Alaa Abdul-Zahra
Alaa Abdul-Zahra | |
|---|---|
| Born | Alaa Abdul-Zahra Khashen Al-Azzawi December 22, 1987 Baghdad, Iraq |
| Other names | "the Kaká of Iraq" |
| Occupation | Professional footballer |
| Years active | 2004–present |
| Known for | Forward for Al-Talaba and Iraq national team; third most capped Iraqi player |
| Notable work | Top scorer in Iraqi Premier League (2016–17, 2018–19) |
Alaa Abdul-Zahra Khashen Al-Azzawi (, born 22 December 1987) is a professional Iraqi footballer who currently plays as a forward for Al-Talaba in the Iraq Stars League and represents the Iraq national team.
Originally operating mainly as an attacking midfielder or second striker, since 2016 he has been utilized predominantly as a striker. He stands as the third most capped player in the history of Iraq’s national squad.
Early life
Born in Baghdad, Iraq, Abdul-Zahra earned the nickname 'the Kaká of Iraq'. His professional journey began at age 16 when he was signed by Iraqi club Al-Zawraa.
Al-Zawraa
Abdul-Zahra joined Al-Zawraa in 2004, donning the number 29 jersey during the 2005 AFC Champions League. He contributed to the club’s triumph in the Iraq Super League in 2006.
Mes Kerman
Following his participation in the AFC Youth Championship 2006, he secured a one-year contract with Iranian Premier League outfit Mes Kerman, where he scored four goals across eleven matches. The team concluded the season in seventh place before he transferred to Jordan.
Shabab Al-Ordon
Although initially rumored to join Duhok FC for the Iraq Super League (2007-2008), Abdul-Zahra opted to sign with Jordanian side Shabab Al-Ordon. He marked his debut on 29 December 2007 by scoring in the Jordan Cup, aiding his team’s advancement to the quarterfinals. During that season, he appeared twice, including a league victory against Al-Arabi Irbid.
Al-Merrikh
Alongside teammate Saad Attiya, Abdul-Zahra moved to Sudanese club Al-Merrikh, where he played a pivotal role in capturing both the Sudan Premier League and Sudan Cup titles in 2008, tallying nine goals.
Time in Qatar
After his achievements in Sudan, Abdul-Zahra transferred to Qatari club Al-Khor, netting eight goals over fourteen league games. Subsequently, he joined Al Kharaitiyat, scoring sixteen times in forty-two appearances as the team finished eighth.
In June 2011, he signed a one-year contract with Al-Wakrah, where he scored three goals across ten matches and helped secure seventh place. Mid-2012 saw him move to Qatar SC for half a season, contributing two goals.
Duhok
Ahead of the 2012–13 campaign, Abdul-Zahra committed to Duhok FC. Over two seasons (2012–13 and 2013–14), he made forty-seven appearances, scoring twenty-six league goals and adding five more during the AFC Cup competition.
Tractor Sazi
On 20 July 2014, Abdul-Zahra inked a one-year deal with Iranian club Tractor Sazi. He made his first appearance on 8 August 2014 against Zob Ahan. However, less than two months later, he departed following pressure from the national team coach and a desire to play as a striker rather than midfielder; his release was finalized on 10 September 2014.
Al-Shorta
In September 2014, Abdul-Zahra joined Al-Shorta, scoring eight goals as the team secured third place in the league and advanced to the round of 16 in the AFC Cup.
Return to Al-Zawraa
Abdul-Zahra rejoined Al-Zawraa in July 2015 and was instrumental in their winning of the 2015–16 Iraqi League. The club finished as runners-up in the Iraq FA Cup. In the subsequent season, he emerged as top scorer with twenty-three goals, although Al-Zawraa ended fourth. He also scored the decisive goal in the final of the Iraqi FA Cup, securing their championship title.
Second tenure at Al-Shorta
On 13 September 2017, Abdul-Zahra signed a one-year deal to return to Al-Shorta. Following the dismissal of coach Marcos Paquetá on 27 March 2018, he maintained a steady scoring rate, concluding the season with 22 goals across 37 league appearances as Al-Shorta secured 4th place. During the 2018–19 campaign, he emerged as the top league scorer with 28 goals, playing a pivotal role in Al-Shorta’s championship triumph.
On 14 September 2019, Abdul-Zahra claimed his inaugural Super Cup title with Al-Shorta after prevailing in a penalty shootout against his former team, Al-Zawraa.
Third tenure at Al-Zawraa
In late June 2020, Abdul-Zahra rejoined Al-Zawraa for one season, contributing as the club finished as runners-up in the 2020–21 Iraqi Premier League.
Third tenure at Al-Shorta
Abdul-Zahra returned to Al-Shorta in August 2021 and extended his contract by an additional year in 2022. He was instrumental in securing back-to-back league championships in the 2021–22 Iraqi Premier League and 2022–23 Iraqi Premier League, along with winning the 2022 Iraqi Super Cup.
