Ali Jassim #17

Profile

One of the brightest talents in Asia, Jassim can light up a game with a moment of magic, but something he has not done lately. From early on, though, his raw talent was apparent, making his debut for Al-Karkh at 14. Then his father passed, leaving Jassim and older brother Abbas – also a footballer – as the family's main providers. An unpolished gem, under the guidance of Luay Salah at Al-Kahrabaa, he thrived. At 19, he led Iraq to the 2023 Under-20 World Cup finals, and was then called into the senior national side, later scoring the winning goal to qualify Iraq for the 2024 Olympics. On the same day Jassim scored the winner in Iraq’s opening game against Ukraine at the Olympics, he signed for Como. “We think Jassim can flourish with us,” said Cesc Fàbregas. However, after arriving late to pre-season from the Olympics, he played just eight minutes in Serie A and - frustrated and wanting to play - he went out on loan to Almere City in the Eredivisie in 2024-25 and then Saudi Pro League club Al-Najma.

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