates deeply with fans.

Aliou Toundé |

Editorfr

Related teams and leagues

Iraq

Norway

World Cup