On 27 July 2023, he netted the winning penalty in a 1–0 victory over Club Sfaxien during the opening match of the 2023 Arab Club Champions Cup.
International career
Abdul-Zahra first gained international attention at the 2004 AFC Youth Championship and was the second-highest scorer at the 2006 AFC Youth Championship, tallying four goals. He led scoring in Asia’s final qualifying stage for the Beijing 2008 Olympics by netting six goals.
At senior level, he appeared twice during Iraq’s qualifiers for the 2010 FIFA World Cup, featuring in matches that resulted in a draw against Pakistan and a defeat to Qatar. His senior international career spanned from June 2007 to January 2018, during which he scored 15 goals. In October 2019, he was recalled to represent Iraq in fixtures against Hong Kong and Cambodia.
Style of play
Known for his adaptability in attack, Abdul-Zahra excels through his vision, technical skills, ball mastery, creativity, and passing precision. While traditionally a playmaker, he has increasingly been deployed as a striker.
Club
| Club | Season | League | Cup | Continental | Others | Total | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Division | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | ||
| Al-Zawraa | 2004–05 | Iraq Stars League | 11 | 3 | — | 11 | 3 | |||||
| 2005–06 | 19 | 6 | — | 19 | 6 | |||||||
| 2015–16 | 18 | 9 | 3 | 2 | 21 | 11 | ||||||
| 2016–17 | 35 | 23 | 2 | 1 | 6 | 2 | 43 | 26 | ||||
| 2020–21 | 22 | 13 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 3 | 1 | 27 | 15 | ||
| Total | 105 | 54 | 6 | 3 | 7 | 3 | 3 | 1 | 121 | 61 | ||
| Mes Kerman | 2006–07 | Persian Gulf Pro League | 11 | 3 | 11 | 3 | ||||||
| Shabad Al-Ordon | 2007–08 | Jordanian Pro League | 2 | 1 | 2 | 1 | 4 | 2 | ||||
| Al-Merrikh | 2008 | Sudan Premier League | 11 | 3 | 5 | 3 | 16 | 6 | ||||
| Al-Khor | 2008–09 | Qatar Stars League | 13 | 6 | 13 | 6 | ||||||
| Al Kharaitiyat | 2009–10 | Qatar Stars League | 21 | 10 | 21 | 10 | ||||||
| 2010–11 | 21 | 6 | 21 | 6 | ||||||||
| Total | 42 | 16 | !42 | 16 | ||||||||
| Al-Wakrah | 2011–12 | Qatar Stars League | 10 | 3 | 10 | 3 | ||||||
| Qatar | 2011–12 | Qatar Stars League
9||1||||||||||||9||1 | ||||||||||
| Duhok | 2012–13 | Iraqi Elite League | 33 | 20 | 2 | 5 | 35 | 25 | ||||
| 2013-14 | 14 | 6 | — | 14 | 6 | |||||||
| Total | 47 | 26 | 2 | 5 | 49 | 31 | ||||||
| Tractor | 2014-15 | Persian Gulf Pro League | 5 | 0 | 5 | 0 | ||||||
| Al-Shorta | 2014-15 | Iraq Stars League | 17 | — 7 2 colspan= "2" | — 24 8 | ||||||||
| 2017-18 | — colspan= "2" | — colspan= "2" | — 37 22 | |||||||||||
| 2018-19 | — colspan= "2" | — 40 29 | |||||||||||
| 2019-20 | 6 3 0 0 2 0 7 1 15 4 | |||||||||||
| 2021-22 | — colspan= "2" | — 19 4 | |||||||||||
| 2022-23 | — 5 1 33 13 | |||||||||||
| 2023-24 | — colspan= "2" | —30 3 | |||||||||||
| colspan= "2" !Total !167 !78 !10 !1 !9 !2 !12 !2 !198 !83 | ||||||||||||
| 422 | 191 | 18 | 5 | 23 | 14 | 15 | 3 | 478 | 213 | |||
International
| National team | Year | Appearances | Goals |
|---|---|---|---|
| Iraq | 2007 | 3 | 0 |
| 2008 | 4 | 0 | |
| 2009 | 10 | 2 | |
| 2010 | 9 | 3 | |
| 2011 | 19 | 5 | |
| 2012 | 15 | 3 | |
| 2013 | 15 | 1 | |
| 2014 | 3 | 0 | |
| 2015 | 10 | 1 | |
| 2016 | 11 | 0 | |
| 2017 | 12 | 1 | |
| 2018 | 1 | 0 | |
| 2019 | 5 | 1 | |
| 2021 | 7 | 1 | |
| Total | 124 | 18 | |
- The score column displays Iraq's goal count first, with the score reflecting the state immediately after each Abdul-Zahra goal.
