Aymen Hussein #18

Profile

Hussein is a remarkable footballer with an extraordinary back story. He comes from Hawija, which was one of the most volatile regions in the world after the 2003 US-led invasion of Iraq. His father was killed by Al-Qaeda in 2008, and then, in 2014, his brother was abducted by Islamic State; he is presumed dead with his whereabouts still unknown. It was under these dreadful circumstances that the striker began his playing career. Since making his full international debut in 2015, Hussein’s time with Iraq has been a turbulent one. He has faced heavy criticism from fans and the media for his lack of goals. On one occasion, his coach ran on to the pitch to instruct the striker not to take a penalty. However, he is now in Iraq's top five all-time top scorers list, and struck the winner against Bolivia that saw Iraq qualify for their first World Cup in 40 years. His arrival in the US this summer wasn’t smooth: he was reportedly held and questioned for nearly seven hours at Chicago’s O’Hare airport. Hussein was finally allowed in, but the team’s photographer was barred from entering the US.

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