Aymen Hussein, a forward for Iraq’s national football team, has achieved a milestone for his country by helping them qualify for the World Cup for the first time in four decades. His journey was marked by tragedy and determination, culminating in a pivotal winning goal against Bolivia during the qualifiers in Mexico.
### A Difficult Past
Born in 1996 in the village of al-Safra within the al-Hawija district of northern Iraq, Hussein’s family sustained themselves through farming and sheep rearing. A tragic turning point came in 2008 when his father, a soldier, was killed by an al-Qaeda attack. The sudden loss left a significant void in Hussein’s life, forcing him to confront the harsh realities of violence and loss. “We received a call saying, ‘Your father has been killed and his body is in the hospital,'” he recalled. The trauma of that day still resonates with him.
Hussein’s family faced further misfortune when his older brother vanished after enlisting in the Iraqi army. He disappeared during a time when ISIL wielded frightening control over the region. “We have heard nothing about him since,” Hussein expressed, revealing the lasting impact of these losses as he was determined to pursue football as a means of escape and hope.
### Rising Talent
Despite the adversities, Hussein’s football career began to flourish. In 2012, he joined the Dohuk football club located in Iraq’s Kurdistan region. With a contract amounting to 18 million Iraqi dinars, he felt immensely grateful, eager to play alongside established national team athletes. “Honestly, I was ready to play for free,” he remarked, signifying his passion for the sport.
His career escalated as he continued to play for various clubs, including Al-Shorta and Al-Zawraa, where he consistently emerged as a top scorer. Recently, he signed a noteworthy contract with Al Karma, making him the most expensive footballer from Iraq. “I have always wished that my father and brother were still alive to see what I have achieved,” Hussein said.
### The Lions of Mesopotamia
Fans of Iraq’s national team, known as the Lions of Mesopotamia, are excited for their first World Cup appearance since 1986. With Hussein at the forefront, expectations are high. Iraqi goalkeeper Jalal Hassan recognizes the importance of Hussein’s skill, stating, “He is a high-quality striker. The team absolutely needs him, and his presence will make the difference in the World Cup.”
Iraq is set to compete in Group 9, facing formidable opponents such as France, Senegal, and Norway. Former Iraq captain Hussein Saeed expressed optimism about Hussein’s influence on the team. “Aymen’s presence is both inspiring and vital for our chances,” Saeed noted.
### Hope Amid Challenges
As the World Cup approaches, there are concerns regarding travel restrictions and financial implications for Iraqi fans wishing to support their team. Ticket prices and the difficulty in obtaining U.S. visas create significant barriers. Iraqi football enthusiasts like Saif Al-Bayati acknowledge the challenges and express their hope that some fans can attend despite these hurdles.
While Hussein carries the weight of expectations, he views his journey as a testament to resilience. His mother’s encouragement to pursue his dream has driven him through hardships, and now as Iraq embarks on this World Cup journey, fans rally behind him, hopeful for a remarkable and memorable showing on the global stage.