| No. | Date | Location | Opponent | Score after goal | Final score | Tournament |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 10 January 2009 | Royal Oman Police Stadium, Muscat, Oman | Template:Fb | 1–1 | 1–1 | 19th Arabian Gulf Cup |
| 2 | 13 July 2009 | Al-Shaab Stadium, Baghdad, Iraq | Template:Fb | 3–0 | 4–0 | Friendly match |
| 3 | 26 November 2010 | May 22 Stadium, Aden, Yemen | Template:Fb | 1–0 | 3–2 | 20th Arabian Gulf Cup |
| 4 | 2–1 | |||||
| 5 | 2 December 2010 | May 22 Stadium, Aden, Yemen | Template:Fb | 2–1 | 2–2 Template:Aet Template:Pen |
20th Arabian Gulf Cup |
| 6 | 26 March 2011 | Khalid Bin Mohammed Stadium, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates | Template:Fb | 1–0 | 2–0 | Friendly match |
| 7 | 2–0 | |||||
| 8 | 29 June 2011 | Franso Hariri Stadium, Erbil, Iraq | Template:Fb | 1–2 | 1–2 | Friendly match |
| 9 | 23 July 2011 | Franso Hariri Stadium, Erbil, Iraq | Template:Fb | 1–0 | 2–0 | 2014 FIFA World Cup qualification – AFC second round |
| 10 | 6 September 2011 | Jalan Besar Stadium, Kallang, Singapore | Template:Fb | 1–0 | 2–0 | 2014 FIFA World Cup qualification |
| 11 | 5 July 2012 | Prince Abdullah al-Faisal Stadium, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia | Template:Fb | 1–0 | 1–0 | 2012 Arab Nations Cup |
| 12 | 16 October 2012 | Grand Hamad Stadium, Doha, Qatar | Template:Fb | 1–0 | 1–2 | 2014 FIFA World Cup qualification – AFC fourth round |
| 13 | 11 November 2013 | Prince Mohammed Stadium, Zarqa, Jordan | Template:Fb | 2–1 | 2–1 | Friendly match |
| 14 | 26 August 2015 | Saida International Stadium, Saida, Lebanon | Template:Fb | 3–2 | 3–2 | Friendly match |
| 15 | 1 June 2017 | Basra Sports City, Basra, Iraq | Template:Fb | 1–0 | 1–0 | Friendly match |
| 16 | 29 November 2019 | Khalifa International Stadium, Doha, Qatar | Template:Fb | 2–0 | 2–0 | 24th Arabian Gulf Cup |
| 17 | 29 May 2021 | Al Fayhaa Stadium, Basra, Iraq | Template:Fb | 1–0 | 6–2 | Friendly match |
Honours
Al-Zawraa
- Iraqi Premier League titles: 2005–06, 2015–16
- Iraq FA Cup: Winners in 2016–17 Iraq FA Cup
Al-Merreikh
- Champions of the Sudan Premier League: 2008
- Winners of the Sudan Cup: 2008
Al-Shorta
- Iraq Stars League championships: 2018–19, 2021–22, 2022–23, and 2023–24
- Victors of the Iraq FA Cup in the 2023–24 Iraq FA Cup
- Secured the Iraqi Super Cup in both the 2019 Iraqi Super Cup and the 2022 Iraqi Super Cup
Iraq National Team
- Bronze medalists at the Arab Nations Cup in 2012 Arab Nations Cup
- Runners-up in the 21st Arabian Gulf Cup held in 2013 Arabian Gulf Cup
- Silver medalists at the football event during the Football at the 2006 Asian Games
Individual Achievements
- Top scorer in the Iraqi Premier League during seasons: 2016–17 (23 goals) and 2018–19 (28 goals)
- Leading scorer in the AFC qualifiers for the men's football tournament at the Football at the 2008 Summer Olympics – Men's Asian qualifiers preliminary round 3 with six goals
- Joint top scorer at the 20th Arabian Gulf Cup with three goals
See also
External links
- Short description with empty Wikidata description
- Articles without Wikidata item
- 1987 births
- Living people
- Iraqi male footballers
- 21st-century Iraqi athletes
- Iraq men's national football team players
- Participants in the 2009 FIFA Confederations Cup
- Competitors at the 2011 AFC Asian Cup
- Players in the 2015 AFC Asian Cup
- Iraqi expatriate footballers
- Footballers originating from Baghdad
- Sanat Mes Kerman Football Club players
- Iraqi expatriates in Iran playing football
- Iraqi expatriates in Jordan playing football
- Iraqi expatriates in Sudan playing football
- Iraqi expatriates in Qatar playing football
- Men's football forwards
- Al-Zawraa Sports Club players
- Al Kharaitiyat Sports Club players
- Qatar Sports Club players
- Al-Wakrah Sports Club players
- Al-Khor Sports Club players
- Players in the Qatar Stars League
- Al Merrikh Sports Club players
- Football competitors at the 2006 Asian Games
- Al-Shorta Sports Club players
- Al-Minaa Sports Club players
- Al-Talaba Sports Club players
- FIFA Century Club members (men)
- Asian Games silver medal winners representing Iraq
- Medalists at the 2006 Asian Games
- Asian Games football silver medalists